Interval Capital closed the deal to buy Texas-based Antelope Oil Tool and Manufacturing Co. for an undisclosed amount. Antelope Oil Tool is an oilfield cementing and casing product manufacturer.

George Ribble was announced as Antelope Oil Tool and Manufacturing Co.'s newest president and chief executive officer. Ribble joins the company as part of the buyout. He served 16 years at Weatherford International, turning the company into a formidable name in the casing hardware industry. His experience includes working at Enerpro International, Baker Oil Tools, Schlumberger, and Vann Tool Company.

Intervale, a private equity firm, exclusively invests in oilfield related companies such as Antelope.

Commenting on his transfer to Antelope, Ribble said: "I'm thrilled to partner with Antelope's existing management team and Intervale to begin a new phase in the company's history.  Antelope has world-class products and some of the industry's best cementing technology, particularly for ultra-tight tolerance, deep water applications.  We have the team and product suite in place to make a significant impact in both the offshore and land markets."

The casing and cementing hardware is an estimated $1.5 billion industry, growing at about 12% annually.