Simpson Thacher advised Blackstone in connection with its investment (through funds managed by its private equity strategy for individual investors) in Air Control Concepts (“AIR”), previously known as Hobbs & Associates. AIR partners with and supports leading commercial HVAC equipment manufacturers and is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. Blackstone invested alongside existing investors, funds affiliated with Madison Dearborn Partners and AIR’s management team.~~The Simpson Thacher team included: Anthony Vernace, William Allen, Theresa Scharff, Simon Teich and Sichen Zhang (M&A); Jonathan Goldstein and Zev Klein (Tax); Gregory Grogan, Joshua Stephens and Mtume Sangiewa (ECEB); Brian Gluck (Credit); Lori Lesser, Bobbie Burrows and Chandler Gerard-Reimer (Intellectual Property); and Krista McManus (Real Estate).