One Equity Partners (“OEP”), a middle market private equity firm, today announced that it is partnering with Metro East Industries (“MEI” or “the Company”), a national provider of railcar and locomotive maintenance and repair services. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Alorton, Illinois, MEI’s main campus is strategically located at the nexus of rail activity in the center of the United States, and it has six complimentary mobile service locations that extend MEI’s service footprint nationwide. The Company provides services to Class 1 railroads, rail leasing companies, short lines, and other rolling stock and locomotive operators.

“Rail is a vital pillar of the North American economy, and rail services is a market in which OEP has prior experience. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Ortyl family and to be supporting the Company’s next phase of growth while maintaining its heritage of excellence for customers and employees,” said J.B. Cherry, Partner at One Equity Partners. “MEI is a differentiated leader in rail car and locomotive services, and we look forward to partnering with the team through continued investment into base operations and investments to broaden its capabilities and service offerings,” added Haley Citrome, Vice President at One Equity Partners.

“Our family is proud of the business we and the MEI team have built over the years, and we are excited to pursue the next chapter of MEI’s legacy alongside the One Equity team,” said MEI’s President and Co-founder Gayle Ortyl. Cindy Tampow, MEI’s Vice President of Administration added, “MEI has a successful track record of innovation, leadership, and growth driven by our dedicated employees. We look forward to working closely with our new partners to continue this trajectory.” Rick Ortyl, MEI’s CEO said, “MEI has a tradition of unmatched work ethic and commitment to quality. Given OEP’s experience investing in and growing specialty industrial services businesses, we believe we have found the right partner to support MEI’s continued growth while remaining focused on delivering exceptional service to our customers.”

About One Equity Partners

One Equity Partners (“OEP”) is a middle market private equity firm focused on the industrial, healthcare, and technology sectors in North America and Europe. The firm seeks to build market-leading companies by identifying and executing transformative business combinations. OEP is a trusted partner with a differentiated investment process, a broad and senior team, and an established track record generating long-term value for its partners. Founded in 2001, the firm spun out of JP Morgan in 2015 and has completed more than 500 transactions worldwide. OEP has offices in New York, Chicago, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. For more information, please visit www.oneequity.com.

About Metro East Industries

Founded in 1990 by the Ortyl family in Alorton, Illinois, Metro East Industries entered the industry with railcar repair services for railroads, leasing companies and private shippers. The Company expanded in 1995 by adding a locomotive division providing repair services, both in the shop and in the field, allowing MEI to offer an even broader spectrum of services to Class 1 railroads, short line railroads, leasing companies, OEMs and industrial accounts. The Company also operates six mobile service locations. After more than 30 years in business, the team has grown to approximately 490 experienced employees. Learn more at www.metroeastinc.com.

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