Trident Solutions Sold to Align Capital Partners

Chattanooga, TN, September 3, 2026

River Associates Investments, a longstanding lower middle market private equity firm based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is pleased to announce the sale of  Trident Solutions (“Trident” or the “Company”) to Align Capital Partners (“ACP”). The transaction closed on August 31, 2026, and represents River Associates’ third exit of the year.

Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Trident is a leading provider of safety marking, identification and damage prevention solutions serving the utility, infrastructure, construction, industrial, and OEM markets. Through its portfolio of trusted brands – Presco, Pro-Line Safety Products, William Frick & Company, Rhino Marking & Protection Systems, LEM Products, and Uticom Systems – Trident offers a comprehensive suite of products including tracer wire, marking posts, stake flags, markers, signs and tags, tape, labels, and engineered films designed to protect workers, the public, and critical infrastructure.

“We are incredibly grateful for River Associates’ partnership,” said Blair Cook, CEO of Trident. “They not only brought relevant experience and valuable resources but also trusted our management team to lead while building Trident into a stronger and more customer focused company. River was a true partner throughout the process, helping us to scale the business thoughtfully and position Trident for the next stage of growth.”

“Looking back at what this team accomplished during our hold period, it is not hard to be impressed,” said Blake Lewis, Principal at River Associates. “The management team integrated five acquisitions, consolidated facilities, implemented operational improvements, and never lost sight of the customer. That combination of collaboration, hard work, and focus is the reason Trident was able to create such a strong market position. We are forever grateful to the entire Trident organization for their partnership and look forward to watching their continued success in the years ahead.”

Patten Pettway, Blake Lewis, Jacob Poe and Matt McMahan worked alongside Trident’s management team on the transaction. Baird served as financial advisor to River Associates and Trident in the sale transaction, and Holland & Knight LLP served as their legal advisor. ACP was advised by Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP.

For more information or to share potential opportunities, contact Mark Jones or Kirby Poindexter.