Ascent Lifting, Inc. Announces the Acquisition of United Rigging, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - AUGUST 6, 2026

Ascent Lifting, Inc. ("Ascent Lifting"), a portfolio company of Shorehill Capital LLC ("Shorehill"), announced that it completed the acquisition of United Rigging, Inc. ("United Rigging") on July 31, 2026. This marks the sixth acquisition for Ascent Lifting, a leading value-added distributor and fabricator of lifting and rigging products, with 42 locations nationwide operating under the CERTEX USA ("CERTEX") brand.

Founded in 1980, United Rigging is a Jacksonville, Florida-based marine and industrial supply company specializing in rigging, lifting, and fall protection products. United Rigging's major product lines are uniquely suited to meet the needs of customers in the agriculture, construction, marine, manufacturing, mining, and data center markets. The company also provides crane rope installation and on-site wire rope spooling services.

Following the acquisition, United Rigging will combine with Ascent Lifting's CERTEX branch in Jacksonville, further strengthening CERTEX's service capabilities throughout northeast Florida. DeWayne Mueller has been named Operations Manager, and Jan Mueller will serve as Branch Manager, ensuring continuity for customers across the region.

"We're thrilled to welcome the United Rigging team to Ascent Lifting," said Dee Schweigert, CEO of Ascent Lifting. "United Rigging has built a strong reputation for responsive, hands-on service across Florida's agriculture, construction, marine, manufacturing, and mining markets. Combining their capabilities with our CERTEX branch in Jacksonville deepens our presence in the region and supports our mission to be the preferred partner in the U.S. rigging industry."

"We're excited to join the Ascent Lifting family," said DeWayne Mueller, former Owner and now Operations Manager of United Rigging. "For years, our team has focused on quality products and fast, dependable service for our customers. As part of CERTEX, we'll be able to serve them even better while continuing the hands-on approach that has defined United Rigging."

"We're pleased to support Ascent Lifting's continued expansion in Florida with the addition of United Rigging," said Robert Jackson, Managing Director at Shorehill. "Their reputation for service and their long-standing customer base make them a natural complement to the CERTEX branch network."

Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., and Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP served as legal advisors to Shorehill and Ascent Lifting. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Ascent Lifting, Inc.

Ascent Lifting is a full-service distributor and fabricator of lifting and rigging products, including wire rope, chain, synthetic slings, and other related hardware. Ascent Lifting is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, and has 42 locations throughout the United States. Ascent Lifting was formed with the goal of building an industry-leading supplier of rigging products and services. The long-term strategy is centered on building a strong culture, developing operational best practices to support future growth, and expanding Ascent Lifting's geographic and product breadth both organically and through acquisition. For more information, please visit www.AscentLifting.com.

Ascent Lifting is actively seeking acquisitions. Business owners, executives, and M&A intermediaries are encouraged to contact Robert Jackson or Rob Hogan regarding acquisition opportunities.

About Shorehill Capital LLC

Shorehill Capital LLC is a Chicago-based private equity firm with a passion for helping to create superior companies. Shorehill is focused on making control equity investments from its committed $260 million fund in North American engineered industrial products, industrial services, and value-added distribution companies with enterprise values ranging from $20 million to $150 million, and add-ons of any size. Shorehill seeks opportunities with differentiated business models where its experience, network, and investment management approach can have a significant impact on the performance of the business. For more than 30 years, Shorehill's partners have worked with middle market business leaders to accelerate growth and improve operational performance through structured investment management plans. For additional information, please visit www.ShorehillCapital.com.