Munich / Sarasota, May 2026 – The newly formed group around IMS Trenchless continues to expand its international market presence through a strategic partnership with the well-established U.S.-based distributor APEX CIPP Solutions, specializing in trenchless sewer rehabilitation. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, the company has built a strong reputation in the American market through its comprehensive product portfolio, technical expertise, outstanding training and support approach as well as its long-standing customer relationships. APEX CIPP Solutions was founded by installers and business owners with decades of hands-on experience in the CIPP industry. This practical background shapes the company’s philosophy to this day, with a clear focus on understanding what trenchless pipe rehabilitation equipment truly performs in real-world conditions. The company is widely recognized for its application-driven approach and its ability to support contractors with reliable, field-proven solutions. The collaboration marks another important step in IMS´ long-term strategy to further strengthen its presence in the United States, building on its existing base in Hinesville, Georgia and provide customers with closer technical support, faster availability and an even stronger service infrastructure. At the same time, the partnership creates a strong platform for expanding local inventory capacities and strengthening logistics structures within the U.S. market, enabling faster response times and greater proximity to customers. “I am thrilled to be joining such an outstanding group of innovators. With access to some of the best products in our industry, and guided by Apex’s passion for understanding how the right products can make all the difference for great contractors, we are now able to increase our stocking levels, reduce lead times, and expand our capacity to bring more production capabilities to the United States,” says Craig Underwood, Founder of APEX CIPP Solutions   The partnership represents a significant milestone in IMS’ international growth strategy and underlines the company’s commitment to investing in international market structures, and long-term partnerships. Craig will join the shareholding of the overall group, which represents the spirit of the group – a true partnership between founders in the trenchless industry and a financial partner, Apheon.   About APEX CIPP Solutions Based in Sarasota, Florida, APEX CIPP Solutions is a well-established distributor and customer service provider for trenchless sewer rehabilitation technologies in the United States. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of rehabilitation solutions and is recognized for its strong customer relationships, technical expertise and dedicated local service capabilities. About the Group The group of companies includes IMS, Lateral Repairs, Amex Sanivar, Polypipe, Resinnovation, Kardiam and Hurricane. Apex will be the 19th location worldwide. With several locations around the globe and the widest in-house developed and manufactured portfolio of trenchless products we want to set new standards for our customers and partners when it comes to availability, training and support. About Apheon Apheon is a pan-European mid-market private equity investment company managing ~€4.5 billion of assets from select global institutional investors and families. Apheon is characterized by its partnership approach, providing “patient and friendly capital” and industrial know-how to entrepreneurs and management teams, preparing their companies for the future.