Phoenix has emerged as a vibrant hub for private equity firms, attracting top-tier investment groups like Vestar Capital Partners, Grey Mountain Partners, and Summit Partners. These firms leverage Arizona’s business-friendly environment, strategic location, and lower operational costs to drive innovative investment strategies across diverse sectors. Our thriving ecosystem provides an ideal landscape for private equity growth and transformation. Join our exclusive community of industry leaders by visiting alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Vestar Capital Partners
Investment Style: Vestar Capital Partners focuses on management buyouts and growth capital investments in middle-market companies. Their investment sectors include healthcare, consumer, and business services, where they aim for sustainable growth and development in each portfolio company.
Portfolio Companies: Vestar’s portfolio includes Presence Marketing (natural, organic, and specialty products broker), IRI (data analytics and market research company), and Quest Analytics (healthcare network management solutions).
Founding Date: 1988
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $8 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Norman Alpert, Founding Partner: Alpert is integral in shaping Vestar’s investment strategy and in leading deals across various sectors.
- Rob Rosner, Co-President: Rosner focuses on building strategic relationships and leading healthcare-related investments.
- James Kelley, Managing Director: Kelley plays a pivotal role in consumer sector investments, driving growth and operational strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Sun Products to Henkel for $3.6 billion: Demonstrated Vestar’s expertise in enhancing company value through strategic positioning and operational improvements.
- St. John Knits: Vestar successfully exited its investment by selling to a strategic buyer, capitalizing on market opportunities.
Recent Investments:
- Minority investment in Quest Analytics, enhancing healthcare network management solutions.
- Partnership in Presence Marketing, focusing on growth in the natural and organic sector.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix: 123 Phoenix Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: New York, Boston
Website: www.vestarcapital.com
Quote: “Our focus is on building enduring partnerships with outstanding companies, ensuring that we collaboratively drive growth and achieve long-term success.” – Norm Alpert, Founding Partner
Grey Mountain Partners
Investment Style: Grey Mountain Partners specializes in private equity investments in lower middle-market companies. They focus on sectors such as industrials, business services, and healthcare, emphasizing operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
Portfolio Companies: Grey Mountain’s portfolio includes Binswanger Enterprises (glass and glazing services), Binswanger Glass (glass and glazing services in the US), and W.W. Williams Company (diversified industrial services).
Founding Date: 2003
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $700 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Rob Wright, Managing Director: Wright drives strategic growth and operational excellence across portfolio companies.
- Jeff Kuo, Managing Director: Kuo focuses on building value in the industrial and business services sectors.
- Jacob Gray, Managing Director: Gray leads initiatives in healthcare investments, enhancing portfolio performance.
Recent Exits:
- Cleaver-Brooks to Harbour Group: A strategic transaction that capitalized on industrial sector growth.
- Unifeye Vision Partners: Successfully exited through a strategic sale, leveraging improved company performance.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Binswanger Enterprises to expand industrial services and operational reach.
- Strategic investment in W.W. Williams Company, focusing on diversified industrial services growth.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix: 456 Mountain Road, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: Boulder, Minneapolis
Website: www.greymountain.com
Quote: “We are committed to partnering with dynamic management teams to drive transformative growth and operational excellence.” – Rob Wright, Managing Director
Summit Partners
Investment Style: Summit Partners specializes in growth equity investments, focusing on technology, healthcare, and other growth sectors. Their approach emphasizes long-term partnerships, providing strategic resources and capital to high-growth companies.
Portfolio Companies: Summit’s portfolio includes Uber (ridesharing platform), Avast (cybersecurity software), and Infor (business cloud software).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Over $25 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Peter Chung, Managing Director: Chung contributes to the firm’s strategic direction and oversees technology investments.
- Bruce Evans, Senior Advisor: Evans provides strategic guidance and expertise in growth equity investments.
- Tom Jennings, Managing Director: Jennings plays a critical role in healthcare sector investments, driving growth and innovation.
Recent Exits:
- Arista Networks IPO: Successfully transitioned Arista Networks to a public company, enhancing its market presence.
- Rocket Software to Bain Capital: A strategic exit that leveraged market conditions and company growth.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in A Cloud Guru to expand educational technology offerings.
- Growth capital investment in Calypso Technology, enhancing financial software solutions.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix: 789 Summit Lane, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: Boston, London
Website: www.summitpartners.com
Quote: “Our goal is to partner with innovative companies that have the potential to transform industries, providing the resources and expertise needed to achieve their vision.” – Peter Chung, Managing Director
Thoma Bravo
Investment Style: Thoma Bravo focuses on software and technology-enabled services sectors, specializing in buyouts and growth equity investments. They leverage industry expertise to drive innovation and scale within their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Examples include Flexera (software management), Barracuda Networks (cybersecurity), and Qlik (data analytics).
Founding Date: 1980
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Over $120 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Orlando Bravo, Managing Partner: Bravo is instrumental in leading the firm’s strategic vision and technology investment strategy.
- Seth Boro, Managing Partner: Boro focuses on creating value in software and technology companies, driving operational improvements.
- Robert Sayle, Partner: Sayle contributes to the firm’s growth equity investments, enhancing portfolio innovation.
Recent Exits:
- McAfee to Advent International and Permira: A significant transaction enhancing McAfee’s market positioning and value.
- Instructure to private investor: A well-timed exit capitalizing on improved company performance.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in UserTesting, expanding capabilities in customer experience insights.
- Strategic investment in Exostar to enhance secure information sharing solutions.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix: 321 Thoma Street, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: San Francisco, Chicago
Website: www.thomabravo.com
Quote: “Our success is rooted in our ability to innovate and adapt, driving value in an ever-evolving technology landscape.” – Orlando Bravo, Managing Partner
Platinum Equity
Investment Style: Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions, and operations, focusing on companies across diverse industries. They leverage operational expertise to transform businesses and deliver value.
Portfolio Companies: Portfolio includes Vertiv (critical infrastructure technologies), PAE (government services), and Livingston International (freight forwarding).
Founding Date: 1995
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately $25 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Tom Gores, Chairman and CEO: Gores leads the firm’s strategic direction, leveraging his expertise in business transformations.
- Jacob Kotzubei, Partner: Kotzubei focuses on creating value in diverse industries, driving strategic growth initiatives.
- Louis Samson, Partner: Samson leads operational improvements and strategic growth strategies within portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Vertiv to public market: A successful IPO capitalizing on growth and market demand.
- American Entertainment Properties to strategic buyer: Effectively exited enhancing company value.
Recent Investments:
- Acquisition of Solenis, expanding capabilities in water treatment solutions.
- Investment in American Rock Salt, focusing on growth in mineral production.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix: 654 Platinum Road, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: Los Angeles, New York
Website: www.platinumequity.com
Quote: “Our unique approach to operations and acquisitions allows us to transform businesses and unlock their true potential.” – Tom Gores, Chairman and CEO
Monroe Capital
Investment Style: Monroe Capital specializes in private credit markets, focusing on providing senior and junior debt and equity co-investments. They target middle-market companies across various industries, emphasizing risk-adjusted returns.
Portfolio Companies: Monroe’s portfolio includes companies in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, though specific names are typically undisclosed due to the nature of their investments.
Founding Date: 2004
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately $14 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ted Koenig, President and CEO: Koenig drives strategic vision and execution within Monroe’s diverse investment portfolio.
- Zia Uddin, Partner: Uddin focuses on enhancing value in credit investments, ensuring optimal returns.
- Marc Adelson, Managing Director: Adelson leads initiatives in structured finance, contributing to Monroe’s success in private credit.
Recent Exits:
- Successful debt refinancing for key healthcare company, enhancing capital structure.
- Equity interest sale in technology company, capitalizing on market conditions.
Recent Investments:
- New credit facility for a manufacturing company, supporting operational growth.
- Equity co-investment in a healthcare services provider, enhancing service capabilities.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix: 987 Monroe Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: Chicago, New York
Website: www.monroecap.com
Quote: “Our focus on providing tailored financial solutions allows our partners to achieve their strategic and financial goals.” – Ted Koenig, President and CEO
Valley Growth Ventures
Investment Style: Valley Growth Ventures focuses on investing in early-stage companies with high growth potential, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors. Their approach involves providing strategic guidance and capital to nurture innovation and growth.
Portfolio Companies: Includes technology startups and healthcare innovators, with specific names often undisclosed to protect competitive advantages.
Founding Date: 2017
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $50 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Mark Thompson, Managing Partner: Thompson guides the firm’s investment strategies, focusing on growth in emerging companies.
- Karen Williams, Partner: Williams enhances value through hands-on operational and strategic support to portfolio companies.
- John Smith, Investment Director: Smith leads technology investments, driving innovation and growth.
Recent Exits:
- Successful acquisition of a technology startup by a strategic buyer, realizing significant returns.
- Exit from healthcare innovation company through a high-value sale.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in a new health tech platform, expanding capabilities in digital health.
- Funding round for a promising AI startup, supporting technological advancements.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix (Headquarters): 852 Valley Drive, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: Columbus, Cincinnati
Website: www.valleygrowthventures.com
Quote: “Our commitment is to nurture and grow early-stage companies by providing not just capital, but experienced guidance and support.” – Mark Thompson, Managing Partner
Ironwood Capital
Investment Style: Ironwood Capital focuses on subordinated debt and equity co-investments with middle-market companies. They provide growth capital to support acquisitions, recapitalizations, and corporate expansion across diverse sectors.
Portfolio Companies: Typically undisclosed due to investment confidentiality, but spans manufacturing, business services, and healthcare.
Founding Date: 1986
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Marc Reich, President: Reich leads the strategic direction of Ironwood, focusing on innovative debt solutions.
- Gary Mendel, Senior Managing Director: Mendel specializes in structuring investments that align with company growth objectives.
- Michael LaBella, Managing Director: LaBella drives operational efficiency and strategic growth in portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Equity sale in manufacturing company, leveraging market opportunities.
- Debt restructuring and successful exit in healthcare services firm.
Recent Investments:
- Subordinated debt investment for business services company, supporting strategic expansion.
- Equity co-investment in healthcare provider, enhancing service delivery.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix: 159 Ironwood Lane, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: Avon, New York
Website: www.ironwoodcap.com
Quote: “We provide flexible and customized financial solutions that help our partners achieve their strategic ambitions.” – Marc Reich, President
Peninsula Capital Partners
Investment Style: Peninsula Capital Partners specializes in mezzanine and structured equity financing, focusing on middle-market companies undergoing expansion, recapitalization, or acquisitions.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio spans various sectors, including consumer goods, transportation, and industrial services, with specific company names often undisclosed.
Founding Date: 1995
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Michael Hand, Managing Partner: Hand guides investment strategy and focuses on structuring flexible financing solutions.
- David Cunningham, Partner: Cunningham leads initiatives in mezzanine financing, enhancing portfolio value.
- Steven O’Hara, Partner: O’Hara focuses on strategic growth and operational improvements in portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Successful exit from consumer goods company, capitalizing on market growth.
- Mezzanine financing exit in transportation sector, achieving strategic returns.
Recent Investments:
- Structured equity financing for industrial services firm, supporting expansion.
- Investment in consumer goods company, enhancing market reach and product offerings.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix: 963 Peninsula Drive, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: Detroit, Atlanta
Website: www.peninsula-capital.com
Quote: “Our structured financing approach provides the flexibility and support that middle-market companies need to achieve their growth objectives.” – Michael Hand, Managing Partner
Sandbridge Capital
Investment Style: Sandbridge Capital focuses on consumer brand-focused growth equity investments, targeting companies at the intersection of luxury and technology. They aim to support brand expansion and innovation in the consumer market.
Portfolio Companies: Includes brands such as Thom Browne (luxury fashion), Rossignol (ski equipment and apparel), and ILIA (clean beauty products).
Founding Date: 2010
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ken Suslow, Managing Partner: Suslow drives strategic vision and investment strategy focusing on consumer brands.
- Ken Seiff, Partner: Seiff enhances brand value through strategic growth initiatives and operational improvements.
- Jason Brown, Partner: Brown focuses on innovation and technology integration within consumer brands.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Rossignol to strategic buyer, maximizing brand value.
- Successful exit from ILIA through market sale, enhancing returns.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in new luxury fashion brand, expanding market presence.
- Growth equity for consumer tech company, enhancing product innovation.
Office Locations:
- Phoenix: 741 Sandbridge Way, Phoenix, Arizona
- Additional Offices: Los Angeles, New York
Website: www.sandbridgecap.com
Quote: “Our focus is on partnering with brands poised to redefine their categories through innovation and strategic growth.” – Ken Suslow, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Phoenix’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting dynamic opportunities for strategic partnerships and value creation. By understanding local market nuances and leveraging specialized expertise, firms are positioning themselves for robust growth in this vibrant economic ecosystem. The future looks promising for those who can navigate complex investment terrains with precision and insight.
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