Investment Interests

Depending on the industry and situation, we seek to invest $2 to $15 million of equity capital in small- and middle-market companies with a revenue range of $5 to $50 million that generate earnings before interest and taxes greater than $1 million. We typically make control investments but in certain cases are willing to consider alternate situations.

We focus on add-on investment opportunities in industrial automation, controls and test equipment, as well as new platform companies in environmental and safety related products and services, manufacturing, value-added distribution businesses, software, healthcare, and selected service businesses.

Preferred Companies

• Companies led by entrepreneurial management teams with an entrepreneurial culture

  We viscerally understand the look and feel of an entrepreneurially led operating company. Whether it's a small, medium or large company, public or private, size is not really the issue as much as approach, attitude and culture. We're professionals, but we're entrepreneurs first, by nature. We're uncomfortable in bureaucracies. That's a personal preference, but we also think it's "smart management."

• Family businesses

  We will consider situations that facilitate intergenerational transfers of a business. We can support the growth and development of a family member while assisting the older generation in establishing a planned exit and a "liquidity event" over a chosen time period. We are well versed in the challenges and opportunities of family businesses and appreciate the value of a win-win transition.

• Divisions of larger enterprises

  Some businesses flourish more on their own than in a large corporate setting. We have experience converting a plant, product line or a division into a stand-alone company.

• Growth situations in selected industries, as well as turnaround situations with long-term potential

  Due to the variety of experience in our network we consider companies in obvious growth situations, as well as "troubled" companies. Today, all operating environments are challenging, or could soon be.

• We look hard at the business, but even harder at the people

  We take the meaning of "partnership" seriously. We like a company's leaders and managers to stick around, if possible. We're there to make a good investment better and help a company grow. We will help lead and develop the management team if that's appropriate, but we are not looking for wholesale upheaval in a functioning team. Coaching is our preferred approach.