Blackstone Energy Partners to acquire Ulterra Drilling Technologies

NEW YORK -- Blackstone Energy Partners announced today that it has entered into binding agreements to acquire a controlling, majority interest in Ulterra Drilling Technologies from affiliates of American Securities, LLC. American Securities and certain members of management will retain a minority equity interest in the Company going forward. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close prior to year-end 2018.

Ulterra is the largest pure-play, independent supplier of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bits to the oil and gas industry. The Company is one of the fastest growing PDC drill bit manufacturers, having more than doubled total revenue since 2016. Ulterra currently has a leading position in many of the most active U.S. onshore oil and gas basins, including the Permian and Eagle Ford, and has a growing presence internationally. Ulterra’s singular focus on PDC drilling technology allows it to deliver the highest level of customer service and customization to producers across a wide range of basins and geological formations, driving industry leading performance and durability.

The Company is led by a best-in-class management team who will continue in their current roles going forward, including CEO, John Clunan, and CFO, Maria Mejia, who are joined by a dedicated workforce of more than 600 employees worldwide. “We are very excited about having Blackstone as a partner as we enter the next phase of growth. Blackstone’s in-depth knowledge of the energy markets through their upstream and midstream companies will provide valuable insight for Ulterra. We are also excited to have American Securities continue their involvement with the company. This new team will enable the next phase of aggressive growth for our people, our culture, and our partners,” said John Clunan.