Montréal’s private equity landscape thrives with firms like CDPQ Infra, Novacap, and Fonds de solidarité FTQ driving innovative investments across diverse sectors. The city’s robust financial ecosystem, skilled talent pool, and strategic geographic location make it an attractive hub for private equity ventures. These firms leverage local expertise to transform industries and create economic value. Entrepreneurs and investors seeking deeper insights can explore our growing community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
CDPQ Infra
Investment Style: CDPQ Infra focuses on infrastructure investments, particularly in sectors like transportation and energy. They aim to generate long-term returns by investing strategically in large-scale projects that meet the evolving needs of communities and markets.
Portfolio Companies: CDPQ Infra’s portfolio includes projects like Réseau express métropolitain (light rail network), Eurostar Group, Velto Renewables, Énergir and the Contrecoeur Port Terminal.
Founding Date: 1965 (as part of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec)
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 60 dedicated professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately CAD $59.8 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jean-Marc Arbaud, Managing Director: Leads the strategic development and execution of large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Patrick Samson, Senior Director: Focuses on project development and stakeholder engagement across key sectors.
Recent Exits: None to report as CDPQ Infra primarily focuses on long-term infrastructure projects.
Recent Investments: Continued investment in the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project in Montreal, a major light rail network under development.
Office Locations:
- Montréal (Headquarters): Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Website: www.cdpqinfra.com
Quote: “Our goal is to create sustainable and efficient infrastructure solutions that improve urban mobility and meet future demands.” – Jean-Marc Arbaud, Managing Director
Novacap
Investment Style: Novacap focuses on buyouts and growth equity investments across industries like technology, industrials, and healthcare. They emphasize partnering with management teams to drive operational improvements and strategic growth.
Portfolio Companies: Novacap’s portfolio includes companies such as Syntax (IT services), Intelerad Medical Systems (medical imaging software), Master Group and Vertical Bridge.
Founding Date: 1981
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately CAD $8 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Pascal Tremblay, President and CEO: Oversees Novacap’s strategic direction and investment activities.
Recent Exits: Firmex sold to Datasite, demonstrating Novacap’s ability to create value in tech-enabled businesses.
Recent Investments: Invested in A1 Group, a leader in recycling and waste management services to expand their environmental and sustainability portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Montréal (Headquarters): Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Additional Offices: Toronto
Website: www.novacap.ca
Quote: “Our strength lies in our ability to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and management teams to transform companies into market leaders.” – Pascal Tremblay, President and CEO
Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Investment Style: Fonds de solidarité FTQ specializes in growth capital for small and medium-sized businesses across Quebec. They focus on promoting economic development and job creation through strategic investments.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Solotech (entertainment technology), Groupe Sélection (retirement living), and Logibec (healthcare technology).
Founding Date: 1983
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately CAD $18 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Gaétan Morin, President and CEO: Leads the organization in its mission to contribute to Quebec’s economic growth.
- Janie C. Béïque, Executive Vice-President, Investments: Oversees the investment strategy and implementation across sectors.
Recent Exits: Strategic divestment from Groupe Sélection to focus on core investment areas.
Recent Investments: Investment in Netlift, a technology platform for optimized transportation logistics.
Office Locations:
- Montréal (Headquarters): Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Website: www.fondsftq.com
Quote: “Our investments are driven by a commitment to foster sustainable economic growth and support local entrepreneurs.” – Gaétan Morin, President and CEO
Champlain Financial Corporation
Investment Style: Champlain Financial Corporation focuses on leveraged buyouts and growth equity investments in lower middle-market companies, primarily in consumer, business services, and industrial sectors.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes businesses like Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Dumas (bakery), and Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert (restaurant chain).
Founding Date: 2004
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 20 professionals
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- Eric P. Maltais, Partner: Focuses on strategic growth and operational improvements within portfolio companies.
- David E. Hall, Partner: Specializes in identifying growth opportunities and managing investment execution.
Recent Exits: Sale of Rôtisseries St-Hubert to Cara Operations, showcasing their ability to enhance business value and achieve successful exits.
Recent Investments: Acquired Les Rôtisseries Fusée, expanding their footprint in the foodservice sector.
Office Locations:
- Montréal (Headquarters): Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Website: www.champlainfinancialcorp.com
Quote: “We believe in the potential of lower middle-market companies and work closely with management teams to unlock growth opportunities.” – Eric P. Maltais, Partner
Walter Capital Partners
Investment Style: Walter Capital Partners targets growth equity and buyout investments, focusing on medium-sized businesses in Canada. They emphasize long-term partnerships and operational excellence to drive business growth.
Portfolio Companies: Walter Capital’s portfolio includes companies like BonLook (eyewear retail), and Groupe Del Vasto (automotive parts).
Founding Date: 2015
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 15 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately CAD $200 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Marc-André Lewis, Managing Partner: Leads investment strategy and portfolio management, enhancing portfolio company value.
- Pascal Tremblay, Managing Partner: Focuses on strategic investments and growth opportunities in key sectors.
Recent Exits: None recently reported, as the firm focuses on long-term value creation.
Recent Investments: Invested in BonLook to support their expansion into new markets and digital innovation.
Office Locations:
- Montréal (Headquarters): Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Website: www.waltercapital.ca
Quote: “We are committed to building lasting partnerships with our portfolio companies to achieve exceptional growth.” – Marc-André Lewis, Managing Partner
ClearSpring Capital Partners
Investment Style: ClearSpring Capital Partners focuses on private equity investments in mid-market companies, primarily in sectors such as industrials, business services, and healthcare. Their strategy emphasizes operational enhancements and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Includes businesses like Univar Solutions Canada (chemical distribution), and Javelin Technologies (3D technology solutions).
Founding Date: 2003
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately CAD $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Bacon, Managing Partner: Oversees investment activities and strategic growth across portfolios.
- Anthony Peterson, Partner: Focuses on identifying and executing investment opportunities in target sectors.
Recent Exits: Successfully exited their investment in Univar Solutions Canada, showcasing their ability to enhance value and achieve successful divestitures.
Recent Investments: Invested in Javelin Technologies to drive growth and expansion in the 3D technology sector.
Office Locations:
- Montréal (Headquarters): Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Additional Offices: Toronto
Website: www.clearspringcapital.com
Quote: “Our approach combines strategic insight and operational expertise to unlock the full potential of our portfolio companies.” – David Bacon, Managing Partner
Desjardins Capital
Investment Style: Desjardins Capital specializes in providing equity financing and mezzanine debt to support the growth and expansion of SMEs primarily in Quebec. They emphasize building strong partnerships with entrepreneurs to foster regional development.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Bonduelle (canned and frozen vegetables), and Solmax (geosynthetics manufacturing).
Founding Date: 1974
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately CAD $3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Luc Ménard, Chief Operating Officer: Leads investment operations and strategic development initiatives.
- Vincent Lacoste, Vice-President: Focuses on direct investments and portfolio management in key sectors.
Recent Exits: Successful exit from Solmax, a major player in the North American geosynthetics industry.
Recent Investments: Invested in Bonduelle to support its growth strategy and market expansion.
Office Locations:
- Montréal (Headquarters): Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Website: www.desjardinscapital.com
Quote: “We are committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive and contribute to the economic development of our communities.” – Luc Ménard, Chief Operating Officer
White Star Capital
Investment Style: White Star Capital focuses on early to growth stage investments in technology-enabled businesses, with a strong emphasis on global opportunities. They strive to support companies through operational expertise and strategic guidance.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies such as Vention (manufacturing automation), and Dialogue (telehealth platforms).
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately USD $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Eric Martineau-Fortin, Founder and Managing Partner: Focuses on sourcing and leading investments in technology-driven companies.
- Christian Hernandez, Managing Partner: Specializes in helping portfolio companies scale and expand globally.
Recent Exits: Successful IPO of Dialogue, emphasizing their capability to nurture tech companies to go public.
Recent Investments: Invested in Vention to support its growth in manufacturing automation solutions.
Office Locations:
- Montréal (Headquarters): Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Additional Offices: London, New York, Tokyo
Website: www.whitestarvc.com
Quote: “Our mission is to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs and help them build market-leading companies on a global scale.” – Eric Martineau-Fortin, Founder and Managing Partner
Brightspark Ventures
Investment Style: Brightspark Ventures focuses on early-stage venture capital investments in Canadian technology startups. They aim to identify and support transformative technology solutions with strong growth potential.
Portfolio Companies: Includes companies like Hopper (travel app) and Jewlr (custom jewelry).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 10 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately CAD $200 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Sophie Forest, Managing Partner: Leads investment strategy and portfolio development in technology sectors.
- Mark Skapinker, Managing Partner: Focuses on identifying high-potential startups and supporting their growth journey.
Recent Exits: Successfully exited Hopper, a leading travel technology company, through secondary sales.
Recent Investments: Investment in Dialogue to expand their telehealth services and technology platform.
Office Locations:
- Montréal (Headquarters): Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Additional Offices: Toronto
Website: www.brightspark.com
Quote: “We are passionate about partnering with entrepreneurs who are driven to change the world through innovative technology solutions.” – Sophie Forest, Managing Partner
Montréal’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, showcasing remarkable resilience and potential. As we’ve explored the nuanced dynamics of local firms, it’s clear that strategic positioning and deep market understanding are critical. The city’s PE ecosystem reflects both global trends and unique regional characteristics, offering compelling opportunities for sophisticated investors and entrepreneurs.
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