Private Equity

Investment Buyout of
American Leak Detection

Water, infrastructure and environmental services is a $200 billion plus global market. With our intellectual property and vision of a “one-stop shop” water management platform company, The PlainSight Group identified this market as an opportunity where we could make a real brand difference.

Our core platform asset is American Leak Detection (ALD). Established in 1974, ALD is a nationwide franchise headquartered in Palm Springs, California. It is the world leader in the accurate, non-destructive detection of all types of hidden water, sewer and other leaks. ALD sets the standard for non-invasive leak detection and repair for residential, commercial and municipal markets using proprietary methods, equipment and technology. In addition to its corporately-owned operations, ALD has over 100 franchisees in 41 states and 6 countries, with network sales of approximately $50 million.

ALD recognized that many of its clients had a need for additional non-invasive solutions for difficult collateral problems - problems stemming from decaying residential and commercial water and sewer infrastructure. This is especially the case with hotels, restaurants, airports, hospitals, universities and water authorities. In late 2007, ALD partnered with Environmental Biotech, whereby ALD can now offer a range of environmentally friendly products and services that eliminate fats from drains and solve other wastewater and odor problems. These products and services will be available both in the U.S. and in the United Kingdom.

Our platform also includes a minority stake in TRIC Trenchless - an innovative company that provides non-invasive pipe replacement tools.

In addition to increasing ALD’s product and service offerings, The Plain Sight Group introduced to the platform cutting-edge proprietary products such as LeakVue - a wireless digital device that quickly and precisely determines the presence or absence of leaks. Such tools, and others we will be introducing over time, enhance productivity in the field. Moreover, with our patents, we can combine spectroscopy and information processing to create real-time monitoring of various chemistries flowing through pipes.

As clean water becomes scarcer, and as the price of water continues to escalate, we believe we can unlock significant equity value in conserving and managing water, our most precious resource.