Bernhard Capital-Backed Optimum Energy Completes Acquisition of Hussung Mechanical Contractors and HMC Service Company

BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 8, 2026 - Optimum Energy Co., a Bernhard Capital Partners ("Bernhard") portfolio company and integrated energy-as-a-service (EaaS) platform, has completed its previously announced acquisition of Hussung Mechanical Contractors and HMC Service Company ("HMC"), a full-service mechanical infrastructure services firm that has served healthcare systems, universities, manufacturers, and mission-critical facilities for more than 60 years.

With Hussung now part of the platform, Optimum Energy further strengthens its ability to provide integrated infrastructure solutions across the full facility lifecycle. Hussung's mechanical contracting expertise expands the platform's in-house capabilities and brings a broader range of solutions to customers.

"The closing of this acquisition represents an important milestone in the continued growth of the Optimum Energy platform," said Jonathan de Lauréal, Managing Director at Bernhard. "HMC brings differentiated technical capabilities, deep customer relationships, and a strong reputation. Together, the businesses are well positioned to continue building a leading integrated infrastructure services platform."

"We look forward to this next chapter with the Hussung team as part of Optimum Energy," said Lisa Roy, CEO and President of Optimum Energy. "Hussung has built an impressive business grounded in deep technical expertise, trusted customer relationships, and a strong track record of delivering high-quality solutions. Bringing our teams together expands the depth and breadth of expertise we can offer customers and strengthens our ability to support them across a wider range of energy and infrastructure needs. We see significant opportunity to build on the strengths of both organizations, accelerate our growth, and continue expanding the solutions and value we deliver to customers."

The acquisition builds on Bernhard's strategy of bringing together highly specialized businesses with complementary capabilities and technical expertise across infrastructure services to create scaled platforms positioned for long-term growth.

About Bernhard Capital Partners
Bernhard is a private markets investment firm focused on building market-leading infrastructure services and asset platforms across essential sectors. With more than $6.5 billion in assets under management, the firm invests in complex, expansive and often regulated markets characterized by durable demand. Bernhard applies a disciplined, thematic investment strategy, paired with deep sector expertise and operational experience, to enhance performance, scale platforms and support long-term growth. Bernhard's specialized approach is designed to perform across market cycles, delivering consistent outcomes for investors, partners and communities served across the portfolio. For more information, visit bernhardcapital.com.

About Optimum Energy Co.
Optimum Energy Co. is an integrated energy-as-a-service (EaaS) platform serving mission-critical facilities across healthcare, higher education, and advanced manufacturing. The company delivers integrated infrastructure services spanning the full facility lifecycle: engineering, design, construction, central utility plant development and modernization, mechanical and energy systems, ongoing O&M and asset management, and mechanical contracting and field services through HMC. Built on 20 years of central plant performance data, proprietary AI technology, and a dedicated Remote Services team that monitors and optimizes facility systems continuously across its global portfolio, Optimum Energy delivers sustained performance improvements that no traditional O&M provider can match. The EaaS model enables clients to access this full platform through flexible, off-balance sheet financing structures, accelerating cost savings and performance goals without upfront capital commitment. For more information, visit www.optimumenergyco.com.

About Hussung Mechanical Contractors and HMC Service Company
Hussung Mechanical Contractors / HMC Service Company is a 4th generation family-owned and operated mechanical contractor and service company specializing in the design, installation, and service of HVAC, plumbing, medical gas, and piping systems for healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, and mission-critical facilities, as well as other commercial and industrial sectors. The companies have been serving these industries in Kentucky and Indiana since 1966, delivering high-quality and innovative solutions for complex and challenging projects. Its objectives are to build long-term relationships with their clients, based on trust, respect, and collaboration. There is a commitment to providing the best value for clients, by delivering projects on time, on budget, and with the highest standards of quality and safety.

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