Top Private Equity Firms in Vancouver

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Vancouver has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms, with industry leaders like Onex Corporation, Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group, and Fulcrum Capital Partners calling the city home. These firms leverage Vancouver’s strategic position, robust talent pool, and diverse economic landscape to drive investment success across multiple sectors. Investors seeking to connect with like-minded professionals can explore the vibrant private equity 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. They invest in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, industrials, and financial services, with a strong emphasis on operational improvements and strategic growth.

Portfolio Companies: Onex Corporation’s portfolio includes companies such as WestJet (Canadian airline), Ryan LLC (tax services and software provider), and Emerald Expositions (trade show operator).

Founding Date: 1984

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 350

Assets Under Management: Approximately $45 billion

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Gerry Schwartz, Founder and Chairman: Led the firm through numerous successful investments and played a key role in shaping the overall strategy.
  • Bobby Le Blanc, CEO: Focuses on driving portfolio company growth and enhancing value creation through strategic initiatives.

Recent Exits: Onex sold its interest in Advanced Integration Technology, a provider of automation and tooling, to a strategic acquirer.

Recent Investments: Onex invested in Analytic Partners, a global leader in marketing measurement and optimization.

Office Locations:

  • Toronto (Headquarters): Toronto, Ontario, 161 Bay Street
  • Additional Offices: New York, London

Website: www.onex.com

Quote: “Our approach to private equity is centered around partnership and building businesses that are leaders in their sectors.” – Gerry Schwartz, Founder and Chairman

Futuristic cityscape with illuminated skyscrapers at dusk, vibrant forest in the foreground.

Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group

Investment Style: Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group focuses on infrastructure investments and asset management, targeting sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, and energy efficiency. They aim to deliver sustainable, long-term value to their stakeholders.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes investments in Northland Power (renewable energy developer) and GCT Global Container Terminals (container terminal operator).

Founding Date: 1982

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 650

Assets Under Management: Approximately $100 billion

Key Investment Professionals:

  • Brian E. Kinney, CEO: Oversees the strategic direction and operational management of the firm.
  • Martin Gerber, Chief Investment Officer: Leads the investment strategy and portfolio management across various asset classes.
  • Matt O’Brien, Managing Director, Infrastructure: Specializes in infrastructure investments, focusing on renewable energy and transportation.

Recent Exits: Connor, Clark & Lunn successfully exited their investment in a large-scale wind farm in Ontario.

Recent Investments: Investment in a solar energy project in Alberta, enhancing their renewables portfolio.

Office Locations:

  • Vancouver (Headquarters): Vancouver, British Columbia, 2300 – 1111 West Georgia Street
  • Additional Offices: Toronto, Montreal, London, Boston

Website: www.cclgroup.com

Quote: “We believe in investing with a purpose, creating sustainable and impactful solutions for the communities we serve.” – Brian E. Kinney, CEO

Fulcrum Capital Partners

Investment Style: Fulcrum Capital Partners specializes in investing in mid-market companies with a focus on Canadian businesses. They deploy capital for growth, acquisitions, and refinancings across diverse industries, including manufacturing, distribution, and services.

Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like CCI Canadian Circuits Inc. (printed circuit boards manufacturer) and Heritage Office Furnishings (office furniture dealer).

Founding Date: 1993

Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20

Assets Under Management: Approximately $750 million

Key Investment Professionals:

  • David MacKenzie, Managing Partner: Focuses on building partnerships with entrepreneurs and business owners to drive growth.
  • Jeffrey Smith, Senior Managing Director: Specializes in strategic investments and creating value in portfolio companies through operational improvements.

Recent Exits: Fulcrum Capital Partners exited its investment in Kinetics Noise Control, a manufacturer of noise and vibration control products, through a strategic sale.

Recent Investments: Investment in a construction equipment rental company to accelerate growth and market expansion.

Office Locations:

  • Vancouver: Vancouver, British Columbia, 1111 Melville Street
  • Additional Offices: Toronto

Website: www.fulcrumcapital.ca

Quote: “Our goal is to be the partner of choice for Canadian mid-market businesses looking to grow and succeed.” – David MacKenzie, Managing Partner

Conclusion

Vancouver’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting dynamic opportunities for strategic investors. The city’s robust ecosystem nurtures sophisticated investment models that transform local enterprises. As the market matures, firms are increasingly leveraging sophisticated analytical tools and deep regional knowledge to identify promising ventures.

For weekly insights into exit strategies and acquisition dynamics, subscribe to my YouTube channel at @alexejpikovsky. Stay informed about the nuanced approaches that can maximize value when preparing for a potential business transition.

Alexej Pikovsky

started his career in investment banking at NOMURA in London. After completing $7bn+ M&A and financing deals, Alexej became an investor at a family office and subsequently at a multi-billion private equity fund where he gained board experience and exited a portfolio company to a listed chemicals business in Poland. End of 2019, Alexej started his founder journey, raising $4m+ from family offices and angels. Alexej is the founder of NUOPTIMA, a growth agency and also acquired, 96NORTH, a consumer brand in the USA.