The Planet Group, a portfolio company of Odyssey Investment Partners Fund VI, LP, and a leading provider of outsourced human capital, advisory, and consulting services for the Technology, Digital Marketing, Engineering, and Professional Services sectors, has announced the sale of PFES to Qualus Corporation. This transaction represents a strategic shift for The Planet Group, allowing them to concentrate on its core areas of expertise within technology and digital transformation.
PFES, a top 50 program management firm in the United States, specializes in providing comprehensive program management and strategic advisory services to the Power and Utility industries. The company, launched by The Planet Group in 2012, has built a strong reputation for its expertise in Power Delivery, Power Generation, Natural Gas, and Renewable Energy.
“This transaction allows The Planet Group to sharpen the focus of our portfolio and become an even bigger force in outsourced human capital for the technology and digital transformation, engineering, marketing, and professional services consulting and staffing areas,” said Tim Simmerly, President of The Planet Group. “PFES has emerged as an industry leader with dedicated, customer-focused teams, and we are confident that this strategic move will benefit PFES and its employees while reinforcing Planet’s vision for growth and excellence in our sectors. We look forward to watching their continued growth with Qualus.”
“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished at PFES, and we thank The Planet Group for its leadership and support over the past decade,” said Bob Fanelli, Senior Vice President of PFES. “This marks an exciting new chapter in PFES’ journey. By joining forces with Qualus, we’re aligning with an organization that will support our continued innovation and excellence in the energy and utility sector.”
The sale is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and PFES’ separation from The Planet Group. Houlihan Lokey served as the primary financial advisor to The Planet Group on the transaction, with AEC Advisors acting as co-advisor. EFCG acted as the financial advisor to Qualus.
The Planet Group, a portfolio company of Odyssey Investment Partners Fund VI, LP, consists of a group of related global consulting organizations and renowned staffing brands. They focus on addressing the professional services needs of leading companies in Technology and Digital Transformation, Engineering, Marketing, and Professional Services. Founded in 2009, The Planet Group is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with offices across the US, Europe, India, and LATAM.
Odyssey Investment Partners is a leading private equity investment firm with over 25 years of experience in partnering with skilled managers to transform middle-market companies. Odyssey specializes in making majority-controlled investments in industries with strong long-term growth potential.
