New Mountain Capital has agreed to acquire Jensen Hughes, a global fire protection and nuclear risk engineering firm, from Gryphon Investors for undisclosed terms. The investment will support Jensen Hughes' continued growth, global expansion, and development of mission-critical engineering capabilities. Founded in 1939, Jensen Hughes provides compliance-driven engineering and consulting services to facility owners, architects, engineers, and nuclear utilities.

Its services include code consulting, fire and life safety system design, nuclear risk and safety advisory services, and research and testing. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the company employs 2,000 people across more than 100 countries. As part of the deal, New Mountain plans to appoint Dr. Hisham Mahmoud as chairman of Jensen Hughes' Board.

Mahmoud, an infrastructure veteran and senior advisor at New Mountain, has previously served in similar roles at portfolio companies Qualus, Consor, and Cumming Group. Gryphon acquired a majority stake in Jensen Hughes in 2015 from Huron Capital Partners and expanded the company from 40 locations to over 100 during its 11-year hold. AEC Advisors and Harris Williams served as co-financial advisers to New Mountain, while Bof A Securities advised Jensen Hughes.

The sale concludes an auction process that could value the $100 million EBITDA company at up to $1.5 billion, driven by strong fire safety industry tailwinds.