Charlotte has emerged as a thriving hub for private equity firms, attracting top-tier investment groups like Ridgemont Equity Partners, Falfurrias Capital Partners, and Pamlico Capital. These firms leverage the city’s strategic location, robust financial infrastructure, and access to diverse talent pools. With a collaborative ecosystem and strong regional economic growth, Charlotte provides an ideal environment for private equity investments across various sectors. For professionals seeking to connect with like-minded leaders in this dynamic space, we invite you to explore our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Ridgemont Equity Partners
Investment Style: Ridgemont Equity Partners focuses on middle-market buyout and growth equity investments. They specialize in sectors such as healthcare, industrial, services, and telecommunications/media/technology. Their approach emphasizes partnership with experienced management teams to drive growth and value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Ridgemont’s portfolio includes Alliance Source Testing (environmental services), Perimeter Healthcare (behavioral health), and Unite Us (tech-enabled health and social care coordination).
Founding Date: 1993
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $6 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Charles Anderson, Managing Partner: Co-founder of Ridgemont and focuses on investment opportunities across various sectors.
- Geoffrey Cockrell, Partner: Specializes in healthcare investments and works with portfolio companies to drive strategy and growth.
- Travis Hain, Partner: Responsible for investment opportunities in the industrial and services sectors.
Recent Exits:
- AMTdirect, a leading provider of lease accounting and lease administration software, was sold to MRI Software.
- J.A.M. Distributing, a distributor of lubricants and fuels, was acquired by RelaDyne.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Rising Pharmaceuticals, a leading provider of generic and specialty pharmaceuticals.
- Stratus, a leading provider of in-store marketing execution solutions.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 150 North College Street Suite 2500, Charlotte, NC
- Additional Offices: Dallas
Website: www.ridgemontep.com
Quote: “At Ridgemont, we pride ourselves on forming true partnerships with management teams. Our collaborative approach and industry expertise enable us to create meaningful, long-term value for our portfolio companies.” – Charles Anderson, Managing Partner
Falfurrias Capital Partners
Investment Style: Falfurrias Capital Partners focuses on growth-oriented, entrepreneurial companies primarily in the Southeast United States. Their investment strategy involves enhancing management teams and leveraging industry expertise to accelerate growth.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies such as Carolina Foods (snack food manufacturer), E-Technologies Group (automation and control systems integrator), and Nth Degree (experiential marketing).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.9 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Marc Oken, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Focuses on financial services and growth strategies for portfolio companies.
- Ed McMahan, Partner: Specializes in driving operational improvements and growth in portfolio companies.
- Chip Johnson, Partner: Brings extensive experience in marketing and business development for portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- RegEd, a provider of compliance management solutions for financial services, was acquired by Stone Point Capital.
- BoJ of WNC, a leading Bojangles’ franchisee, was acquired by Trefethen Advisors.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Best Impressions Caterers, a premium catering and event planning company.
- Crosslake Technologies, which provides tech advisory services for private equity firms.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 101 S. Tryon Street, Suite 2650, Charlotte, NC
Website: www.falfurriascapital.com
Quote: “We differentiate ourselves by actively engaging with our portfolio companies and leveraging our network to open doors and create opportunities that accelerate growth.” – Marc Oken, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Pamlico Capital
Investment Style: Pamlico Capital focuses on investments in lower middle-market growth companies in the business services, healthcare, and communications sectors. They aim to partner with exceptional management teams to drive value and sustainable growth.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Service Express (data center maintenance), HelioCampus (analytics technology), and Becker’s Healthcare (B2B media).
Founding Date: 1988
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $4 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Scott Stevens, Partner: Focuses on investments in the healthcare sector and works closely with management teams to drive growth.
- Eric Wilkins, Partner: Specializes in business services investments and strategic growth initiatives.
- Walker Simmons, Partner: Responsible for communications and technology investments.
Recent Exits:
- MetaMetrics, an educational assessment company, was acquired by Apax Partners.
- Dexter + Chaney, a provider of construction software, was acquired by Viewpoint Construction Software.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Heartland Veterinary Partners, a veterinary support organization providing non-clinical support services.
- Digital.ai, a leading technology company focused on digital transformation solutions.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 150 N. College Street, Suite 2400, Charlotte, NC
Website: www.pamlicocapital.com
Quote: “Our success stems from our collaborative approach with management teams, where we align our interests and work together to propel growth and achieve sustainable value creation.” – Scott Stevens, Partner
Carousel Capital
Investment Style: Carousel Capital invests in lower middle-market companies in the Southeastern United States. They focus on business services, consumer services, and healthcare services sectors, leveraging deep industry relationships and operational expertise.
Portfolio Companies: Carousel Capital’s portfolio includes HEPACO (environmental and emergency response services), Curo Health Services (hospice care), and Transflo (transportation technology).
Founding Date: 1996
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Bill Hobbs, Managing Partner: Drives investment strategy and portfolio growth, focusing on consumer and healthcare sectors.
- Michael Foltz, Partner: Specializes in service-oriented businesses and operational excellence initiatives.
- John Campbell, Partner: Focuses on business services and healthcare investments, bringing extensive industry knowledge.
Recent Exits:
- Joe Hudson’s Collision Centers was acquired by TSG Consumer Partners.
- Environmental StoneWorks was acquired by NCI Building Systems.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Hometown Pharmacy, a regional pharmacy chain.
- Expedition Communications, a provider of satellite and wireless communications services.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC
Website: www.carouselcapital.com
Quote: “We partner with proven management teams to drive operational improvements and strategic growth, creating value for all stakeholders.” – Bill Hobbs, Managing Partner
Frontier Capital
Investment Style: Frontier Capital focuses on growth equity investments in software and technology-enabled business services companies. Their strategy involves partnering with management teams to accelerate growth through strategic guidance and operational support.
Portfolio Companies: Frontier’s portfolio includes Tango (workplace management software), NetDocuments (cloud-based document management), and AccessOne (healthcare finance solutions).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.8 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Richard Maclean, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Focuses on software and technology-enabled business services investments.
- Andrew Lindner, Partner: Provides strategic guidance and operational support to portfolio companies.
- Scott Hoch, Partner: Specializes in accelerating growth for software and tech-enabled companies.
Recent Exits:
- Healthx, a healthcare engagement company, was acquired by JMI Equity.
- SchoolMint, a provider of student enrollment solutions, was acquired by Hero K12.
Recent Acquisitions:
- ACEware Systems, a provider of non-credit program management software.
- PracticeSuite, a cloud-based medical billing and practice management platform.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 101 N. Tryon Street, Suite 1900, Charlotte, NC
Website: www.frontiercapital.com
Quote: “Our deep domain expertise and collaborative approach with management teams allow us to accelerate growth and achieve meaningful outcomes for our portfolio companies and investors.” – Richard Maclean, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Tree Line Capital Partners
Investment Style: Tree Line Capital Partners specializes in providing senior and unitranche debt financing solutions to lower middle-market companies across North America. Their approach focuses on delivering flexible, solutions-oriented capital to support buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Sunwave (healthcare technology platform), TricorBraun (packaging solutions provider), and ClearObject (IoT systems integration).
Founding Date: 2014
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Tom Quimby, Managing Partner: Oversees the firm’s strategic initiatives and manages investment activities.
- Jon Schroeder, Partner: Focuses on originating and structuring debt financing solutions.
- Matt Henry, Partner: Specializes in providing tailored capital solutions to support portfolio company growth.
Recent Exits:
- G2 Secure Staff, a provider of aviation services, was acquired by Platinum Equity.
- Verrex, an audiovisual integration company, was acquired by Diversified.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Financing for Radiant Logic, a provider of identity and data integration solutions.
- Financing for Dental Whale, a dental support organization providing non-clinical services.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 121 W. Trade Street, Suite 1800, Charlotte, NC
Website: www.treelinecp.com
Quote: “We are committed to providing flexible debt solutions that address the unique needs of our partners in the lower middle-market, fostering long-term growth and success.” – Tom Quimby, Managing Partner
CapitalSouth Partners
Investment Style: CapitalSouth Partners specializes in providing mezzanine debt and equity capital to lower middle-market companies. Their strategy involves supporting buyouts, growth, and recapitalizations in partnership with management teams and private equity sponsors.
Portfolio Companies: CapitalSouth’s portfolio includes companies like Trinity Healthcare Staffing Group (healthcare staffing), The Service Companies (hospitality services), and National Trench Safety (equipment rental and sales).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $750 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Chris W. Graham, Managing Partner: Manages overall investment strategy and leads investment activities.
- John McCulloch, Partner: Specializes in structuring mezzanine debt and equity capital solutions.
- Tommy Hill, Partner: Focuses on supporting portfolio company growth and executing investment strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Venyu Solutions, a provider of data center and cloud services, was acquired by EATEL.
- Triad Financial Services, a provider of lending solutions, was acquired by ECN Capital.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Dura Supreme Cabinetry, a manufacturer of custom cabinetry.
- Investment in C-P Flexible Packaging, a supplier of flexible packaging solutions.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 4201 Congress Street, Suite 360, Charlotte, NC
Website: www.capitalsouthpartners.com
Quote: “Our approach focuses on partnering with management teams and private equity sponsors to provide tailored financing solutions that enable business growth and value creation.” – Chris W. Graham, Managing Partner
Plexus Capital
Investment Style: Plexus Capital specializes in providing growth capital to middle-market businesses through both mezzanine debt and equity investments. They focus on partnering with companies in sectors like business services, healthcare, and industrials to support strategic growth and development.
Portfolio Companies: Plexus’s portfolio includes companies such as Anderson Transportation (freight brokerage), Air Waves (apparel manufacturing), and The Cook & Boardman Group (building materials).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Bob Anders, Managing Partner: Focuses on investment strategy and portfolio management activities.
- Michael Painter, Partner: Specializes in business development and structuring mezzanine and equity investments.
- Ronald C. Smith, Partner: Brings extensive experience in strategic growth initiatives and partner engagement.
Recent Exits:
- The Cook & Boardman Group, a distributor of commercial doors and frames, was acquired by Littlejohn & Co.
- Air Waves, an apparel company, was acquired by Hybrid Apparel.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in Dura Supreme Cabinetry, a manufacturer of custom cabinetry.
- Investment in C-P Flexible Packaging, a supplier of flexible packaging solutions.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 201 S. College Street, Suite 1550, Charlotte, NC
Website: www.plexuscap.com
Quote: “We seek to partner with exceptional companies and management teams, providing not just capital but also strategic support to fuel growth and create lasting value.” – Bob Anders, Managing Partner
Summit Park
Investment Style: Summit Park invests in lower middle-market companies across the business services, light manufacturing, and consumer sectors. They focus on collaborative partnerships with management teams to drive operational improvements and strategic growth.
Portfolio Companies: Summit Park’s portfolio includes companies like NSi Industries (electrical products), Curion (consumer product testing), and Exacta Land Surveyors (land surveying services).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jim Johnson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Leads investment strategy and oversees firm operations.
- Robbie Morris, Partner: Specializes in business development and value creation strategies.
- Jacob M. Nix, Partner: Focuses on operations improvement and strategic growth for portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Fast Growing Trees, an online retailer, was acquired by Summit Partners.
- Ark Naturals, a pet supplement company, was acquired by Wingate Partners.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Exacta Land Surveyors, a leading provider of land surveying services.
- Knox Lane, a provider of healthcare solutions and services.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 15720 Brixham Hill Avenue, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC
Website: www.summitparkllc.com
Quote: “Our approach is centered on building strong relationships with management teams to drive performance improvements and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.” – Jim Johnson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Chiltern Capital
Investment Style: Chiltern Capital focuses on investing in UK-based lower middle-market companies, targeting sectors such as business services, industrials, and financial services. They leverage operational expertise and strategic support to enhance growth and value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies such as VMS (Video Management Software), Fleximize (alternative finance provider), and Airband (rural broadband services).
Founding Date: 2015
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately £500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Butler, Managing Partner: Brings extensive experience in private equity investments and portfolio management.
- Daniel Gray, Partner: Specializes in operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives for portfolio companies.
- James Ross, Partner: Focuses on business services and industrial investments, providing strategic direction and management support.
Recent Exits:
- SMC Premier Group, a facilities management company, was acquired by The Westgrove Group.
- Airband, a provider of rural broadband services, was acquired by a European infrastructure fund.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Investment in VMS, a leading provider of video management solutions.
- Acquisition of Fleximize, an alternative finance provider for SMEs.
Office Locations:
- Charlotte (Headquarters): 525 N. Tryon Street, Suite 1600, Charlotte, NC
Website: www.chilterncapital.com
Quote: “Our success is driven by our hands-on approach and the ability to work collaboratively with management teams to unlock potential and drive significant growth.” – David Butler, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Charlotte’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the city’s robust financial ecosystem. As firms adapt to changing market dynamics, they play a crucial role in driving economic growth and supporting regional businesses. The synergy between local talent, strategic investments, and innovative capital deployment positions Charlotte as a key player in the private equity arena.
Want to dive deeper into exit strategies and business acquisitions? Subscribe to my YouTube channel at @alexejpikovsky for weekly insights that can help you optimize your exit potential.