Potter Electric Signal Co., the venerable fire-signaling device and security equipment manufacturer, was acquired Jan. 4 by a private equity group formed by Two Rivers Associates of St. Louis.
The company was previously owned by the descendents of Charles E. Potter, who founded the company in 1898, and was controlled by several family trusts.
The group of buyers includes members of Potter’s executive management, plus several other individuals and private equity investors.
“Our transition from our founder’s family owners to the new Two Rivers Associates investor group provides for seamless continuity for the Potter business, for our St. Louis-based employees, and for our customers and industry relationships,” says Potter Electric CEO Bernie Lears. “Potter’s record of rapid growth in recent years should only be enhanced through the expanded capital resources available from our new ownership group.”
