Lower Middle Market Investment Criteria
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Mature Businesses with at least 5 years of Operating History
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$2 to $25M in EBITDA with at least a 3-year history of earnings within this range
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Sales of more than $10 Million with demonstrated or a clear path to double-digit operating margins
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Primarily Family-Owned Businesses, but will consider carveouts from a corporation or take-privates
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Track record of positive annual organic growth (2% or more over last 3 years)
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North American Headquarters
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Mature Industries excluding commodities, natural resources, or overly cyclical businesses (construction, real estate, etc.)
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Stable and Diversified Client Mix
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Sufficient Layer of Competent, Non-owner Management
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Established Niche Expertise, Strong Brand Name, or Strong Reputation
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Closely Held Ownership Looking to Retire
Search Fund Investment Criteria
- Traditional and Self-funded search opportunities
- A demonstrated growth path
- Modeled 35% IRRs
- Fragmented industries with a lack of “sophisticated” players
- Ambitious entrepreneurs that are coachable and place a high emphasis on transparency and communication