Toronto has emerged as a premier hub for private equity firms, attracting global investment talent. Onex Corporation, Brookfield Asset Management, and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan represent the city’s robust private equity ecosystem. These firms leverage Toronto’s strategic location, diverse talent pool, and strong financial infrastructure to drive innovative investment strategies across multiple sectors. Investors seeking to connect with like-minded professionals can explore our thriving community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Onex Corporation
Investment Style: Onex Corporation focuses on acquiring and building high-quality businesses in partnership with talented management teams. Their strategy involves operational improvements, strategic acquisitions, and enhancing the growth potential of their portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Onex’s portfolio includes companies like WestJet (airline), Advanced Integration Technology (aerospace automation), and Ryan LLC (tax services and software).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 150 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $50 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Gerry Schwartz, Founder and Chairman: Provides strategic direction and leadership, ensuring the alignment of Onex’s investments with its long-term goals.
- Bobby Le Blanc, President: Oversees investment activities and is involved in the strategic growth of the firm’s investment portfolio.
Recent Exits: The successful IPO of Ryan LLC and the sale of Emerald Expositions to a strategic buyer.
Recent Investments: Acquired a significant stake in WestJet and invested in Advanced Integration Technology to expand its aerospace automation capabilities.
Office Locations:
- Toronto (Headquarters): 161 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario
- Additional Offices: New York, New Jersey, and London
Website: www.onex.com
Quote: “Our success comes from our ability to partner with management teams and align interests to build great businesses.” — Gerry Schwartz, Founder and Chairman
Brookfield Asset Management
Investment Style: Brookfield Asset Management focuses on investing in long-life, high-quality assets and businesses within the real estate, infrastructure, renewable power, and private equity sectors. They aim for operational improvements and long-term value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Brookfield’s portfolio includes companies such as Clarios (energy storage solutions), Genworth (mortgage insurance), and GrafTech International (graphite electrode solutions).
Founding Date: 1899
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 1,500 globally
Assets Under Management: Over $800 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Bruce Flatt, CEO: Leads the global operations and strategic direction of Brookfield, supporting the growth and development of its investment strategies.
- Anuj Ranjan, Managing Partner: Focuses on private equity and growth investments, playing a crucial role in the firm’s global investment initiatives.
Recent Exits: Divestment of its stake in OneMain Financial and the sale of its renewable energy assets in Brazil.
Recent Investments: Acquired Modulaire Group to enhance their infrastructure investments and invested in Clarios to grow its energy storage solutions.
Office Locations:
- Toronto (Headquarters): Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario
- Additional Offices: New York, London, Sydney, and São Paulo
Website: www.brookfield.com
Quote: “Our focus on operational improvement and long-term value creation sets us apart in the investment management industry.” — Bruce Flatt, CEO
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP)
Investment Style: OTPP invests in private equity, infrastructure, and real estate, pursuing direct investments, co-investments, and partnerships to achieve sustainable long-term growth for its beneficiaries.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Camelot Group (national lottery operator), PODS (portable storage solutions), and Ancestry (genealogy service).
Founding Date: 1990
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 300 globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $247 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jo Taylor, CEO: Oversees the strategic direction and management of OTPP’s investment activities globally.
- Satish Rai, CIO: Responsible for the overall investment strategy and asset management across OTPP’s investment portfolio.
Recent Exits: Sale of its stake in Spark Infrastructure and exit from the UK lottery operator, Camelot Group.
Recent Investments: Acquired a stake in the Carlyle Group’s renewable energy platform and invested in PODS to expand its market reach.
Office Locations:
- Toronto (Headquarters): 5650 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario
- Additional Offices: London, Hong Kong, and Singapore
Website: www.otpp.com
Quote: “We are committed to sustainable investment practices that deliver long-term value for our beneficiaries.” — Jo Taylor, CEO
Northleaf Capital Partners
Investment Style: Northleaf Capital Partners specializes in private equity, private credit, and infrastructure investments globally, focusing on mid-market opportunities and delivering value through active management and partnership with portfolio companies.
Portfolio Companies: Northleaf’s portfolio includes companies like Corsair (gaming peripherals), InstarAGF (infrastructure), and Millennium Trust Company (financial services).
Founding Date: 2009
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 150 professionals globally
Assets Under Management: Approximately $20 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Stuart Waugh, Managing Partner: Provides strategic leadership and oversees Northleaf’s investment activities globally.
- Michael Flood, Partner & Managing Director: Focuses on private credit strategies and contributes to the firm’s investment decision-making process.
Recent Exits: Sale of Corsair to a strategic buyer and divestment from InstarAGF’s infrastructure assets.
Recent Investments: Invested in Millennium Trust Company to expand its financial services offerings and infrastructure investments in renewables.
Office Locations:
- Toronto (Headquarters): 79 Wellington Street West, Toronto, Ontario
- Additional Offices: London, New York, and Sydney
Website: www.northleafcapital.com
Quote: “Our focus on mid-market opportunities and active portfolio management allows us to deliver superior returns for our investors.” — Stuart Waugh, Managing Partner
TorQuest Partners
Investment Style: TorQuest Partners specializes in private equity investments in middle-market companies, emphasizing buyouts, growth capital, and recapitalizations. They focus on partnering with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like VersaCold Logistics (supply chain solutions), Bartek Ingredients (chemical manufacturing), and Polycor (natural stone).
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately $7 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Brendan Calder, Senior Managing Partner: Provides strategic direction and leadership for TorQuest’s investment activities.
- Jonathan Fraser, Partner: Focuses on sourcing and executing investment opportunities and working with portfolio companies to create value.
Recent Exits: Sale of VersaCold Logistics to a strategic buyer and divestment from Bartek Ingredients.
Recent Investments: Acquired a controlling interest in Polycor to expand its natural stone business and invested in logistics and supply chain solutions.
Office Locations:
- Toronto (Headquarters): 161 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario
Website: www.torquest.com
Quote: “By partnering with management teams, we strive to unlock growth potential and drive operational excellence in our portfolio companies.” — Brendan Calder, Senior Managing Partner
CCMP Capital Advisors
Investment Style: CCMP Capital Advisors focuses on buyouts and growth equity investments in North America, targeting companies in consumer, industrial, and healthcare sectors. They aim to partner with management teams to create value through strategic and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Badger Sportswear (sports apparel), The Hillman Group (hardware solutions), and Pure Gym (fitness centers).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately $3.6 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Tim Walsh, Managing Partner: Oversees CCMP’s investment strategies and ensures alignment with the firm’s long-term investment objectives.
- Kevin O’Brien, Partner: Focuses on leading investment activities and working closely with portfolio companies to drive growth and value creation.
Recent Exits: Sale of Badger Sportswear to a strategic acquirer and the divestment of The Hillman Group.
Recent Investments: Invested in Pure Gym to enhance its fitness offerings and expand its presence in the market.
Office Locations:
- Toronto: 100 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Website: www.ccmpcapital.com
Quote: “Our strategy of partnering closely with management teams enables us to unlock growth and create sustainable value in our investments.” — Tim Walsh, Managing Partner
Imperial Capital Group
Investment Style: Imperial Capital Group specializes in mid-market private equity investments, focusing on buyouts and growth capital in healthcare, business services, and consumer sectors. They aim to create value through strategic partnerships and operational enhancements.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Dental Corporation (dental services), Ackerman Security (security services), and The Stevens Company (healthcare supplies).
Founding Date: 1989
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 25 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately $2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Jeff Rosenthal, Managing Partner: Leads Imperial Capital’s investment activities, focusing on identifying and executing investment opportunities.
- Stephen Lister, Partner: Provides strategic guidance and oversight for the firm’s portfolio companies.
Recent Exits: Sale of Dental Corporation to a strategic buyer and divestment from Ackerman Security.
Recent Investments: Acquired a controlling interest in The Stevens Company to expand its healthcare supplies business and invested in security services.
Office Locations:
- Toronto: 200 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Website: www.imperialcap.com
Quote: “Our ability to build strong partnerships with management teams and focus on operational enhancements sets us apart in the mid-market investment landscape.” — Jeff Rosenthal, Managing Partner
Trilantic North America
Investment Style: Trilantic North America focuses on growth equity and middle-market buyouts in the energy, business services, and consumer sectors. They aim to partner with management teams to drive strategic growth and enhance value.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies such as Indigo Natural Resources (energy), Sunrise Strategic Partners (consumer products), and Traxys (commodities trading).
Founding Date: 2009
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 40 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately $9.6 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Charlie Ayres, Chairman: Provides strategic guidance and oversight for Trilantic’s investment activities and portfolio management.
- Glenn Jacobson, Partner: Focuses on sourcing and executing investment opportunities in energy and business services sectors.
Recent Exits: Sale of its stake in Indigo Natural Resources and divestment from Sunrise Strategic Partners.
Recent Investments: Acquired a significant interest in Traxys to expand its commodities trading platform and energy investments.
Office Locations:
- Toronto: 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Website: www.trilantic.com
Quote: “Our ability to partner with talented management teams and focus on strategic growth initiatives differentiates us in the middle-market private equity space.” — Charlie Ayres, Chairman
Crescendo Partners
Investment Style: Crescendo Partners focuses on activist investments and strategic value creation in small to mid-cap public companies across North America. They aim to enhance shareholder value through operational improvements and strategic realignments.
Portfolio Companies: Crescendo’s portfolio includes companies like Hill International (construction consulting), Bridgewater Systems (software solutions), and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (asset management).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15 professionals
Assets Under Management: Approximately $1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Eric Rosenfeld, CEO: Leads Crescendo’s investment strategy and oversees the firm’s activist investment activities.
- Jeffrey Smith, Partner: Focuses on executing Crescendo’s investment strategy and working with portfolio companies to create shareholder value.
Recent Exits: Sale of Hill International to a strategic buyer and the divestment of Bridgewater Systems.
Recent Investments: Invested in Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers to enhance its asset management capabilities and software solutions.
Office Locations:
- Toronto: 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Website: www.crescendopartners.com
Quote: “Our focus on strategic value creation and enhancing shareholder value sets us apart in the activist investment landscape.” — Eric Rosenfeld, CEO
Conclusion
Toronto’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the city’s dynamic economic environment. These firms play a crucial role in transforming and scaling enterprises across various sectors. As the market matures, we can expect more sophisticated investment strategies and deeper engagement with local and international opportunities. For those seeking deeper insights into successful business exits and strategic acquisitions, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel at @alexejpikovsky for weekly expert analysis and practical guidance.