ATLANTA & CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kian Capital Partners (“Kian”), a lower-middle-market-focused private investment firm, is proud to announce the closing of a single-asset continuation fund to reinvest in SPATCO Energy Solutions, expanding Kian’s assets under management to just over $1 billion. The transaction provides liquidity to existing investors seeking to monetize performance to date while providing Apogem and other new continuation fund investors the opportunity to invest.
SPATCO is a leading fueling infrastructure services provider in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southwest, offering forward-thinking, turnkey solutions for America’s petroleum and EV-charging infrastructure operators. SPATCO was founded in 1935 and serves full-service convenience stores, fueling centers, electric vehicle charging locations, local and state municipalities and commercial fleet operators with a broad portfolio of services.
Kian originally invested in SPATCO in 2015 with the firm’s inaugural fund, Kian Mezzanine Partners I, L.P., providing subordinated debt and minority equity to support smaller add-on acquisitions. In September 2020, Kian acquired a controlling interest in SPATCO via an investment from Kian Mezzanine Partners II, L.P. After completing the recapitalization, John Force was promoted to CEO after working for SPATCO for over 20 years. Under his leadership, the platform has evolved into one of the nation’s leading fueling infrastructure solutions providers, with a people-centric and customer-focused foundation and a skilled field technician base regarded widely for its capabilities, fast response times and leading first-time fix rates. Since 2020, EBITDA has quadrupled as a result of eight strategic add-on acquisitions and several new branch openings. SPATCO has 33 offices spanning 16 states and approximately 1,000 team members as of June 30th, 2024.
“The completion of this continuation vehicle is a significant milestone not only for the future of SPATCO but also for our firm, as we now have over $1 billion in capital under management,” said Kian Co-Founder and Managing Partner Kevin McCarthy. “We are humbled and excited to extend our firm’s relationship with Apogem and welcome new investor relationships with blue-chip firms, including Siguler Guff and RCP Advisors. We believe there is significant opportunity for continued growth and look forward to continuing to partner with John Force and the incredible team at SPATCO.”
“As we enter this next chapter, we plan to continue executing on the robust growth plan we have developed, including rapidly expanding SPATCO’s team of technicians and continuing to pursue M&A in a highly fragmented and growing fueling infrastructure market,” said Kian Partner Jordan Lee. “We are confident that there is a long runway ahead of SPATCO, and our shared vision for the future of the platform will further solidify SPATCO as the industry’s service partner of choice.”
“With this additional investment, we are excited to build on our track record of success by adding density in existing markets and planting flags in new territories, as well as expand our scope of services for our customers,” continued SPATCO CEO John Force, who will retain ownership in the business alongside the rest of SPATCO’s leadership team. “Additionally, SPATCO will continue to expand and support its customers in the buildout and maintenance of the nation’s EV infrastructure, which is absolutely essential as technology continues to propel innovation in the energy infrastructure and equipment services sector.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the team at Kian to drive the platform’s continued growth and expansion. Kian has done an outstanding job executing its M&A and organic growth strategy thus far, as SPACTO has grown to become a high-performing business and a leader within their market,” added Apogem Capital Managing Director Mike Zeleniuch.
Campbell Lutyens acted as exclusive financial advisor to Kian and SPATCO. DLA Piper and Robinson Bradshaw acted as Kian’s legal advisors. Bass Berry Simms served as legal counsel for Apogem Capital.
In conjunction with the closing of the continuation fund, SPATCO completed a refinancing of its debt facilities raising over $200 million of new debt capital to support the company’s growth. Barings and NXT Capital provided new senior financing, and New Canaan Funding and Wells Fargo Strategic Capital provided mezzanine financing.
About SPATCO Energy Solutions
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with 33 offices and 1,000 team members, SPATCO is a leading sales, service and maintenance, installation, and compliance provider to fueling infrastructure providers across the United States. The company is one of Dover Fueling Solutions’ largest distributors of Wayne products and offers complete environmental compliance, assessment and remediation services. With almost 90 years of experience, SPATCO employs a differentiated service-oriented model on behalf of a diverse and longstanding customer base that includes retail, industrial, commercial fleet and electric vehicle charging and fueling companies. To learn more, visit www.spatco.com.
About Kian Capital Partners
At Kian, we forge partnerships to ignite growth and build enduring value. Our goal is to provide flexible financial resources and additional operational horsepower to scale lower-middle-market businesses, realize aspirations and deliver long-term investment returns through genuine partnership. Proud to be recognized on Inc.’s Founder-Friendly Investors list for three consecutive years, Kian is a private investment firm with $1 billion of capital under management and a focus on four core industry sectors: consumer, services, value-added distribution and specialty manufacturing. Our team of seasoned investors has over 100 years of collective experience providing transformational capital solutions and board-level strategic and operational guidance to founder/owner operated businesses. To learn more, visit www.kiancapital.com.
About Apogem Capital
Apogem Capital, a New York Life Investments Company offers investors access to the middle market’s growth engine through investments in established private companies and funds. With more than $42 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2024, the firm manages a streamlined suite of capital solutions, including direct lending, junior debt, primary fund investments, secondary investments, equity co-investments, GP stakes, and private real assets. Apogem Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company (“NYLIC”), through New York Life Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“NYLIM”). For more information about Apogem, please visit apogemcapital.com.
NEW YORK – Apogem Capital LLC (Apogem), a leading alternatives investment firm, today announced the appointments of Josh Niedner as Chief Executive Officer and Chris Stringer as President, effective immediately.
“Apogem has a long-standing history as a leading middle market alternatives investor, given its scale, deep relationships, and established strategies,” said Naïm Abou-Jaoudé, CEO of New York Life Investment Management. “Josh and Chris have deep industry expertise and are proven leaders in the alternatives space. Together, they are uniquely positioned to lead Apogem as we continue to evolve the business to meet our clients’ needs and deliver meaningful outcomes that distinguish and differentiate Apogem in the alternatives space.”
Mr. Niedner is currently Apogem’s Head of Private Credit. In his expanded role as CEO, he will set Apogem’s vision and lead its strategic planning to drive the business forward—continuing to bring innovative solutions to clients in the alternatives industry. Mr. Niedner will also oversee the operations, finance and administrative functions of the firm, while continuing to lead the Private Credit business.
Mr. Stringer is currently Apogem’s interim CEO and Head of Private Equity. In his new capacity as President, he will collaborate closely with Mr. Niedner to lead important initiatives including, strategy, recruiting and deepening relationships with third-party clients and private equity firms. Mr. Stringer will continue to lead the Private Equity business.
“Josh’s appointment as CEO is a great opportunity for Apogem and I’m delighted to work in close partnership with him to continue to lead the firm forward,” said Mr. Stringer. “I look forward to focusing on what I consider my passion—developing and building our robust suite of investment capabilities and engaging with our clients as Head of Private Equity.”
Mr. Niedner lauded the Apogem team and the firm’s expertise as he assumes the CEO role. “I’m excited to lead our incredibly talented people as we leverage our time-tested investment capabilities along with the broad sourcing networks that have driven consistently strong performance over time. I look forward to building on that success as we work together to propel our business forward.”
About Apogem Capital
Apogem Capital, a New York Life Investments Company offers investors access to the middle market’s growth engine through investments in established private companies and funds. With more than $41 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023, the firm manages a streamlined suite of capital solutions, including direct lending, junior debt, primary fund investments, secondary investments, equity co-investments, GP stakes, and private real assets. Apogem Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company (“NYLIC”), through New York Life Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“NYLIM”). For more information about Apogem, please visit apogemcapital.com.
About New York Life Investments
With over $716 billion in Assets Under Management as of December 31, 2023, New York Life Investments, Pensions and Investments’ 25th Largest Money Manager*, is comprised of the affiliated global asset management businesses of its parent company, New York Life Insurance Company, and offers clients access to specialized, independent investment teams through its family of affiliated boutiques. New York Life Investments remains committed to clients through a combination of the diverse perspectives of its boutiques and a long-lasting focus on sustainable relationships.
NEW YORK, January 17, 2024 — Apogem Capital and OA Private Capital today announced the final closing of their RidgeLake Partners (“RidgeLake”) debut middle market focused GP stakes fund with over $1.1 billion in total commitments. RidgeLake launched its GP stakes program to provide investors access to minority equity investments in middle market GPs with approximately $1 to $10 billion of AUM. The RidgeLake program consists of both the main fund and a related co-investment vehicle.
“We are truly grateful for the support and confidence our investors have shown in us, particularly in today’s challenging fundraising environment,” said Todd Milligan, Managing Director at Apogem Capital and co-head of RidgeLake Partners. “We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of the attractive GP stakes investment opportunity given our long-tenured private markets history and more than 300 combined GP relationships within the middle market.”
RidgeLake’s investor base is composed of a diverse group of limited partners, including commitments from insurance company, wealth management, foundation, family office, and high net worth investors. The RidgeLake team has completed six investments to date in the fund and will seek to expand the portfolio by leveraging its existing GP relationships and deep connectivity within the middle market.
“We are excited about the opportunity to provide growth capital and strategic value to our GP partners while allowing their management teams to maintain their entrepreneurial spirit and incentive to deliver strong performance,” said Michael Lunt, Managing Director at OA Private Capital and co-head of RidgeLake Partners. “It’s a true partnership approach where we strive to add value long after the investment closes through our network and middle market experience.”
Capstone Partners, a Mizuho Company, served as placement agent for the fund, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP provided legal counsel to RidgeLake.
About RidgeLake Partners
RidgeLake Partners, a strategic partnership between OA Private Capital and Apogem Capital, a New York Life Investments affiliate, focuses on acquiring minority equity stakes in middle market private equity firms. RidgeLake seeks to partner with firms focused on buyout, growth, distressed, secondaries, real assets, or opportunistic credit strategies across the private markets. RidgeLake aims to forge long-term relationships with its general partners, bringing strategic counsel from more than 40 years of combined middle market investment experience.
Media Contacts
Alexa Foley
Sloane & Company
585-953-8376
afoley@sloanepr.com
Apogem Capital (“Apogem”) held a final close for PA Real Assets Fund III (the “Fund” or “PARAF III”) on September 28, 2022, with approximately $265 million in total commitments. The Fund exceeded its target fund size of $200 million and increased third party capital commitments by over 80% from the predecessor fund.
“We are grateful to our limited partners who remain committed to Apogem’s private real assets total return-focused investment strategy,” said Chris Stringer, Interim CEO of Apogem Capital.
Zac McCarroll, Apogem’s Head of Real Assets, added, “The commitment of our partners has enabled Apogem to exceed our target fund size in a very challenging fundraising environment – we can now take advantage of the investment opportunity in front of us.”
Apogem’s dedicated Real Assets Team is focused on building a diversified portfolio across natural resources sectors, with an emphasis on identifying asymmetric return opportunities and generating cash yield. The Fund is expected to primarily consist of direct equity co-investments and secondaries.
Relative to other segments of capital markets, which have seen a rapid build-up in dry powder, capital has fled the real assets space, limiting investment in capex and exploration and constraining future supply. “We believe this capital constraint, coupled with the durable, growing demand for natural resources necessary to fuel economic advancement and the energy transition, has created a compelling opportunity to invest in profitable companies with long tailwinds at attractive valuations,” said Zac McCarroll.
The Fund’s limited partner base includes endowments, single and multi-family offices, and pension funds. PARAF III experienced a strong re-up rate of LPs from prior Apogem Real Assets funds, as well as several new investors, signifying growing interest in the space. Apogem employees also made meaningful commitments.
Please reach out to ApogemIR@apogemcapital.com with any questions or to learn more.
About Apogem Capital
Apogem Capital was formed in April 2022 through the combination of PA Capital, Madison Capital Funding and GoldPoint Partners to create a singular and unified, world class private markets’ investment firm. With approximately $39 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2022, we believe Apogem has the deep relationships, data, and history in the middle market to deliver innovative solutions to both clients and sponsors. Apogem Capital offers investors access to the middle market’s growth engine through investments in leading private companies and funds. The Firm manages a streamlined suite of capital solutions, including direct lending, junior debt, primary fund investments, secondary investments, equity-co-investments, GP stakes, and private real assets. Apogem Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company (“NYLIC”), through New York Life Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“NYLIM”).
Media Contacts
Allison Scott
Zef Vataj
New York, NY – Apogem Capital (“Apogem”) held a final close for PA Secondary Fund VI (the “Fund” or “PASF VI”) on June 30, 2022, with approximately $614 million in total commitments. The Fund exceeded its target fund size of $500 million and more than doubled the size of its predecessor fund. Apogem’s Secondaries Team, implementing the same investment strategy, is continuing to build a diversified portfolio of complex and traditional growth, buyout and turnaround investments in the North American middle market through negotiated secondary market purchases.
PASF VI is already capitalizing on the firm’s larger market presence as Apogem, a $39 billion private markets’ investment manager, through its expansive private equity sponsor relationships and increased deal flow generated by the broader platform. The team is aiming to facilitate deals with a research advantage, or a more limited competitive dynamic achieved through existing relationships.
“We believe our leadership position in the middle market is even stronger following the closing of the merger with PA Capital, Madison Capital and GoldPoint Partners,” said Michael Zeleniuch, Managing Director at Apogem Capital. “We offer innovative and timely solutions to LPs and GPs and believe our PASF VI program1, which represents almost $900 million in committed capital, has never been more relevant. The addressable universe of middle market LP and GP secondaries that we pursue continues to grow, and we feel we are exceptionally well positioned given our multi-decade history in the space.”
The Fund’s limited partner base consists of several new investors, including single family offices and pension funds, as well as many existing investors from the firm’s prior Secondary funds.
Chris Stringer, Interim CEO of Apogem said, “We are grateful for the support of our partners in this fundraise, and we are excited to continue delivering creative secondary market solutions well into the future.”
Apogem employees and the firm’s parent, New York Life, also made meaningful commitments.
About Apogem Capital
Apogem Capital was formed in April 2022 through the combination of PA Capital, Madison Capital Funding and GoldPoint Partners to create a singular and unified, world class private markets’ investment firm. With approximately $39 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2022, we believe Apogem has the deep relationships, data, and history in the middle market to deliver innovative solutions to both clients and sponsors. Apogem Capital offers investors access to the middle market’s growth engine through investments in leading private companies and funds. The Firm manages a streamlined suite of capital solutions, including direct lending, junior debt, primary fund investments, secondary investments, equity co-investments, GP stakes, private real assets and long/short equity. Apogem Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company (“NYLIC”), through New York Life Investment Management Holdings, LLC (“NYLIM”).
Media Contacts
Allison Scott
Zef Vataj
[1] Includes the PA Secondary Fund VI, LP fund vehicle as well as separate accounts invested alongside the fund.
Richmond, VA – PA Capital (“PA” or “Firm”), a leading private equity investor in the North American middle market, held final closes for two of its private equity funds earlier this year. The Firm closed its ninth flagship private equity fund, PA Small Company Private Equity Fund IX (“Fund IX”) at $473 million, above its $350 million target. The Firm also closed PA Small Company Co-investment Fund II (“Co-invest II”) at its $200 million hard cap.
Consistent with PA’s predecessor multi-manager funds, Fund IX invests with an emphasis on the lower end of the middle market, building a diversified portfolio of fund investments, co-investments, and secondary investments. Co-invest II seeks to capitalize on the firm’s co-investment deal flow generated through its deep GP relationships.
Chris Stringer, President of PA said, “We are excited to close two successful fundraises and are grateful for the continued support of our LPs. Both funds are demonstrating strong results out of the gate implementing the strategy and process we’ve refined over the last 20 years.”
PA’s private equity program has continued to find value in today’s private equity market while remaining focused on generating returns through business building strategies instead of financial leverage. In a period of record high valuations, PA’s strategies have continued to find what the team believes are attractive opportunities at below market purchase multiples. The two funds’ limited partner base consists of new and existing institutional investors including pension plans, foundations, endowments, insurance companies, and family offices. PA employees and the firm’s parent organization, New York Life, also made meaningful commitments.
About PA Capital
PA is a specialized private investment firm managing over $7 billion in assets across private equity, private real assets, and long/short equity.1 PA provides access to the middle market through targeted portfolios of fund investments, secondaries, and direct co-investments. The firm’s competitive advantages are a result of 20+ years of dedicated middle market focus, enabling its team to build relationships, proprietary data sets, and specialized underwriting tools. PA is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investments Alternatives LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company through New York Life Investment Management Holdings, LLC.
Media Contacts
Allison Scott
Kate Sylvester
[1] Estimated as of December 31, 2021
Southlake, TX – Gauge Capital (“Gauge” or the “Firm”), a leading growth-oriented middle market private equity firm, is pleased to announce that RidgeLake Partners (“RidgeLake”) has made a strategic investment in the Firm. Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The investment from RidgeLake, a partnership between PA Capital and Ottawa Avenue Private Capital that focuses on acquiring minority equity stakes in middle market private equity firms, is expected to support the future growth of Gauge and its investment activities across the healthcare, technology, business services, government & industrial services, and food & consumer sectors. There are no planned changes in Gauge’s investment processes nor day-to- day management of the Firm.
“We are excited to have RidgeLake as a strategic long-term partner for Gauge through the next phase of our firm’s growth,” said Drew Johnson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Gauge. “The RidgeLake team brings over 40 years of combined experience as a value-added investor and capital partner to leading private equity firms. We believe their thought leadership in the middle market makes them an ideal strategic partner as we strive to deliver superior returns for our investors,” commented Tom McKelvey, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Gauge.
“Having known Gauge since their inception, we have witnessed their historical ability to deliver outstanding performance through a long-term, sustainable approach to value creation. We believe Gauge is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities emerging within their targeted sectors for years to come,” said Todd Milligan, Co-Head of RidgeLake Partners. “As the largest investor in their own funds, Gauge has built strong alignment with their investors, portfolio companies, and employees. We are excited to help Gauge further strengthen this alignment going-forward,” added Michael Lunt, Co-Head of RidgeLake Partners.
About Gauge Capital
Gauge Capital is a leading middle-market private equity firm based in Southlake, Texas. Gauge invests in five key sectors: healthcare, technology, business services, government & industrial services, and food & consumer. The firm manages over $2.0 billion in capital and in 2020, Inc. Magazine named Gauge one of the top 50 private equity firms for founders. In 2021, Gauge was also named to the Top 50 PE Firms in the Middle Market by Grady Campbell. For more information, please visit: www.gaugecapital.com
About RidgeLake Partners
RidgeLake Partners is a strategic partnership between PA Capital and Ottawa Avenue Private Capital focused on acquiring minority equity stakes in successful middle market private equity firms. RidgeLake seeks to partner with firms focused on buyout, growth, distressed, secondaries or real assets strategies across the private markets. RidgeLake forges long-term relationships with its GP partners, and brings strategic counsel borne from more than 40 years of combined middle market investment experience.
Buffalo, N.Y. – Summer Street Capital Partners, LLC (“Summer Street”) is pleased to announce the closing of a continuation fund transaction, continuing Summer Street’s control ownership in Coastal Waste & Recycling, Inc. (“Coastal”), and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Summer Street partnered with PA Capital to form a Summer Street managed single-asset continuation fund that includes substantial additional capital to support Coastal’s organic and M&A growth strategy. The fund is capitalized primarily by funds managed by PA Capital and co-investors, Glouston Capital Partners, and Unigestion. Coastal remains a portfolio company of Summer Street with no change in control. Summer Street’s leadership team also expanded its investment commitment to the new continuation fund.
Founded in 2017 by Summer Street and CEO, Brendon Pantano, Coastal is an integrated waste services company providing waste collection, processing, and recycling services to residential, municipal, industrial, and commercial customers throughout Florida and expanding in the Southeast region. Over the past few years, Coastal has significantly expanded its operations and geographic footprint through organic growth and the completion of 14 acquisitions. Today the company operates 11 facilities across its footprint, employing over 450 people and operating over 250 trucks.
“With a talented, energetic team and substantial long-term growth opportunity in front of Coastal, it was a natural next step to raise additional capital,” commented Brian D’Amico, Managing Partner at Summer Street Capital. “The new fund provides Coastal the capital and time to continue its growth. We are excited to continue to support Coastal and help the leadership team capitalize on the many opportunities that exist for the company.”
“Since we started the company a few years ago, Coastal has established itself as a leading independent waste services company in Florida. Summer Street’s deep industry experience and support has allowed us to build a strong platform focused on providing exceptional service for our customers,” said Brendon Pantano, CEO of Coastal. “I look forward to continuing the partnership and further accelerating Coastal’s growth organically and through acquisition.”
Managing Director at PA Capital, Michael Zeleniuch stated, “We believe Summer Street has a strong 20- year track record of building leading regional solid waste platforms. We are excited to partner with Summer Street and the Coastal Waste team as they continue to build lasting value in the platform.”
Sixpoint Partners served as Summer Street’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
More information on Coastal Waste & Recycling can be found at www.coastalwasteinc.com.
About Summer Street Capital Partners
Summer Street Capital Partners, LLC, founded in 1999, is a Buffalo, NY-based private equity fund manager with committed capital focused on investing in small and middle-market companies in manufacturing as well as business and environmental services. The firm is a leading investor in the environmental services sector, with nearly 20 years of experience acquiring and building companies in waste collection, transportation, and disposal across the eastern United States. Summer Street’s investments support management buyouts, family transitions, corporate divestitures, growth financings, and recapitalizations. Visit www.summerstreetcapital.com for additional information.
About PA Capital
PA Capital (formerly known as Private Advisors) is a specialized private investment firm managing over $6 billion in assets as of June 30, 2021. The firm provides access to the Low Mid Market, investing in Private Equity, Private Real Assets, and Long/Short Equity and constructing targeted portfolios of fund investments, secondaries, and direct co-investments. PA Capital’s competitive advantages are a result of 20+ years of dedicated focus on the Low Mid Market, enabling the team to build strong relationships, proprietary data sets, and specialized underwriting tools. PA Capital LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of New York Life Investments Alternatives LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company through New York Life Investment Management Holdings, LLC. www.pacapital.com
New York – Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm that invests in promising midmarket companies, today announced a strategic partnership led by funds managed by Blackstone’s GP Stakes business (“Blackstone”) and including RidgeLake Partners (“RidgeLake”). As investors with deep experience partnering with top-tier private equity firms, Blackstone and RidgeLake take a long-term approach to collaborating with general partners. Blackstone and RidgeLake are providing primary equity capital as minority investors.
Blackstone’s GP Stakes business specializes in value-added, long-term partnerships with leading private-market alternative asset managers. The partnership will give Sentinel’s portfolio companies access to Blackstone’s group purchasing programs, which leverage the buying power of the $150 billion revenue base across Blackstone’s entire investment platform. Sentinel will also be able to draw from a wide range of other services Blackstone provides internally and to its portfolio companies, including sustainability, ESG and cybersecurity.
The investment from RidgeLake, a partnership between PA Capital and Ottawa Avenue Private Capital, will give Sentinel access to additional sources of potential deal flow and industry know-how. RidgeLake brings more than 40 years of experience as an active private markets investor and industry thought leader in the middle market.
“In Blackstone and RidgeLake, Sentinel has partnered with two outstanding firms that we believe bring significant strategic value,” said John McCormack, Co-Founder and Senior Partner. Added David Lobel, Sentinel’s Founder and Managing Partner, “Blackstone is sharing with us the resources of its extraordinary platform, which we expect to bring tangible advantages in terms of value creation and proprietary intellectual capital. And RidgeLake’s broad network and unique set of industry relationships open new possibilities for expanding our deal flow and augmenting our operating capabilities. These exciting enhancements have the potential to position Sentinel to create additional enterprise value for our portfolio companies, access untapped deal flow sources, and use balance sheet capital to pursue opportunistic investment opportunities.”
“Sentinel has established a stellar reputation since its founding and has a track record that has placed it at the top of its competitive space. We are delighted to be entering into this partnership with the Sentinel team,” said Mustafa M. Siddiqui, Head of Blackstone’s GP Stakes business. “Our partnership will help Sentinel access a broad set of strategic opportunities and enhance their ability to deliver attractive investment returns,” added Ward Young, a Managing Director at Blackstone.
“Over 25 years, Sentinel has built an impressive private equity team, with what we view as an exceptional track record,” said Michael Lunt and Todd Milligan, Co-Heads of RidgeLake Partners. “Sentinel’s prudent investment approach has stood the test of time, and we believe the firm will continue thriving in the years ahead. We look forward to partnering with them to further extend their network of relationships in the market.”
About Sentinel Capital Partners
Sentinel specializes in buying and building midmarket businesses in the United States and Canada in partnership with management. Sentinel targets aerospace and defense, business services, consumer, distribution, food and restaurants, franchising, healthcare, and industrial businesses. Sentinel invests in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate divestitures, going-private transactions, and structured equity investments of established businesses with EBITDA of up to $80 million. Sentinel also invests in special situations, including balance sheet restructurings, operational turnarounds, and minority junior capital solutions. For more information about Sentinel, visit www.sentinelpartners.com.
About Blackstone
Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative investment firm. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our $684 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.
About RidgeLake Partners
RidgeLake Partners is a strategic partnership between Ottawa Avenue Private Capital and PA Capital, an affiliate of New York Life Investments Alternatives, focused on acquiring minority equity stakes in top-tier midmarket private equity firms. RidgeLake partners with firms focused on buyout, growth, distressed, secondaries or real assets strategies across the private markets. RidgeLake seeks to forge long-term relationships with its general partners, and brings strategic counsel borne from more than 40 years of combined midmarket investment experience.