HIG Capital-backed Coriant, a leader in industrial and infrastructure maintenance, has acquired Wescott, a UK-based provider of coatings, rope access, and fire protection services. The deal, valued at $150 million, expands Coriant’s global footprint, leveraging Wescott’s expertise in asset integrity across international markets. This move aligns with broader trends in private equity-backed infrastructure investments, particularly as blue-collar sectors gain traction amid shifting market priorities.

The acquisition follows a pattern of strategic consolidation in industrial services, with Coriant positioning itself to capitalize on demand for maintenance solutions in energy and construction. While software asset sell-offs earlier this year disrupted lending markets, blue-collar industries have seen increased investor interest. Coriant’s focus on high-margin services like fire protection and asset integrity underscores its differentiation in a competitive landscape, with Wescott’s $120 million revenue bolstering its capabilities.

Meanwhile, Mutares’ partial sale of crane manufacturer F.lli Ferrari highlights ongoing consolidation in heavy machinery. Ferrari’s $80 million valuation reflects its niche expertise in specialized lifting equipment, a sector benefiting from infrastructure projects in Europe and beyond. These transactions illustrate resilience in traditional industries, contrasting with the volatility of tech-driven markets.

The deals emphasize blue-collar sectors’ strategic importance, with Coriant’s Wescott acquisition and Ferrari’s sale signaling investor confidence in long-term industrial demand. As private equity navigates post-SaaSpocalypse recovery, infrastructure and maintenance services emerge as stable, high-impact opportunities.