THL Partners acquires forensic and engineering consultancy YA Group

THL Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, has acquired a majority stake of YA Group, a Nashville-based provider of forensic consulting, engineering, and risk mitigation services.

The transaction, which is slated to close in fall 2024, will see current owner CIVC Partners retain a minority stake, alongside YA’s management and employees. CIVC invested in YA (formerly Young & Associates) in August 2021.

"As we enter our next stage of growth and innovation, we determined that THL is the right choice for a strategic partner," said Wade Bushman, CEO, YA Group. "Their deep proficiency and relationships across the broader insurance industry will prove invaluable as we continue to serve our clients and expand our service offerings in the future.”

YA was founded in 1997 and provides forensic consulting, engineering, risk mitigation, and related services to the insurance industry, public, and private sector clients.

The firm has over 600 employees in offices nationwide.

"We regard YA as the market leader in a wide range of complex services that support global insurance markets," said Ed Shahnasarian, managing director, THL. "Their deep expertise, long track record of client success, and outstanding corporate culture make them a critical industry platform.”

THL was founded in 1974 and focuses on middle market growth companies. The firm has invested in over 170 companies and completed more than 600 add-on acquisitions representing $250 billion in aggregate enterprise value.