Sterling Investment Partners | Sterling Investment Partners Completes Acquisition of Domestic Preparendness and Emergency Response Company

Westport, Connecticut -- Sterling Investment Partners, L.P. (“Sterling”) today announced that it has made a controlling investment in Community Research Associates, Inc. (CRA), a leader in providing training and technical assistance services in domestic preparedness, particularly for events involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including chemical and biological weapons. The company is a leading provider of terrorism response planning, exercise support, technical assistance, and training, serving both federal, and state and local governments agencies. Concurrent with this investment, Major General (Retired) Bruce Lawlor is joining the company as Chief Executive Officer.
Founded in 1984, CRA has worked with nearly 2,700 public agencies and private organizations in all 50 states, 7 U.S. territories, and several foreign nations. The company’s expertise addresses domestic preparedness/WMD/HazMat terrorism planning, crisis and consequence management, law enforcement, homeland defense, emergency medical services, crime prevention, victim support, delinquency, and the administration of justice. CRA has offices in Alexandria, Virginia; Nashville, Tennessee; and Champaign, Illinois.

General Lawlor is formerly the Chief of Staff of the Department of Homeland Security, former Senior Director for Protection and Prevention of the White House Homeland Security Council, and the first Commanding General of the Department of Defense Joint Task Force – Civil Support. General Lawlor is currently a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council to the Department of Homeland Security and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on homeland security policy formulation, and operational planning and homeland security policy execution.

M. William Macey, Jr., a Managing Partner of Sterling Investment Partners, commented, “We believe CRA is one of the foremost companies in providing terrorism response planning, training and related services. We look forward to working with General Bruce Lawlor and the company’s highly regarded professionals to build the business. CRA is well positioned for growth and is an excellent platform for acquisitions in the homeland security market.”

General Lawlor, Chief Executive of CRA, stated, “CRA is highly regarded for its expertise in providing training and technical assistance services in domestic preparedness. With the strong capital base and commitment to growth that Sterling provides, I look forward to working with CRA’s outstanding professionals to build the company, expand CRA’s capabilities, and provide these vital services to America’s communities.”

Sterling Investment Partners, L.P., based in Westport, CT, is a leading private equity firm focused on the middle market. Sterling invests in companies with significant competitive strengths and growth potential. Founded in 1991, Sterling and its predecessor have completed investments, strategic or add-on acquisitions, and liquidity events with an aggregate transaction value of approximately $3.0 billion, representing over 40 companies. Sterling maintains a broad industry focus, including business services, niche manufacturing and industrial growth, transportation and logistics, and technology related businesses.