West Palm Beach has emerged as a prime location for private equity firms, hosting notable players like Sun Capital Partners, Comvest Partners, and Boyne Capital. These firms leverage the region’s strategic business environment, tax advantages, and proximity to diverse industries. With a robust ecosystem supporting investment activities, West Palm Beach attracts firms seeking innovative opportunities in middle-market sectors. Interested professionals can explore this dynamic landscape and connect with like-minded leaders by joining our community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Sun Capital Partners
Investment Style: Sun Capital Partners focuses on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in market-leading companies that can benefit from Sun Capital’s in-house operating professionals and experience. They target middle-market businesses in a variety of industries, including business services, consumer, healthcare, industrial, and technology.
Portfolio Companies: Sun Capital’s portfolio includes companies like Horizon Services (residential plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services), National Tree Company (seasonal and holiday decorations), and Florsheim Group (footwear designer and manufacturer).
Founding Date: 1995
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately $13 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Marc Leder, Co-CEO: Marc co-founded Sun Capital Partners and has an extensive background in private equity and investment banking, contributing to the firm’s strategic growth and investment direction.
- Rodger Krouse, Co-CEO: Also a co-founder, Rodger focuses on operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives across the portfolio.
- Jeffrey G. Aronson, Managing Director: Jeff is involved in major investment decisions and helps lead the firm’s global expansion efforts.
Recent Exits:
- Exited its investment in Aclara Technologies to Hubbell Incorporated for $1.1 billion, marking a strategic divestiture in the smart infrastructure sector.
- Sold Admiral Petroleum Company, a regional convenience store chain, to GPM Investments, showcasing their ability to enhance retail operations.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Century Distribution Systems, a global supply chain management company, to bolster their business services portfolio.
- Invested in Flamingo Horticulture, a leading supplier of flowers, plants, and fresh produce, expanding their presence in the consumer sector.
Office Locations:
- West Palm Beach: 5200 Town Center Circle, Suite 600, Boca Raton, FL 33486
- Additional Offices: Los Angeles, New York, London, Shenzhen, Shanghai
Website: www.suncappart.com
Quote: “We differentiate ourselves by focusing on operational improvements and partnering closely with management teams to unlock value and drive growth.” – Marc Leder, Co-CEO
Comvest Partners
Investment Style: Comvest Partners provides flexible capital solutions to middle-market companies across a wide array of industries. Their investment strategies include control equity, structured equity, and senior debt investments. Comvest aims to partner with businesses that have strong leadership teams and the potential for significant value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Comvest’s portfolio includes companies like Engage2Excel (employee recognition and engagement services), FiberLight (fiber network services), and ExamSoft (assessment platform for educational institutions).
Founding Date: 2000
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 80
Assets Under Management: Approximately $6.1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Michael Falk, Managing Partner: Michael oversees the firm’s strategic direction and investment activities, leveraging his extensive experience in private equity and corporate finance.
- Robert O’Sullivan, Senior Partner: Robert focuses on sourcing and executing investments, with a particular emphasis on operational enhancements.
- Mark Belinfanti, Senior Partner: Mark leads the firm’s healthcare investments strategy, driving growth and value creation in the sector.
Recent Exits:
- Exited its investment in Axispoint Health, a leading provider of care management services, to HGS Colibrium, demonstrating their healthcare sector expertise.
- Sold Lasko Products, an electric household fan and other home comfort products manufacturer, to Platinum Equity.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired ViroCyt, a high-performance analytics company, to expand their presence in the life sciences sector.
- Invested in Crestcom, a global leadership development and training organization, enhancing their business services portfolio.
Office Locations:
- West Palm Beach (Headquarters): 525 Okeechobee Blvd Suite 1050, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Additional Offices: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York
Website: www.comvest.com
Quote: “Our approach is centered around flexible capital solutions and collaborative partnerships with management teams to drive transformational growth.” – Michael Falk, Managing Partner
Boyne Capital
Investment Style: Boyne Capital specializes in investments in lower middle-market companies. They focus on buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth equity investments in companies across diverse industries, with a preference for founder-owned businesses. Boyne emphasizes strategic and operational enhancements to fuel growth and profitability.
Portfolio Companies: Boyne Capital’s portfolio includes companies like Americraft Cookware (premium cookware manufacturer), Fulfillment.com (global order fulfillment services), and A&A Transfer (specialized logistics and rigging services).
Founding Date: 2006
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately $750 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Matthew Rosen, Managing Partner: Matthew provides strategic direction for the firm’s investment strategies and maintains a hands-on approach with portfolio companies.
- Joseph Fernandez, Partner: Joseph leads deal sourcing and execution, with a focus on driving operational improvements.
- Fred Baumann, Partner: Fred has extensive experience in private equity and corporate development, contributing to the firm’s growth and success.
Recent Exits:
- Exited its investment in Americraft Cookware, enhancing their presence in the consumer goods sector.
- Sold Fulfillment.com to a strategic buyer, demonstrating their ability to grow and enhance logistics services.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired A&A Transfer, expanding their specialized logistics and rigging services portfolio.
- Invested in Turf Care Supply, a leading provider of lawn care products, broadening their consumer products offerings.
Office Locations:
- West Palm Beach (Headquarters): 335 Southern Blvd, Suite 116, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Website: www.boynecapital.com
Quote: “We are committed to partnering with founder-owned businesses and leveraging our operational expertise to drive sustainable growth and value.” – Matthew Rosen, Managing Partner
Blue Sea Capital
Investment Style: Blue Sea Capital focuses on investing in lower middle-market companies within the healthcare and industrial sectors. They engage in buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth equity investments, emphasizing operational enhancements and strategic growth initiatives to create long-term value.
Portfolio Companies: Blue Sea Capital’s portfolio includes DDS Lab (dental laboratory services), SignatureMD (concierge medicine services), and Deca Dental Group (dental practice management).
Founding Date: 2013
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $700 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- J.R. Davis, Managing Partner: J.R. has a strong track record in private equity and oversees the firm’s investment strategy and overall operations.
- Eric Hansen, Partner: Eric leads investments in the healthcare sector, focusing on growth and operational improvements.
- Abigail Beck, Principal: Abigail is responsible for deal sourcing and execution, with an emphasis on value creation strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Exited its investment in DDS Lab to a strategic buyer, enhancing their presence in the healthcare services market.
- Sold SignatureMD to a private equity firm, demonstrating their capabilities in growing healthcare platforms.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Deca Dental Group, expanding their dental practice management platform.
- Invested in Photo Etch, a precision parts manufacturer, broadening their industrial portfolio.
Office Locations:
- West Palm Beach (Headquarters): 222 Lakeview Avenue, Suite 1500, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Website: www.blueseacapital.com
Quote: “We pride ourselves on partnering with companies in the healthcare and industrial sectors that are poised for growth and operational transformation.” – J.R. Davis, Managing Partner
New Water Capital
Investment Style: New Water Capital is a private equity firm targeting lower middle-market companies in the consumer, industrial manufacturing, and services sectors. They focus on companies with potential for growth and operational improvements, leveraging their experience to support strategic initiatives and value creation.
Portfolio Companies: New Water Capital’s portfolio includes companies like Custom Made Meals (prepared food services), Pegasus Foods (frozen foods manufacturer), and Trillium Health Care Products (contract manufacturer of healthcare products).
Founding Date: 2014
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Brian McGee, Managing Partner: Brian oversees the firm’s investment strategy and portfolio management, with a focus on leveraging operational improvements for growth.
- Derek Butler, Partner: Derek leads deal sourcing and execution, driving value creation initiatives across the portfolio.
- Jessica Yuen, Principal: Jessica is involved in the firm’s investment activities, with a focus on consumer sector opportunities.
Recent Exits:
- Exited its investment in Pegasus Foods, a leading frozen foods manufacturer, to a strategic buyer.
- Sold Trillium Health Care Products to a corporate acquirer, showcasing their expertise in enhancing healthcare manufacturing operations.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Custom Made Meals, expanding their prepared food services capabilities.
- Invested in Chainlogix, a supply chain management solutions provider, broadening their business services portfolio.
Office Locations:
- West Palm Beach (Headquarters): 324 Datura Street, Suite 305, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Website: www.newwatercap.com
Quote: “Our focus is on operational improvements and strategic growth to unlock hidden value and drive sustainable performance.” – Brian McGee, Managing Partner
Linley Capital
Investment Style: Linley Capital specializes in lower middle-market private equity investments, focusing on buyouts and growth equity in manufacturing, industrial services, and business services sectors. The firm emphasizes partnership with management teams to execute strategic growth plans and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Linley Capital’s portfolio includes companies like Ace Manufacturing (manufacturer of clutch systems), and Rhino Assembly (assembly tools and equipment distribution).
Founding Date: 2004
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 5
Assets Under Management: Not publicly disclosed
Key Investment Professionals:
- Chris Reardon, Managing Partner: Chris is responsible for leading the firm’s investment strategy and portfolio management, with a focus on operational excellence.
- David Rubinson, Partner: David focuses on sourcing and executing investments, driving growth and value creation initiatives.
Recent Exits:
- Exited its investment in Ace Manufacturing, enhancing their presence in the industrial manufacturing sector.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Rhino Assembly, expanding their assembly tools and equipment distribution capabilities.
Office Locations:
- West Palm Beach (Headquarters): 222 Lakeview Avenue, Suite 1600, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Website: www.linleycapital.com
Quote: “We partner with management teams to drive strategic growth and operational excellence, creating value for all stakeholders.” – Chris Reardon, Managing Partner
Charlesbank Capital Partners
Investment Style: Charlesbank Capital Partners is a middle-market private equity firm that invests across a broad range of industries, including consumer, industrial, business services, and healthcare. They focus on management-led buyouts, growth capital, and special situations, leveraging operational expertise to drive value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Charlesbank Capital Partners’ portfolio includes companies like Tecomet (medical device contract manufacturing), On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (restaurant chain), and Park Place Technologies (IT infrastructure management).
Founding Date: 1998
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately $5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Michael Choe, CEO: Michael is responsible for the firm’s overall strategic direction and investment activities, with a focus on operational improvements and growth strategies.
- Laura Grattan, Managing Director: Laura leads investments in the consumer and business services sectors, driving value creation initiatives.
- Ryan Carroll, Managing Director: Ryan focuses on healthcare investments, leveraging his extensive industry expertise to enhance portfolio company performance.
Recent Exits:
- Exited its investment in Tecomet through a sale to a strategic acquirer, demonstrating their capabilities in enhancing medical manufacturing operations.
- Sold On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina to another private equity firm, showcasing their expertise in the restaurant sector.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired Park Place Technologies, expanding their IT infrastructure management capabilities.
- Invested in Rockport, a leading footwear brand, broadening their consumer portfolio.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): 200 Clarendon Street, Floor 54, Boston, MA 02116
- Additional Offices: New York, West Palm Beach
Website: www.charlesbank.com
Quote: “Our focus is on partnering with strong management teams to drive operational improvements and create sustainable value.” – Michael Choe, CEO
Transom Capital Group
Investment Style: Transom Capital Group is a private equity firm focused on complex situations in the middle market, including turnarounds, recapitalizations, and growth equity investments. They prioritize operational improvements and strategic growth opportunities to enhance value.
Portfolio Companies: Transom Capital Group’s portfolio includes companies like Pelco (video security solutions), and WolfePak Software (oil and gas accounting software).
Founding Date: 2008
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 15
Assets Under Management: Approximately $500 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Ty Schultz, Managing Partner: Ty leads the firm’s strategic direction and investment activities, with a focus on operational improvements and growth strategies.
- Russ Roenick, Managing Partner: Russ oversees deal sourcing and execution, driving value creation initiatives across the portfolio.
- Scott Rosen, Principal: Scott is involved in the firm’s investment activities, with a focus on technology sector opportunities.
Recent Exits:
- Exited its investment in Pelco, a leading video security solutions provider, to Motorola Solutions.
Recent Acquisitions:
- Acquired WolfePak Software, enhancing their presence in the oil and gas software sector.
Office Locations:
- Los Angeles (Headquarters): 11601 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2170, Los Angeles, CA 90025
- Additional Offices: West Palm Beach
Website: www.transomcapital.com
Quote: “Our approach is to partner with management teams to unlock potential through operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.” – Ty Schultz, Managing Partner
Conclusion
West Palm Beach’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting remarkable opportunities for strategic business transformations. These firms play a crucial role in reshaping local economic dynamics, driving value creation and operational excellence across diverse sectors. As the region’s financial ecosystem grows more sophisticated, private equity remains a key catalyst for sustainable growth and innovation.
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