Goldman Sachs Acquires Atlas-SSI for Water Expansion

Goldman Sachs Alternatives has purchased Atlas-SSI, a North American water management solutions leader, in a strategic transaction that reflects the increasing need for sustainable water infrastructure. The acquisition, spearheaded by Goldman's Sustainable Investing group, is anticipated to drive Atlas-SSI into new markets, enhance its U.S.-based manufacturing, and assist in meeting the rising industrial and municipal need for sophisticated water system solutions.

The partnership comes at a crucial time, as North America faces mounting challenges in water infrastructure. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an estimated $744 billion will be required over the next two decades to modernize aging water systems. Industrial growth, onshoring initiatives, and increasing data center presence are fueling the need for secure access to water, compelling investments in upgrading infrastructure more than ever before. Atlas-SSI is poised to address these needs with its innovative solutions to safeguard critical water systems, promote sustainability, and enhance operational efficiency.

Paul Lewis, Atlas-SSI CEO, was keen on the acquisition, affirming that it would help the firm hasten its mission of providing innovative water management solutions. "We are excited to join forces with the team at Goldman Sachs Alternatives as we embark on our next stage of growth," Lewis said. "This partnership allows Atlas-SSI to further strengthen our ability, improve our technology leadership, and continue to serve the urgent and expanding needs of our customers."

Atlas-SSI contributes to the protection of industrial, municipal, and commercial water systems through the production of equipment that screens plastics and pollutants, safeguards aquatic ecosystems, and promotes sustainability initiatives. The solutions of the company, which are made in the U.S., serve as a first line of defense, providing water quality assurance while keeping toxic contaminants out of the environment. Its remanufacturing practices also lower carbon emissions and conserve material waste, supporting larger environmental objectives.

Jeff Possick of Goldman Sachs Alternatives highlighted the importance of Atlas-SSI’s contributions to the water sector. “Atlas-SSI provides essential equipment that serves as the first line of defense for mission-critical assets, with end markets having non-discretionary demand for high-quality water,” Possick said. “The company has built significant customer trust as one of the only end-to-end solutions providers in North America, offering highly reliable equipment with 100% of manufacturing based in the U.S.”

The acquisition positions Atlas-SSI for significant growth at a time when water infrastructure is under increasing pressure. With the combination of aging systems, industrial expansion, and environmental concerns, the need for sustainable and efficient water management solutions has never been greater. Atlas-SSI’s ability to upgrade existing systems and support new facility buildouts makes it a key player in addressing these challenges.

Goldman Sachs Alternatives, with its deep experience in the water sector, sees this partnership as an opportunity to support Atlas-SSI’s expansion and long-term impact. “We believe Atlas-SSI is well-positioned to capitalize on macro tailwinds by upgrading and servicing current systems to be more resilient and supporting new facility buildout,” Possick added. “We’re proud to leverage our expertise to help Atlas-SSI expand its market leadership.”

With this acquisition, Atlas-SSI will be able to step up its contributions to environmental resilience and industrial development. As the demand for sustainable water infrastructure continues to grow, the company's solutions will increasingly be crucial in providing access to clean and dependable water for industries, municipalities, and communities in North America. Supported by Goldman Sachs, Atlas-SSI is now more capable than ever to expand its reach and spur innovation in a sector that is critical to both economic growth and environmental protection.