Private Equity

New PE Entrant Rampart Exterior Services Buys Independent Roofing

Funded by Detroit-based middle-market private equity firm Huron Capital Partners, Rampart Exterior Services is the newest kid on the block

Rampart Exterior Services buys Independent Roofing Systems, Inc. — Founded in Detroit in 1999, Huron Capital Partners has acquired more than 275 companies through six control investment funds, managing over $2 billion in capital on behalf of a global institutional investor base during its 25 years operating in the private equity space.
— Image courtesy of Independent Roofing Systems, Inc.
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Detroit-based Huron Capital Partners, a middle-market private equity firm, announced Wednesday that its commercial roofing and exterior facility services platform, Rampart Exterior Services, closed on its first acquisition: Independent Roofing Systems, Inc.

Founded in 1980, Independent is headquartered in central Mississippi and serves critical industries, including education, government, industrial, and other commercial customers. According to an August 21 news release, the company’s existing leadership structure will remain intact.

“We are eager to partner with Independent and build a leading group in commercial exterior services,” said Gabe Mesanza, CEO of Rampart. “We look forward to building upon Independent’s focus on quality, safety, integrity, and reliability.”

Independent’s Joe Naquin, Larry Montpelier, and Melissa Naquin will continue to manage the day-to-day operations with operational and strategic support from Mesanza.

“I felt Huron’s approach and leadership was different than those of other potential partners,” said Joe Naquin, president of Independent Roofing Systems. “We are excited to advance our journey alongside a firm like Huron, which aligns with our values and shares our vision for achieving growth and future success."

Gabe Mesanza of Rampart and Brian Rassel of Huron Capital Partners (pictured from left) Larry Montpelier, vice president of Independent Roofing Systems, continued, “Huron’s commitment resonated with us because it not only honors our people and history but also paves the way for many new opportunities.”

Huron Capital launched Rampart Exterior Services in 2024 as an “ExecFactor” initiative focused on re-roofing, roofing repair, waterproofing, maintenance, and other exterior restoration services. The PE firm described ExecFactor as a “thesis-driven process to identify the best potential management teams and investment opportunities” in our core sectors.

The company serves commercial end markets, including government, education, healthcare, life sciences, data centers, manufacturing, and other sectors.

“We’re looking forward to our partnership with Independent and working with other founders and leading companies like Independent,” said Brian Rassel, partner at Huron Capital.

“Joe, Larry, and Melissa have built upon a great legacy at Independent, and we are thankful for the opportunity to support them and the company in growing to new heights,” Rassel added.

Honigman LLP served as legal advisor, and Moss Adams LLP served as financial diligence advisor to Huron.

For more information, visit rampartexteriors.com.