Foundation Fund partners with management to build a leading U.S. lifting and rigging solutions platform

DALLAS, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Sterling Group Foundation Fund (the “Foundation Fund”), an operationally focused lower middle market private equity firm, announces the acquisition of Slingmax Group (“Slingmax” or the “Company”).

Headquartered in Aston, Pennsylvania, Slingmax is a leading manufacturer and distributor of engineered sling and rope solutions and complementary products used for lifting, pulling, and securing applications. The Company’s vertically integrated model spans design, manufacturing, and distribution, and its solutions serve a diverse set of end markets, including utilities, power generation, working at height, civil and transportation infrastructure, aerospace and defense, marine, mining, construction, and other industrial applications.

“We believe Slingmax is the name customers trust when a lift is critical and there is no margin for error. The business is rooted in a commitment to safety and has deep engineering expertise that translates to high-quality performance across an array of end markets,” said Lucas Cutler, Partner of the Foundation Fund. “We look forward to working with Slingmax’s strong management team to accelerate growth in this next chapter.”

“For decades, our brands have earned the trust of the people who do the heaviest and most demanding work – from riggers and linemen to mariners and working at height, by delivering equipment that performs when it matters most,” said Chris Chrisafides, Chief Executive Officer of Slingmax Group. “Slingmax has a long history of being an industry leader, and we are thrilled to partner with The Sterling Group to execute our value creation plan for the company.”

The Foundation Fund aims to leverage The Sterling Group’s operational capabilities and experience in the industrial sector to “set the foundation” for growth at lower middle market companies. Other Foundation Fund portfolio companies include Premier Tire and Service, Compost 360, Russell Landscaping, Overhead Garage Door, American Glass Services, and The Scruggs Companies.

Slingmax was previously a portfolio company of River Associates, a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based private equity firm. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to the Foundation Fund in connection with the transaction. Piper Sandler served as financial advisor to River Associates.

About Slingmax Group

Headquartered in Aston, Pennsylvania, Slingmax Group is the parent organization of Slingmax Rigging Solutions, I&I Sling, and Yale Cordage, each a leading brand in engineered lifting, rigging, and high-performance synthetic rope solutions. The Company designs, manufactures, and distributes synthetic and wire rope slings, high-performance ropes, and complementary products used for lifting, pulling, and securing applications. For more information, please visit www.slingmaxgroup.com.

About The Sterling Group Foundation Fund

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $1 billion. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 79 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $27 billion. Sterling currently has approximately $9 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss. Represents Sterling’s opinions, beliefs, and assessments. Although Sterling believes these assessments are reasonable, they are inherently subjective in nature.

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SOURCE The Sterling Group