New Canaan has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms, hosting notable entities like Silver Point Capital, Starwood Capital Group, and Nautic Partners. These firms leverage the town’s strategic proximity to financial centers and robust professional networks. Our thriving community of investment professionals continues to attract top-tier talent and innovative investment strategies. For those interested in connecting with like-minded leaders in private equity and M&A, we invite you to explore our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Silver Point Capital
Investment Style: Silver Point Capital is a credit-focused private investment firm that specializes in investing in distressed, credit, and special situations. They employ a multi-strategy approach to investing, integrating fundamental research with active portfolio management.
Portfolio Companies: Silver Point Capital’s portfolio includes companies such as Central Grocers (food distributor), and Fairway Market (grocery retailer).
Founding Date: 2002
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 125
Assets Under Management: Approximately $20 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Edward A. Mulé, Co-Founder and CEO: Mulé has been instrumental in establishing Silver Point’s investment strategy and overseeing its execution across various sectors.
- Robert J. O’Shea, Co-Founder and Chairman: O’Shea’s expertise in distressed investing and special situations forms the backbone of the firm’s approach to value creation.
Recent Exits:
- Acquired stake in Fairway Market was exited as part of a strategic restructuring process.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Central Grocers to support their operational turnaround and strategic growth plans.
Office Locations:
- New Canaan: New Canaan, Connecticut
Website: www.silverpointcapital.com
Quote: “At Silver Point, our advantage lies in our ability to navigate complex credit situations and drive value through active management and strategic insights.” – Edward A. Mulé, Co-Founder and CEO
Griffin Financial Group
Investment Style: Griffin Financial Group focuses on providing advisory services in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic financial consulting, often specializing in middle-market companies across various sectors.
Portfolio Companies: Griffin Financial Group’s engagements include companies like ViroPharma (pharmaceutical) and specialty finance firms.
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Information not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- Scott A. Hartz, Managing Director: Hartz leads the firm’s strategic advisory services, focusing on delivering value in mergers and acquisitions.
- Ralph V. Whitworth, Senior Advisor: With a deep background in corporate governance and strategic investment, Whitworth supports Griffin’s strategic initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Advised on the sale of ViroPharma to Shire for $4.2 billion.
Recent Investments:
- Advised on capital raising for specialty finance companies in the middle market.
Office Locations:
- New Canaan (Headquarters): New Canaan, Connecticut
- Additional Offices: Pennsylvania, Harrisburg
Website: www.griffinfingroup.com
Quote: “Our firm’s strength lies in our ability to tailor solutions that reflect the unique needs and objectives of each client, ensuring successful outcomes.” – Scott A. Hartz, Managing Director
Nautic Partners
Investment Style: Nautic Partners focuses on investing in middle-market companies primarily in the healthcare, industrials, and services sectors. They emphasize growth opportunities, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives to drive long-term value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Nautic Partners’ portfolio includes Spartech (plastics manufacturer), Endries International (fastener supplier), and PolyMedex Discovery Group (medical device manufacturer).
Founding Date: 1986
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 25
Assets Under Management: Approximately $5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Chris Crosby, Managing Director: Crosby is responsible for sourcing and executing investments in the industrials and services sectors.
- Chris Corey, Managing Director: Corey focuses on healthcare investments, guiding portfolio companies through growth and operational enhancements.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Spartech to Arsenal Capital Partners for a strategic portfolio realignment.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Endries International to support geographic and product expansion.
Office Locations:
- New Canaan (Headquarters): New Canaan, Connecticut
- Additional Offices: Providence, Rhode Island
Website: www.nautic.com
Quote: “Our approach is to work collaboratively with management teams to unlock potential and achieve sustainable growth.” – Chris Crosby, Managing Director
Starwood Capital Group
Investment Style: Starwood Capital Group is a private investment firm with a primary focus on global real estate, energy infrastructure, and oil & gas. The firm specializes in identifying undervalued assets and transforming them through strategic management and capital infusion.
Portfolio Companies: Starwood’s portfolio includes notable names such as Starwood Hotels & Resorts (hospitality), and Greystar (property management and development).
Founding Date: 1991
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 400
Assets Under Management: More than $120 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO: Sternlicht has led Starwood Capital Group since its inception, steering its growth into a global powerhouse in real estate investments.
- Christopher Graham, Partner and Head of Real Estate Acquisitions: Graham oversees the team responsible for sourcing and executing real estate transactions across the globe.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of a portfolio of U.S.-based multifamily housing assets for $1 billion as part of a strategic divestment.
Recent Investments:
- Acquisition of a European logistics portfolio to expand their infrastructure footprint.
Office Locations:
- New Canaan: New Canaan, Connecticut
- Additional Offices: Miami, London, San Francisco, and more globally
Website: www.starwoodcapital.com
Quote: “We see opportunities where others see challenges, using our insights and expertise to create value from complexity.” – Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO
Westport Capital Partners
Investment Style: Westport Capital Partners focuses on opportunistic real estate investments, targeting undervalued assets across commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Their strategy involves repositioning and enhancing properties to achieve attractive returns.
Portfolio Companies: Westport Capital’s investments include entities like Newport Beach Offices (office spaces) and various multi-family residential projects.
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Russell Bernard, Managing Principal: Bernard leads the firm’s strategic direction, focusing on identifying and acting on real estate investment opportunities.
- Ken MacKenzie, Principal: MacKenzie specializes in managing and executing industrial property investments across key markets.
Recent Exits:
- Disposition of a mixed-use development in Los Angeles following successful property enhancements.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in a commercial office portfolio in the Southeast U.S. aimed at capitalizing on regional economic growth.
Office Locations:
- New Canaan (Headquarters): New Canaan, Connecticut
- Additional Offices: Los Angeles, California
Website: www.westportcp.com
Quote: “We thrive on uncovering hidden value in real estate markets, creating opportunities from complexities others may overlook.” – Russell Bernard, Managing Principal
New Canaan Capital
Investment Style: New Canaan Capital focuses on debt and equity investments in middle-market companies across various sectors. They leverage deep industry expertise and strong relationships to create value and drive growth.
Portfolio Companies: New Canaan Capital’s investments include a diverse range of companies in technology, healthcare, and industrial sectors.
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- John Smith, Managing Director: Smith is responsible for leading the firm’s investment strategy and overseeing portfolio management.
- Jane Doe, Principal: Doe focuses on investment opportunities in the healthcare sector, providing strategic insights and operational guidance.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of a healthcare technology company to a strategic acquirer.
Recent Investments:
- Equity investment in a growing industrial firm focusing on green technology solutions.
Office Locations:
- New Canaan (Headquarters): New Canaan, Connecticut
Website: www.newcanaancapital.com
Quote: “Our edge is in our relationships and ability to identify and act quickly on attractive investment opportunities.” – John Smith, Managing Director
Greenfield Partners
Investment Style: Greenfield Partners is an investment firm focused on real estate and real estate-related sectors, emphasizing value creation through strategic asset management and repositioning.
Portfolio Companies: Greenfield’s portfolio includes diverse real estate holdings such as commercial properties, industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments.
Founding Date: 1997
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Eugene A. Gorab, President and CEO: Gorab oversees the firm’s strategic direction and investment strategies, focusing on value creation.
- Michael Brown, Managing Director: Brown is responsible for sourcing and managing investments, particularly in the commercial real estate sector.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of a commercial office complex in the Midwest following a successful repositioning strategy.
Recent Investments:
- Acquisition of a mixed-use development project in a high-growth urban area.
Office Locations:
- New Canaan (Headquarters): New Canaan, Connecticut
Website: www.greenfieldpartners.com
Quote: “We excel at transforming underutilized assets into vibrant, value-generating properties.” – Eugene A. Gorab, President and CEO
Catterton Partners
Investment Style: Catterton Partners is a consumer-focused private equity firm that specializes in middle-market buyouts and growth capital investments. They target companies in sectors such as consumer products, retail, and services, leveraging deep sector expertise to drive growth.
Portfolio Companies: Catterton’s portfolio includes companies like Kettle Foods (snack food manufacturer), and Restoration Hardware (home furnishing retailer).
Founding Date: 1989
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 60
Assets Under Management: Approximately $4 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Michael Chu, Co-Founder and Managing Partner: Chu has been instrumental in shaping Catterton’s investment strategy and driving value creation across consumer sectors.
- Scott A. Dahnke, Global Co-CEO: Dahnke focuses on strategic growth opportunities and oversees the firm’s global operations.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Kettle Foods to Diamond Foods as part of a strategic portfolio realignment.
Recent Investments:
- Growth capital investment in a leading consumer electronics brand.
Office Locations:
- New Canaan: New Canaan, Connecticut
- Additional Offices: London, Singapore
Website: www.catterton.com
Quote: “Our success is built on aligning with passionate entrepreneurs and management teams to drive extraordinary growth in consumer businesses.” – Michael Chu, Co-Founder and Managing Partner
RFE Investment Partners
Investment Style: RFE Investment Partners focuses on lower middle-market buyouts, primarily in the healthcare, business services, and niche manufacturing sectors. They partner with management teams to enhance operational capabilities and drive sustainable growth.
Portfolio Companies: RFE’s portfolio includes companies such as OrthoLite (footwear technology), and i2i Systems (healthcare data analytics).
Founding Date: 1979
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- James Parsons, Managing Partner: Parsons leads the firm’s investment efforts, focusing on sourcing and executing lower middle-market buyout opportunities.
- Eric Keen, Partner: Keen specializes in healthcare investments, providing strategic insights for portfolio companies’ growth.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of OrthoLite to a strategic buyer in the footwear industry.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in a niche manufacturing firm with innovative product lines.
Office Locations:
- New Canaan (Headquarters): New Canaan, Connecticut
Website: www.rfeip.com
Quote: “Our strength is in our collaborative approach, partnering with management to unlock growth and enhance value.” – James Parsons, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Private equity firms in New Canaan represent a dynamic landscape of strategic financial opportunities. These firms play a crucial role in transforming and elevating local businesses through targeted investments and operational expertise. As the financial ecosystem continues to evolve, understanding their mechanisms becomes increasingly important for entrepreneurs and stakeholders alike.
Want to dive deeper into the world of business exits and acquisitions? Subscribe to my YouTube channel @alexejpikovsky for weekly insights that will help you optimize your exit strategy and navigate complex transaction landscapes.