The drilling equipment industry in the US focuses on providing essential tools and technologies for oil and gas extraction. This sector features a variety of companies, including manufacturers, distributors, and service providers, each contributing to exploration and production processes. Firms engage in producing drilling rigs, bits, and other specialist apparatus, leveraging advances like automation and data analytics to improve efficiency and safety. As energy demand continues to grow and the focus shifts toward sustainable practices, innovations in clean drilling technologies are anticipated. The industry's evolution is not just about drilling deeper; it's about drilling smarter and more responsibly.


The list of top drilling equipment investors highlights a mix of corporations and private equity firms driving the sector's growth. With firms like KKR and Chevron participating, these investors hail from significant financial hubs such as New York and Houston. Ranging in size from small teams to 10,000+ employees, they engage in numerous deals, unveiling their strategic focus from 2024. Notably, these investors aim to capitalize on innovative technologies and streamlined services within the drilling equipment market to ensure sustainable operations moving forward.


Top 17 Drilling Equipment Investors in the US


1. SCF Partners

  • Website: scfpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: scf-partners

SCF Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Houston, Texas, specializing in the energy sector. Founded in 1989, the firm provides capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs and management teams, helping them build companies that deliver energy services, products, and technology. SCF Partners is known for driving innovation and transformation within the energy industry, operating globally to create lasting value. Notably, SCF Partners has made significant investments in drilling-related companies, including the acquisition of Newpark Fluid Systems in September 2024, which focuses on enhancing efficiency in drilling and completions fluids. Additionally, they acquired Nine Energy Service in 2011 and Variperm (Canada) in 2014, both of which are relevant to the drilling equipment sector. These transactions highlight SCF Partners' commitment to supporting businesses that are integral to the drilling industry.


2. DXP Enterprises, Inc.

  • Website: dxpe.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1908
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: dxp-enterprises-inc-

DXP Enterprises, Inc. is an industrial distributor based in Houston, Texas, founded in 1908. The company specializes in providing a wide range of products and services across various sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and renewable energy. DXP focuses on rotating equipment, supply chain management, and safety solutions, which are essential for enhancing operational efficiency in industrial applications. Notably, DXP has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its presence in the drilling equipment market, including Falcon Pump & Supply in 2008, Alaska Pump & Supply in 2013, and Quadna, which specializes in fluid and air handling pumps. These acquisitions reflect DXP's commitment to expanding its offerings in the drilling equipment sector and supporting the needs of the oil and gas industry.


3. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored investment solutions to institutional and individual clients. Notably, KKR has made significant investments in the oil and gas sector, including the acquisition of a majority stake in OEG Offshore Group, a company that offers support services for offshore drilling operations. Additionally, KKR's acquisition of the Acteon Group, a subsea services provider, further emphasizes its commitment to the energy sector. These strategic investments reflect KKR's expertise in navigating complex investment landscapes and its ability to support companies that are integral to drilling and energy operations.


4. Chevron

  • Website: chevron.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: chevron

Chevron Corporation is an energy company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in oil and natural gas exploration, production, and distribution. Founded in 1999, Chevron has grown to become a significant player in the global energy market, with a workforce of over 10,000 employees. The company is committed to sustainable practices and invests in renewable energy solutions and carbon capture technologies. In recent years, Chevron has made substantial investments in the drilling sector, including the acquisition of PDC Energy for $7.6 billion in May 2023 and Hess Corporation for $53 million in October 2023, both of which enhance their operational capabilities in key oil-producing regions. Additionally, Chevron's participation in the Series C financing round for Veros Systems highlights their interest in integrating advanced technologies into their operations, which can improve drilling efficiency and effectiveness. Overall, Chevron's diverse investment portfolio and strategic acquisitions position them as a relevant investor in the drilling equipment industry.


5. Dover Corporation

  • Website: dovercorporation.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1955
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: dovercorp

Dover Corporation is an industrial manufacturer and solutions provider based in Downers Grove, Illinois, founded in 1955. The company delivers innovative equipment, components, and digital solutions across various sectors, with a strong focus on engineered products, clean energy, and sustainability technologies. Dover serves businesses that require reliable industrial solutions to enhance their operations. Notably, Dover has made significant acquisitions in the drilling and oil and gas sector, including US Synthetic Corp., which supplies polycrystalline diamond cutters for oil and gas exploration, and The WellMark Company, a manufacturer of valves and chemical injection pumps for the oil and gas industry. These acquisitions are part of Dover's strategy to enhance its Energy Products Group within the Dover Resources subsidiary, demonstrating its commitment to the drilling equipment market.


6. Emerson

  • Website: emerson.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1890
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: emerson

Emerson Electric Co. is an industrial automation company based in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in 1890. With over 10,000 employees, Emerson provides a wide range of engineering services, industrial automation equipment, and software solutions across various industries, including oil and gas, power generation, and chemicals. Notably, Emerson has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the oil and gas sector. For instance, the acquisition of Enardo LLC in 2013, a leader in safety and environmental control equipment for the oil and gas and petrochemical industries, enhances Emerson's offerings in storage tank solutions, which are crucial for drilling operations. Additionally, their acquisition of Klauke and Greenlee further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their industrial capabilities, which can be relevant to drilling equipment. Overall, Emerson's focus on enhancing efficiency and safety in operations positions them as a relevant investor in the drilling equipment industry.


7. Slb

  • Website: slb.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1926
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: slbglobal

Schlumberger NV (SLB) is a leading oilfield services company based in Houston, Texas, founded in 1926. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SLB specializes in providing advanced technology and solutions for energy innovation, focusing on decarbonization and operational efficiency in the oil and gas industry. Their clientele includes energy producers and organizations involved in energy transition, who rely on SLB's expertise to enhance performance and reduce emissions. Notably, SLB has made several strategic acquisitions relevant to the drilling equipment sector, including Peak Well Systems in 2017, which enhances their drilling capabilities, and the recent acquisition of ChampionX in 2024, expected to create significant synergies in operational efficiency. These transactions underscore SLB's commitment to advancing drilling technologies and solutions, reinforcing their position as a key player in the drilling equipment industry.


8. Nabors Industries

  • Website: nabors.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1952
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: nabors-industries

Nabors Industries Limited, founded in 1952 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading drilling contractor specializing in oil and gas drilling services. The company offers a range of advanced drilling rigs and automation technologies aimed at improving efficiency and safety in drilling operations across multiple countries. In recent years, Nabors has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the drilling equipment market. In 2017, they acquired Tesco Corporation, enhancing their drilling capabilities. More recently, in 2024, Nabors announced the acquisition of Parker Wellbore for approximately $472 million, which includes the assumption of $100 million in net debt. This acquisition is expected to enhance Nabors' drilling solutions business and improve its leverage metrics. Additionally, Nabors acquired PetroMar Technologies, Inc. in 2018, further expanding its technological capabilities in the drilling sector. These strategic moves underscore Nabors Industries' commitment to being a key player in the drilling equipment industry.


9. Morgan Stanley

  • Website: morganstanley.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 79
  • LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the firm offers a wide range of services, including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, families, corporations, and governments, helping them manage and grow their financial assets. Notably, through its subsidiary Morgan Stanley Energy Partners, the firm has made strategic investments in the energy sector, particularly in companies that provide drilling and related services. For instance, Morgan Stanley acquired a majority equity stake in Catalyst Energy Services, a provider of pressure pumping services to upstream oil and gas producers, and also acquired Catalyst Energy Construction. Additionally, they have been involved in financing transactions with companies like Nabors and Strata Products Worldwide, further demonstrating their commitment to the drilling equipment and energy services sectors.


10. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on delivering tailored investment solutions, Carlyle serves a wide range of institutional investors, including pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in the energy sector, including a $500 million investment in Mazarine Energy, which is engaged in oil and gas exploration. They also invested $120 million in AFGlobal Corp, a company that provides products and services to the energy industry. Their acquisition of Flender GmbH, a leader in mechanical and electrical drive technology, further demonstrates their commitment to sectors that intersect with drilling and energy. In recent years, Carlyle has continued to expand its portfolio with acquisitions such as Irrimec and Ocmis Irrigazione, indicating a strategic approach to diversifying their investments while maintaining a focus on industries that support energy and drilling operations.


11. One Equity Partners

  • Website: oneequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: one-equity-partners

One Equity Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 2001, that specializes in investing in middle market businesses across the industrial, healthcare, and technology sectors. The firm aims to build market-leading companies through transformative business combinations and strategic partnerships, providing capital and management expertise to enhance growth. Notably, One Equity Partners has been involved in several transactions relevant to the drilling equipment industry, including the acquisition of Acteon Group, a provider of offshore services in the oil and gas sector, and DESMI, a manufacturer of pumping solutions for offshore applications. These investments highlight their commitment to enhancing capabilities in sectors that intersect with drilling and offshore operations.


12. American Industrial Partners


American Industrial Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 2005, that specializes in operationally-oriented investments in industrial businesses. The firm focuses on enhancing the performance of its portfolio companies through strategic financial support and operational improvements. AIP has been actively involved in the drilling equipment sector, notably acquiring SERVA, a company known for its advanced technology in fracking equipment, in 2014. More recently, in January 2024, AIP acquired Boart Longyear, a prominent provider of drilling services and equipment, further solidifying its commitment to the drilling equipment industry. Additionally, AIP has made investments in other industrial firms, such as Austin Powder and EnTrans International, showcasing its broad focus on optimizing operations and driving growth across various industrial sectors.


13. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investment approaches. Notably, Blackstone has made significant strides in the drilling equipment industry, highlighted by its acquisition of Ulterra Drilling Technologies in 2018 for $700 million, a company known for its manufacturing of drill parts and downhole tools. This acquisition positioned Blackstone as a key player in the global drill bits market. Additionally, their investment in Energy Alloys showcases their commitment to supporting growth in companies that cater to the drilling sector. These transactions reflect Blackstone's strategic interest in the drilling equipment industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


14. The Timken Company

  • Website: timken.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: North, Ohio, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1899
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: the-timken-company

The Timken Company is a corporate investor based in North Ohio, USA, specializing in engineered bearings and power transmission products. Founded in 1899, Timken serves a variety of industries, including automotive and aerospace, by enhancing machinery performance and reliability through its engineering expertise. In recent years, Timken has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities. Notably, the acquisition of Philadelphia Gear in 2011 for $200 million, which provides gear-drive systems for industrial and military marine sectors, aligns with the needs of drilling equipment. Additionally, their acquisition of Groeneveld Group in 2017 for $280 million and PT Tech, Inc. in the same year, further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their product offerings that could support drilling operations. Their recent acquisition of Des-Case Corp. in 2023 also enhances their industrial motion portfolio, which may include applications relevant to drilling equipment. Overall, Timken's focus on power transmission and motion solutions positions them as a relevant player in the drilling equipment sector.


15. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Notably, Riverside has made significant investments in the drilling equipment context, including the acquisition of Welltec in 2005, a company known for its innovative technologies in the oil and gas sector. This acquisition highlights Riverside's commitment to the drilling industry. Additionally, their investments in companies like United Central Industrial Supply and Nordco further demonstrate their engagement in sectors that may intersect with drilling equipment and services, reinforcing their role as a relevant investor in this space.


16. Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence


Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence, a corporate investor based in Madison, Alabama, is a subsidiary of Hexagon AB, a technology company founded in 1992. Hexagon specializes in industrial technology and software solutions, offering precision sensors and geospatial tools that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency across various sectors, including government and industrial firms. In recent years, Hexagon has made significant acquisitions that bolster its capabilities in the mining and drilling sectors. Notably, the acquisition of HLS Hard-Line Solutions Inc. in July 2023 aims to improve safety and efficiency in mining through autonomous processes. Additionally, the acquisition of Leica Geosystems, a leader in surveying equipment, further strengthens Hexagon's position in providing essential tools for drilling operations. These strategic investments reflect Hexagon's commitment to transforming data into actionable insights, which is crucial for the drilling equipment industry.


17. Intervale Capital


Intervale Capital is a private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in and partnering with entrepreneurs and business owners across industrial, infrastructure, and environmental sectors. With a focus on building market leaders, Intervale Capital provides capital and strategic support to enhance growth and operational efficiency. Since its inception, the firm has raised significant capital and invested in over 50 companies. Notably, Intervale Capital has made several investments in the drilling equipment sector, including the acquisition of Pro Oil & Gas Services, a provider of completion and drilling services, aimed at repaying PRO's indebtedness and funding growth initiatives. They have also invested in Innovex Downhole Solutions and Taurex Drill Bits, both of which are key players in the drilling equipment market. These transactions highlight Intervale Capital's active role in the drilling equipment industry.



Drilling Equipment Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SCF PartnersHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-5019894
DXP Enterprises, Inc.Houston, Texas, United States (USA)1001-500019086
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
ChevronHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+199916
Dover CorporationDowners Grove, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+19553
EmersonSt. Louis, Missouri, United States (USA)10001+18904
SlbHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19263
Nabors IndustriesHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19525
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
One Equity PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50200111
American Industrial PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020058
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
The Timken CompanyNorth, Ohio, United States (USA)10001+18991
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Hexagon Asset Lifecycle IntelligenceMadison, Alabama, United States (USA)10001+19929
Intervale CapitalHouston, Texas, United States (USA)11-5020060


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