Broadview Group Invests in Citadel EHS, Fueling Growth in Green Sector

ST. LOUIS, MO – January 08, 2026 – Private investment firm Broadview Group has announced a significant investment in Citadel EHS, a prominent environmental, health, safety, and sustainability (EHS&S) consulting firm. The deal marks a strategic move by the St. Louis-based investor into a sector experiencing explosive growth, driven by mounting regulatory pressures and a corporate shift toward sustainability.

Under the terms of the partnership, Citadel EHS will continue to be led by its established executive team, including CEO Loren Witkin, CFO Jeff Mistarz, and COO Kier DeLeo. The infusion of capital from Broadview is intended to accelerate Citadel's expansion, enhance its service capabilities, and extend its geographic reach beyond its strongholds in the Western U.S. and the Charlotte metro area.

The Private Equity Green Rush

Broadview's investment in Citadel is emblematic of a larger trend: the increasing flow of private capital into the EHS&S industry. For years, this sector was viewed as a necessary but unglamorous cost of doing business. Today, it is seen as a critical, high-growth field essential for modern corporate strategy. This shift is fueled by a confluence of powerful market forces.

First, the regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Governmental bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are continually updating mandates, making compliance a moving target that requires specialized expertise. Companies across all industries face significant financial and reputational risks from non-compliance, driving a consistent demand for expert consulting.

Second, the rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria as a core component of investment analysis and corporate responsibility has transformed the market. Stakeholders—from investors to customers—now demand that companies demonstrate a tangible commitment to sustainable and ethical operations. Firms like Citadel are no longer just compliance advisors; they are strategic partners helping businesses manage environmental impact, ensure worker safety, and build a resilient, sustainable brand.

"After years of researching and pursuing opportunities in the EHS&S compliance industry, Citadel stood out as a business with strategic leadership, exceptional technical capability, a people-first culture, and an entrepreneurial spirit that aligns with our long-term investment philosophy," said Clay Hunter, CEO of Broadview Group.

A Partnership of Preservation and Growth

While the infusion of private equity capital often raises concerns about cultural shifts and short-term profit motives, this partnership appears structured to address those issues head-on. Citadel EHS, founded in 1993, has operated as an employee-owned firm since 2003, fostering a distinct "employee-first" culture that both parties have publicly committed to preserving.

Broadview Group operates on a model that differs from traditional private equity. With a permanent capital base, the firm emphasizes a long-term investment horizon, allowing it to partner with companies without the pressure of a predetermined exit timeline. This philosophy aligns with Citadel's desire for a strategic partner focused on sustainable, long-term value creation.

"After an extensive two-year search, we are thrilled to have found a strategic partner in Broadview who shares our values, long-term outlook, and commitment to employee development," stated Loren Witkin, CEO of Citadel EHS. "This partnership is a sign of strength. Day-to-day business remains unchanged—our leadership and culture remain intact—yet we now have greater resources to innovate and expand."

This commitment to continuity is a cornerstone of the deal. Broadview Vice President Davis Malone added, "Our mission is to invest in Citadel's people, leadership, and reputation while supporting the Company through its next phase of growth and maintaining what makes Citadel special." The agreement also includes provisions for expanded opportunities for employee ownership and profit-sharing, signaling an effort to maintain the entrepreneurial spirit that has been central to Citadel's success.

Evolving Beyond Regulatory Compliance

The investment also positions Citadel to capitalize on the evolution of the EHS&S field itself. The firm's services extend far beyond simple regulatory box-checking into complex, high-value consulting that underpins major infrastructure and development projects. Citadel's expertise spans the full lifecycle of the built environment, from initial environmental compliance and permitting to industrial hygiene, building sciences, and long-term sustainability strategy.

This deep technical capability is a key asset. For example, Citadel's 2023 acquisition of RMD Environmental Solutions bolstered its strength in subsurface remediation, a highly specialized field crucial for redeveloping contaminated sites. This kind of expertise allows the firm to compete for large-scale contracts with major corporations and government agencies, tackling complex projects like brownfield redevelopment, national sports venues, and public infrastructure.

The new partnership with Broadview will provide the resources to further develop these advanced capabilities and export them to new markets. The goal is to not only grow the business but also to deepen its role as an indispensable partner for clients navigating the intricate intersection of regulation, risk management, and corporate responsibility. As businesses face a future of heightened environmental scrutiny and greater demands for sustainable practices, the strategic support from Broadview will enable Citadel to expand its impact and leadership in shaping safer, more sustainable outcomes across industries.