Kian Capital invests in forensic engineering specialist Sdii Global

Kian Capital, a Charlotte, NC-based private equity firm, has made a strategic platform investment in Sdii Global Corporation, a Tampa-based forensic engineering consultancy.

Founded in 1989, Sdii provides services in geophysical and geological assessments, forensic and environmental engineering analyses, field and laboratory testing capabilities, and expert litigation support. The firm works with insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and attorneys to resolve property and casualty insurance claims primarily in the Southeastern US.

Sdii has 71 employees, according to LinkedIn.

Kian was lead investor in the transaction, which also included RF Investment Partners and Everside Capital Partners.

Kian previously invested in Sdii in 2016, supporting management’s purchase of the company from its founder.

Kian will now work with management to expand Sdii’s services, introduce new offerings, and grow its geographical footprint. The lower mid-market PE firm – which has $425 of capital under management – will leverage its operational expertise and will pursue bolt-on acquisitions.

“We are excited to be partnering with Kian again,” said Catherine Carty, president of Sdii Global. “Sdii Global is at a critical inflection point in its growth story. We’ve built a strong foundation and we’re looking for the resources and know-how to continue our expansion, bolster our team, and more aggressively capture market share. Kian was a logical choice given their knowledge of our business, commitment to our people, and successful history of driving growth in lower middle-market companies.”

Kian focuses on partnering with management teams in consumer, services, value-added distribution, and specialty manufacturing to deploy build-and-buy strategies. The firm has 15 current investments and has made 28 add-on acquisitions, according to its website.

“We look forward to preserving Sdii Global’s rich history while backing the team in future growth initiatives that include strategic acquisitions to complement the company’s culture, service capabilities, niche expertise, and customer value proposition,” said Scott Buschmann, partner at Kian.

“The growth and consolidation within the forensic engineering services space will present ample opportunities for Kian and management to expand this platform and capitalize on industry tailwinds,” he added.