Houlihan Lokey Advises Gridiron Capital

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Gridiron Capital, LLC (Gridiron), an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, has acquired ABC Legal Services, LLC (ABC Legal), a leading service of process (SOP) platform provider, from Aquiline. The transaction closed on August 14, 2025.

Gridiron is focused on creating value by building middle-market companies into industry leaders in business services, consumer products and services, and industrial growth segments in the United States and Canada. The firm helps transform growing companies by winning together through hard work, partnerships grounded in shared values, and a unique culture that comes from hands-on experience building and running businesses.

ABC Legal aligns with Gridiron’s track record of investing in the broader litigation support services space and experience partnering with tech-enabled business services companies.

ABC Legal is the largest provider of SOP, trusted by more than 29,000 clients, including law firms, businesses, government agencies, and individuals. With a 50-year history, ABC Legal offers its expertise in process serving across all 50 states and 88 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with regional offices nationwide, ABC Legal provides a wide range of services, including SOP, locate services, court document e-filing, and appearance counsel.

Houlihan Lokey served as buyside financial advisor to Gridiron, assisting in evaluating and negotiating the acquisition. This transaction highlights Houlihan Lokey’s continued success in legal tech and services and marks the firm’s fourth transaction in the sector in 2025.

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