Maslon was proud to guide its client Epika Fleet Services, Inc. ("Epika"), through its recent acquisition by an Ares Private Equity fund ("Ares").

Founded in 2016, Epika has rapidly scaled its platform by establishing leading capabilities in commercial fleet repair and maintenance services and building a strong local presence in key U.S. regions. Today, Epika operates across nearly 40 states and serves over 2,000 fleet customers. The company's significant growth has been driven largely by its mobile-delivery service offerings, with over 550 skilled technicians performing regular inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs for fleet customers on the road every day. The company also operates approximately 20 in-shop centers in the U.S., providing a hybrid offering for customers who require complex repairs or emergency services. The transaction provides Epika with significant additional capital to support investments in the quality and buildout of its service offerings and expand its customer base in underserved geographies.

"Epika’s story is one of great inspiration, from its beginnings as a founder-led startup to its position as a go-to mobile solutions provider for fleet operators nationwide," said Maslon Partner Bill Mower, who served as co-lead counsel to Epika in the transaction along with Maslon Partner Katie Eisler. "It has been our distinct privilege to help Epika achieve its ambitious goals since its founding in preparation for this moment."

Prior to being acquired by Ares, Epika engaged in a significant volume of acquisitions and strategic partnerships to scale its platform. As lead counsel for Epika since its founding, Maslon has represented the company in over 30 transactions—including acquisitions and strategic partnerships, real estate deals and lease negotiations, private placements, internal and external financing arrangements, and technology agreements—and has also represented the client in litigation and provided counsel on corporate governance, labor and employment matters, trademark and other intellectual property matters, and privacy and cybersecurity.

The Maslon team supporting Epika in its acquisition by Ares was led by Bill Mower and Katie Eisler, with assistance from attorneys Jessica Karp, David LaBerge, Laura Trahms-Hagen, Yujin Jang, and Matt Schwandt, as well as paralegals Gioia Gentile, Janny Vue, and Samantha Monson. Reed Smith LLP served as co-counsel for Epika.