Ameresco, Alternative Energy Company, Shoots for an IPO

Ameresco offers a variety of high-end services that help companies reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance costs and realize environmental benefits. This is done with upgrades to facilities and even the development of renewable energy plants. Over the past decade, Ameresco has served more than 2,000 customers.

The company uses so-called energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs). Essentially, these involve commitments that there will indeed be energy savings. Often, Ameresco will provide ongoing management of the project so as to get maximum results.

Since 2001, revenues have soared from $20.9 million to $428.5 million. Ameresco has been profitable in every year since 2002, and as of the end of last year, there was a blacklog of $590 million in signed contracts.

More importantly, the growth should continue. According to a report from Frost & Sullivan, the market for energy management services has been growing more than 22% per year, with a size at over $5 billion.

The lead underwriter on the IPO is BofA Merrill Lynch (BAC).

Tom Taulli advises on business tax preparation and is also the author of a variety of books, including The Complete M&A Handbook. His website is at Taulli.com.