Atlanta has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms, attracting investment groups like Roark Capital Group, Arcapita Group, and MSouth Equity Partners. These firms leverage the city’s robust business ecosystem, strategic geographic position, and access to diverse talent pools. With a concentration of industries ranging from technology to healthcare, Atlanta provides an ideal environment for private equity investments. Discover more about these dynamic firms and join our thriving community of business leaders at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Roark Capital Group
Investment Style: Roark Capital Group is known for its focus on franchise and brand management, targeting consumer and business services sectors. They emphasize long-term capital appreciation through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Portfolio Companies: Roark’s portfolio includes recognizable brands such as Inspire Brands (owns Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sonic), Driven Brands (auto service companies like Maaco and Meineke), and Jimmy John’s.
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 50
Assets Under Management: Over $38 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Neal Aronson, Founder and Managing Partner: Leads the strategic direction and investment strategy of the firm, focusing on creating value through operational excellence and brand management.
- Erik Morris, Managing Partner: Focuses on expanding Roark’s presence in the market and enhancing portfolio value through strategic acquisitions.
Recent Exits:
- Wingstop: Successfully went public, enhancing its market presence and capitalizing on growth opportunities.
- Massage Envy: Exited through a strategic sale, enabling the brand to continue its expansion under new ownership.
Recent Investments:
- Batteries Plus: Acquired to expand its specialty retail footprint and capitalize on the growing demand for battery solutions.
- Mathnasium: A leading educational services franchise added to Roark’s portfolio to enhance its presence in the education sector.
Office Locations:
- Atlanta (Headquarters): 1180 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2500, Atlanta, GA 30309
- Additional Offices: New York
Website: www.roarkcapital.com
Quote: “Our success is rooted in a commitment to the long-term growth and sustainability of our portfolio companies, driven by a deep understanding of franchising and brand management.” – Neal Aronson, Founder and Managing Partner
Arcapita
Investment Style: Arcapita specializes in private equity investments with a focus on asset-light sectors, particularly business services and logistics in the US and the MENA region, emphasizing sectors such as industrials, consumer products, and logistics. Their investment approach involves active management to enhance growth and operational efficiency.
Portfolio Companies: Arcapita’s portfolio includes PODS (portable storage and moving solutions), and MC Sign Company (signage and lighting services).
Founding Date: 1997
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $17 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Atif A. Abdulmalik, CEO: Guides the firm’s investment strategy and oversees all operations, focusing on creating value through strategic investments and operational improvements.
- Martin Tan, Chief Investment Officer: Responsible for investment decisions and leading transactions in target sectors.
Recent Exits:
- Varel International Energy Services: Sold to a strategic buyer, realizing significant returns post-operational enhancement.
Recent Investments:
- US Industrial REIT: Invested in a portfolio of industrial properties to capitalize on the growing demand for logistics and warehousing space.
Office Locations:
- Atlanta (Headquarters): 3280 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30305
- Additional Offices: Bahrain, London, Singapore
Website: www.arcapita.com
Quote: “Our firm is dedicated to finding unique investment opportunities that allow us to generate superior returns while transforming the industries we invest in.” – Atif A. Abdulmalik, CEO
MSouth Equity Partners
Investment Style: MSouth Equity Partners focuses on investing in lower middle-market companies across the South, emphasizing growth through strategic acquisitions and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Auto Metallurgical, American Proteins, and Systems Electric.
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20
Assets Under Management: Over $2.2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Peter Pettit, Managing Partner: Leads investment strategy and team development, focusing on delivering value through strategic growth initiatives.
- Barry Boniface, Managing Partner: Plays a critical role in sourcing and executing investment opportunities.
Recent Exits:
- Systems Electric: Successfully exited through a strategic sale, achieving growth and operational milestones under MSouth’s ownership.
Recent Investments:
- National Carwash Solutions: Added to the portfolio to expand their industrial solutions offerings.
Office Locations:
- Atlanta (Headquarters): 1230 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1900, Atlanta, GA 30309
Website: www.msouth.com
Quote: “At MSouth, we focus on building our portfolio companies through strategic partnerships and sustainable growth initiatives.” – Peter Pettit, Managing Partner
Noro-Moseley Partners
Investment Style: Noro-Moseley Partners is a venture capital and growth equity firm focusing on healthcare and technology companies. They emphasize early and growth-stage investments in companies with innovative solutions and scalable business models.
Portfolio Companies: Noro-Moseley’s portfolio includes Brightwell (fintech solutions), Cypress.io (open-source testing framework), and RoadSync (digital payment platform for transportation).
Founding Date: 1983
Number of Investment Professionals: Around 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Alan Taetle, General Partner: Focused on technology investments, bringing extensive experience in guiding companies to market leadership.
- Mike Elliott, General Partner: Leads healthcare investments, with a focus on innovative solutions and market expansion opportunities.
Recent Exits:
- Sharecare: Successfully exited through a public listing, capitalizing on its growing healthcare platform.
Recent Investments:
- RoadSync: Invested to enhance its digital payment solutions and expand its market reach.
Office Locations:
- Atlanta (Headquarters): 3630 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 520, Atlanta, GA 30326
Website: www.noro-moseley.com
Quote: “Our commitment is to partner with entrepreneurs to build industry-leading companies by leveraging our experience and networks.” – Alan Taetle, General Partner
Fulcrum Equity Partners
Investment Style: Fulcrum Equity Partners focuses on providing growth equity and mezzanine capital to healthcare, technology, and business services companies. They emphasize collaborative partnerships and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Fulcrum’s portfolio includes companies like Digital Hands (cybersecurity services), ALS Resolvion (automotive recovery services), and LogistiCare (healthcare transportation management).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 15
Assets Under Management: Over $600 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jeff Muir, Partner: Focuses on healthcare and technology investments, leveraging extensive industry experience to drive growth.
- Jim Douglass, Partner: Plays a key role in business services and technology investments, with a focus on strategic growth and operational improvements.
Recent Exits:
- LogistiCare: Exited through a strategic acquisition, reflecting significant growth and market expansion during ownership.
Recent Investments:
- Digital Hands: Invested to enhance its cybersecurity offerings and expand its customer base.
Office Locations:
- Atlanta (Headquarters): 3424 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 2200, Atlanta, GA 30326
Website: www.fulcrumep.com
Quote: “Fulcrum Equity Partners is dedicated to creating value through growth and innovation, leveraging our extensive experience and resources.” – Jeff Muir, Partner
H.I.G. Capital
Investment Style: H.I.G. Capital is a global private equity investment firm focusing on small and mid-sized companies across multiple sectors. They employ a value-oriented investment approach, seeking opportunities to create value through strategic and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: H.I.G.’s portfolio includes companies like Surgery Partners (healthcare services), and Taconic Biosciences (biomedical research models).
Founding Date: 1993
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 400
Assets Under Management: Over $55 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Sami Mnaymneh, Co-Founder and Co-CEO: Drives the firm’s strategic direction and investment initiatives, focusing on maximizing portfolio company value.
Recent Exits:
- H.I.G. exited its investment in American Pacific Corporation, realizing significant returns through strategic sales.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in Taconic Biosciences to enhance its services and expand its market reach in the biomedical sector.
Office Locations:
- Atlanta (Office): 3560 Lenox Rd NE, Suite 1475, Atlanta, GA 30326
- Additional Offices: Miami (Headquarters), New York, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, and international locations.
Website: www.higcapital.com
Quote: “Our focus is on investing in companies where we can drive significant value creation through strategic growth and operational improvements.” – Sami Mnaymneh, Co-Founder and Co-CEO
Argonne Capital Group
Investment Style: Argonne Capital Group is a private investment firm focusing on multi-unit restaurant companies, real estate, and other consumer-focused sectors. They emphasize long-term partnerships and sustainable growth strategies.
Portfolio Companies: Argonne’s portfolio includes entities like IHOP franchised restaurants and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina.
Founding Date: 2003
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Over $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Michael Klump, Founder and CEO: Leads the strategic vision and investment strategy, focusing on creating value through operational excellence and market leadership.
Recent Exits:
- Exited investment in On The Border through a strategic sale, achieving substantial growth and market penetration.
Recent Investments:
- Acquired additional IHOP franchises to expand their portfolio in the restaurant sector and capitalize on market trends.
Office Locations:
- Atlanta (Headquarters): 3455 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 520, Atlanta, GA 30326
Website: www.argonnecapital.com
Quote: “We are committed to building long-term value for our partners by focusing on operational excellence and strategic growth in our investments.” – Michael Klump, Founder and CEO
Ridgewood Advisors
Investment Style: Ridgewood Advisors is a boutique private equity firm focusing on niche manufacturing, distribution, and service businesses. Their strategy involves partnering with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Ridgewood’s portfolio includes companies in sectors such as industrial services and niche manufacturing.
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Around 5
Assets Under Management: Approximately $300 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Wayne E. Havens, Managing Director: Focuses on investment strategies and partnerships, leveraging industry experience to create value in portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Exited a niche manufacturing company through a strategic sale, achieving growth and operational milestones under Ridgewood’s ownership.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in a specialized distribution company to enhance its market presence and operational capabilities.
Office Locations:
- Atlanta (Headquarters): 3500 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30305
Website: www.ridgewoodadvisors.com
Quote: “We differentiate ourselves by partnering closely with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements, ensuring long-term success for our portfolio companies.” – Wayne E. Havens, Managing Director
Emigrant Capital
Investment Style: Emigrant Capital focuses on family-owned and closely-held businesses, providing growth capital and strategic support to enhance value and ensure sustainable growth.
Portfolio Companies: Emigrant Capital’s portfolio includes companies in sectors such as healthcare, consumer products, and industrial services.
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Over $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Matt Gordon, Managing Director: Focuses on identifying and executing growth opportunities, leveraging industry insights to drive portfolio company value.
Recent Exits:
- Exited a consumer products company through a strategic sale, achieving significant growth and market expansion.
Recent Investments:
- Invested in a healthcare services company to enhance its operational capabilities and market reach.
Office Locations:
- Atlanta (Office): 3340 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1900, Atlanta, GA 30326
Website: www.emigrantcapital.com
Quote: “Our focus on partnering with family-owned businesses allows us to create value by leveraging our strategic insights and growth capital to drive sustainable success.” – Matt Gordon, Managing Director
Conclusion
Atlanta’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, offering dynamic opportunities for strategic business transformations. The city’s robust ecosystem of PE firms demonstrates remarkable potential for value creation and regional economic impact. As the market matures, these firms will play an increasingly critical role in shaping local and national business trajectories. Want to dive deeper into exit strategies and acquisition insights? Subscribe to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@alexejpikovsky for weekly expert analysis that can help you understand how successful companies optimize their exit potential.