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Footprint Capital Advises Cardinal Control Systems, Inc. in Sale to AIR Control Concepts, a portfolio company of Blackstone Inc. (NYSE: BX)
Footprint Capital Advises Cardinal Control Systems, Inc. in Sale to AIR Control Concepts, a portfolio company of Blackstone Inc. (NYSE: BX)
Columbus, Ohio, May 28th, 2026 – Cardinal Control Systems, Inc. (“Cardinal”) has been acquired by AIR Control Concepts (“AIR”), a Portfolio Company of Blackstone Inc. (“Blackstone”). Footprint Capital, LLC, (“Footprint”) acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor in the transaction.
Founded in 2003, Cardinal is a leading HVAC controls and building management systems contractor based in Holbrook, NY. The company delivers custom building automation and control solutions that improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort for building owners and operators across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Cardinal’s service offerings span system design and engineering, installation, commissioning, maintenance, service, and remote support, backed by factory-trained technicians experienced in pneumatic, electric, and digital control platforms.
Through its consultative approach and commitment to reliable, easy-to-operate solutions, Cardinal has earned the trust of engineers, contractors, facility owners, school districts, and public agencies. Its involvement in LEED-certified and Energy Performance projects further reflects the company’s dedication to sustainable, high-efficiency building performance.
The acquisition significantly enhances AIR’s presence in the Northeast by adding a long-established customer base in one of the nation’s most active institutional and commercial building markets. Cardinal’s deep integration expertise strengthens AIR’s capabilities in building automation, direct digital controls (DDC), and full-scale system integration across the greater New York metropolitan region.
Hayden Bland, Chief Operating Officer of AIR, commented that “Cardinal Control Systems is an excellent fit for the AIR platform. Their deep expertise in multi-protocol integration and building automation, combined with long-standing relationships across the New York institutional and commercial markets, significantly enhances our ability to support customers with high-performing, technically driven solutions. We are excited to welcome Scott and the Cardinal team to the AIR network."
Scott McVetty, President of Cardinal Control Systems commented, "Joining AIR is a tremendous opportunity for our team and the customers we serve. We have always been committed to delivering exceptional, customized solutions backed by deep technical expertise. Partnering with AIR gives us access to greater resources and a broader network while allowing us to continue providing the responsive, hands-on service our customers have come to rely on. We’re excited about the future, and we look forward to what we can accomplish as part of the Air team.”
McVetty also noted “Footprint’s expertise and knowledge were invaluable, and the team gave unwavering dedication, hard work, and personal attention throughout the entire process. From the very first call through closing, I knew I was with the right team. I always believe that it’s important to work with genuinely good people and I certainly found that quality in the Footprint team.”
Meera Modi and Brad Walker of McNees Wallace & Nurick served as Cardinal’s primary legal counsel during the transaction.
Read the full AIR press release here.
ABOUT FOOTPRINT CAPITAL
Footprint Capital is a middle market investment bank with locations in Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania focused on advising owners and operators of privately held companies in the middle market. Footprint Capital’s services include sell-side and buy-side merger and acquisition advisory, private equity and family office deal origination services, ownership transition planning, debt advisory, and strategic management consulting. For more information, visit: www.footprintcapital.com.
ABOUT AIR CONTROL CONCEPTS
Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, AIR is a global platform operating across North America and Europe through a network of more than 45+ operating companies and over 2,500 associates. The platform supports leading OEM partners and the customers they serve by combining deep local market expertise with the scale, resources, and connectivity of a national organization. AIR’s operating model is designed to preserve the entrepreneurial culture and trusted relationships of each operating company while enabling collaboration, shared services, and long-term growth across the network. For more information, visit: www.aircontrolconcepts.com.
ABOUT BLACKSTONE
Blackstone, headquartered in New York City, is the world’s largest alternative asset manager and operates one of the largest private equity platforms with a buy and build strategy to create long-term value. The firm invests in both established and growth-oriented businesses across the globe and strives to create value by investing in businesses where its capital, strategic insight, global relationships, and operational support can drive transformation. For more information, visit: www.blackstone.com.