Partnership builds on GDS’s 40-year legacy as a trusted advisor to its clients and positions the firm for expanded technical breadth and strategic growth
GREENWICH, Conn. — Littlejohn & Co., LLC (“Littlejohn”), a private investment firm based in Greenwich, CT, today announced a strategic partnership with the management team and employees of GDS Associates, Inc. (“GDS” or the “Company”), a market-leading provider of power infrastructure consulting and advisory services to the U.S. electric utility industry. Together, Littlejohn and GDS will invest in expanding the Company’s capabilities and pursue complementary acquisitions to build a scaled platform supporting utilities across the full lifecycle of consulting, planning, engineering, and field services.
Headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, GDS has built a 40-year track record as a trusted advisor to electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and investor-owned utilities. With approximately 200 professionals across multiple U.S. offices, the firm is recognized for its expertise in power supply planning, transmission and interconnection studies, load forecasting, and regulatory strategy. GDS has built enduring client relationships through a collaborative, technically rigorous approach. The Company will continue to be led by President David Brian and the existing management team, with a continued commitment to serving clients with the same teams, values, and standards that have defined the firm for decades.
The U.S. power grid is rapidly evolving due to demands from electrification, grid modernization, renewable integration, and surging data center growth. GDS has built a strong reputation supporting utilities through complex planning and decision-making processes. We are excited to partner with David and the talented team at GDS and support the business as they expand their capabilities and provide solutions to utilities nationwide.
Michael Kaplan, Managing Director at Littlejohn
Littlejohn shares our long-term perspective and commitment to serving utilities with independence, expertise, and integrity. This partnership provides additional resources to invest in our people, strengthen our operational infrastructure, and broaden the services we provide, while preserving the culture and relationships that have defined GDS.
David Brian, President of GDS
Charles Leung, Principal at Littlejohn, added, “The strength of GDS lies in its people and the culture they have built over four decades. We are committed to supporting GDS in attracting and retaining outstanding professionals, delivering high-quality technical advice, and partnering with like-minded businesses that enhance and expand its service offerings.”
AEC Advisors, through its registered broker-dealer affiliate AEC Transaction Services LLC, and Environmental Financial Consulting Group (EFCG) acted as Littlejohn’s financial advisors. Greenberg Traurig LLP served as legal counsel, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as debt financing counsel to Littlejohn. Morrissey Goodale LLC initiated the transaction and served as exclusive financial advisor to GDS. Lawson & Weitzen LLP provided legal assistance to GDS and Frazier & Deeter LLC provided GDS with accounting support.