This acquisition, effective July 15, 2025, expands CST Utilities' presence into Indiana and strengthens its Midwest service offerings.
CST Utilities (CST), a leading Ohio-based infrastructure service company, announced a significant strategic expansion into the Indiana market with the acquisition of Daystar Directional Drilling. The agreement, effective July 15, 2025, sees Daystar, a well-regarded provider of essential infrastructure utility drilling services across central Indiana, join the CST family, where it will continue to operate under its established name, "Daystar Directional Drilling, a member of the CST family."
This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for CST Utilities, bolstering its Midwest presence and diversifying its service portfolio. With over 50 years of industry experience, CST has built a reputation for professionalism and reliability in excavation, underground, and maintenance services for public utilities (electric, natural gas, water), telecom providers, and other businesses primarily in Central Ohio and surrounding counties. The integration of Daystar's specialized directional drilling expertise is set to create a more comprehensive and robust offering for clients across the region.
Steven Besse, President, and Chief Executive Officer of CST Utilities, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership. "We are very pleased to be joining forces with the team at Daystar," Besse stated. "The team and focus on client satisfaction that Jerry Watson III and his family have built into the culture of Daystar will be a perfect fit for CST’s customer-first approach to business. Our goal is to meld the best practices of both businesses into the leading underground utility services provider across the Midwest." This sentiment underscores CST's commitment to not only expanding its reach but also enhancing the quality and breadth of its services through synergistic integration.
Jerry Watson III, the founder of Daystar Directional Drilling, echoed Besse’s positive outlook. "I am excited to see Daystar merge with CST. This will provide our employees and customers with a stronger team that will benefit all," Watson remarked. He further added, "There is so much opportunity for high quality companies like ours to leverage as we serve our clients and create a great workplace for our employees." Watson’s continued involvement is a key aspect of this transition; he will remain with the company as the leader of the Indiana operation and will also retain an ownership stake in the combined entities. This continuity in leadership is expected to ensure a seamless transition and maintain the strong client relationships Daystar has cultivated.
Daystar Directional Drilling will continue to operate out of its existing Noblesville, Indiana office and yard, ensuring that local expertise and established operational efficiency are preserved.
