SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Snelson Companies, Inc. ('Snelson'), a leading provider of pipeline construction and maintenance services, compressor and meter station construction, gas distribution services, and high pressure pipe fabrication, announced today that GFI Energy Ventures has acquired a majority interest in the company. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. The company will remain based in Sedro-Woolley, WA with the current management team.

'We are pleased to partner with Snelson and play a role in supporting the Company's next phase of substantial growth in revenues and profitability,' said Ian Schapiro, a Partner of GFI Energy Ventures. 'Snelson's reputation for high-quality construction, safety and responsive customer service makes it an excellent platform to capitalize on growth in the industry. High energy prices, growing demand for energy infrastructure and new energy supply sources have created an environment in which we believe Snelson will prosper. For these reasons, GFI Energy Ventures is delighted to add Snelson to our portfolio of industry-leading companies.'

'This is a terrific opportunity for us,' said John Norton, CEO of Snelson. 'The GFI relationship gives us substantial added capital, resources, and expertise allowing us to expand our service offerings and further serve our customers. With the current energy market trends and the financial and operational backing of GFI Energy Ventures, we see an exciting, growth-oriented future for our company. We believe our commitment to quality, safety and customer service coupled with the added resources of GFI will position Snelson to continue to grow the services we offer to our valued customers.'

About Snelson Companies

Snelson Companies, Inc. (http://www.snelsonco.com) was founded in 1946 and provides a full range of industrial construction services, including gas and liquid fuel pipeline construction and maintenance, mechanical construction including compressor and meter stations, gas distribution installations, steel fabrication, and related services. The Company's services are used by blue-chip companies through the United States. Snelson is based in Sedro-Woolley, WA.

About GFI Energy Ventures

GFI Energy Ventures LLC (http://www.gfienergy.com) is a private equity firm that has initiated and led over sixty investments in the energy sector over the past thirteen years. GFI is the co-general partner with Oaktree Capital Management of the approximately $1.5 billion OCM/GFI Power Opportunity Funds. GFI invests exclusively in successful, profitable businesses providing the equipment, services, software and systems needed by utilities, other energy companies, and their largest customers to generate, transmit, manage, measure and consume energy. GFI is based in Los Angeles, California.

    Press contact:
    Ian Schapiro or Larry Gilson
    310-442-0542

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SOURCE Snelson Companies, Inc.