Vortex buys Maine's CLH to grow Northeast infrastructure business

What's the deal? Vortex CompaniesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has acquired CLH & Son, Inc.Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, an Auburn, Maine-based infrastructure contractor, the Houston firm announced on September 15, 2026. Terms were not disclosed. CLH specializes in sliplining, concrete rehabilitation, excavation, and drainage work for municipalities, state transportation departments, and utilities across New England.

Who's who? Vortex provides trenchless water and sewer rehabilitation, manufacturing pipe liners, coatings, resins, and grouts, plus UV curing systems and sewer robotics. CLH, founded in 1979 and led by Travis Stearns, will join Vortex Services Northeast.

Why now? Vortex points to rising regional demand. "We're seeing growing demand across the Northeast and continuing to expand our ability to serve that market," said chief executive officer Mike Vellano.

What's the endgame? The deal expands the range and scale of projects Vortex can self-perform in the region. "This acquisition expands both the types and scale of projects we can pursue in the Northeast," said Ram Vela, chief strategy officer. Stearns said joining Vortex lets his team "build on what CLH has established over more than four decades."

The signal: As aging storm and sewer systems strain municipal budgets, contractors are consolidating to offer broader, self-performed services. Vortex is building a regional platform to capture a bigger slice of that rehabilitation market.

Image credit: clh