Evolution Strategy Partners (“Evolution”) announced the addition of Champions Hydro-Lawn (“Champions” or the “Company”) to the Westco Green Industry platform. Champions and Westco together now serve over 500 commercial and municipal customers across the greater Houston market with maintenance, enhancement,  rehabilitation, and erosion control work with over 450 dedicated personnel. This combination further strengthens the organization’s strategy to create a leader providing similar services in the central Texas market.

Champions, founded in 1976, is the leading commercial erosion control and turf establishment specialist serving Municipal Utility Districts (“MUDs”) and commercial developers in the greater Houston market. The Company offers a full range of services including mowing, handwork, overseeding, fertilization, irrigation, rehabilitation, stormwater pipe replacement, and other essential services for MUDs, HOAs, municipalities, corporate properties, and other commercial clients.

Shea Walker will continue his leadership role as General Manager – along with the entire talented Champions team – together with Manny González, Westco/Champions Chief Executive Officer. Stated Manny González, “The partnership between these two significant leaders in their respective fields will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for our clients. I am also delighted with the opportunity to work with Shea and his professional and experienced team to continue our efforts to establish a unique customer-oriented platform.”

“We were looking for a respectable and fitting home for Champions where we knew both cultural fit and the highest customer service standards would be respected and upheld while the team could build upon an already solid foundation to contribute and grow – and I knew we found that when working with the Westco and Evolution team throughout the process” stated Lou Triche, Champions founder. Mr. Triche will remain with the combined organization in a consulting role.

Noted Stenning Schueppert, Managing Partner of Evolution, “Adding Champions to the Westco platform is a wonderful strategic and cultural fit. Both companies have a strong commitment to providing quality services to their customer base. Westco is very strong in precision and ‘finish’ mowing and Champions is the preferred maintenance service provider for MUDs’ drainage facilities. Together we can provide an unparalleled breadth of services to both our loyal customer bases while expanding geographic breadth and reach. We are honored, as well, to bring the Champions organization into the mix – their commitment to service, true results, and value-added solutions to their customers is remarkable.”

Equity for the transaction was provided by Evolution, Gemini Investors, and Genesis Park.  Credit facilities were provided by Enterprise Bank & Trust and Genesis Park. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, and GulfStar Group advised on the transaction.

Westco Holding Company was later rebranded to Ethoscapes.