CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Lincoln International (“Lincoln“), a leading global mid-market investment bank, is pleased to announce that Natural Resource Group (“NRG”) has been sold to Environmental Resources Management Limited (“ERM”). NRG was a portfolio company of Stone Arch Capital (“Stone Arch”).

NRG, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a full-service provider of environmental consulting services focused exclusively on the North American energy markets. NRG provides an array of services to clients in the oil and gas, electric transmission and generation, and renewables and climate change industries, including feasibility and routing studies, public affairs, GIS and data management, operational compliance, permitting and field surveys, and environmental inspection. Founded in 1992, NRG has 150 employees in 10 office locations including Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence and Syracuse.

Lincoln acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Stone Arch Capital and NRG, working closely with the management team and shareholders throughout the sale process. This included providing advisory expertise and managing the marketing, due diligence and negotiation phases of the transaction.

Mark Larson, the President of NRG, commented, “Lincoln’s vast energy and environmental services experience, deep relationships with key strategic buyers, and comprehensive understanding of our business model enabled them to share our story and value proposition in a highly compelling manner. Becoming a part of ERM strengthens our position within the energy industry and provides us with opportunities to expand into new sectors and diversify our service offering. ERM is the right strategic partner for us moving forward.”

Clay Miller, Partner at Stone Arch, added, “Lincoln’s industry expertise and tremendous execution created a highly efficient process, resulting in a great outcome for NRG’s shareholders and management team. Lincoln’s global platform and access to key decision makers were critical in securing an exceptional long-term partner for NRG.”

About Stone Arch Capital Partners

Stone Arch Capital is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based private equity firm focused on making equity investments in lower middle market companies primarily based in the Midwest across a broad range of industries, including branded consumer products; collectibles and hobby products; niche manufacturing and distribution; business; industrial and energy services; food manufacturing, distribution and services; and similar specialized niche businesses. Stone Arch Capital looks to partner with dedicated management teams with strong track records of success willing to invest alongside Stone Arch and continue to build upon such a record of success. In addition to providing capital, Stone Arch creates value for its portfolio companies by leveraging its deep experience and expertise working with middle market businesses. Stone Arch’s Advisory Council and broad network of executives assist portfolio companies in strengthening and expanding market positions, improving operating margins and company cash flows, and driving growth both internally through investments in people, equipment and ideas, and externally through well-considered, strategic acquisitions.

About Lincoln International

Lincoln International specializes in merger and acquisition advisory services, debt advisory services, private capital raising and restructuring advice on mid-market transactions. Lincoln International also provides fairness opinions, valuations and pension advisory services on a wide range of transaction sizes. With sixteen offices in the Americas, Asia and Europe, Lincoln International has strong local knowledge and contacts in key global economies. The firm provides clients with senior-level attention, in-depth industry expertise and integrated resources. By being focused and independent, Lincoln International serves its clients without conflicts of interest. More information about Lincoln International can be obtained at www.lincolninternational.com.

Media Contact: Kyle Wolthusen

(312) 506-2798

Kwolthusen@lincolninternational.com

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