Calera Capital has added a new senior managing director with the addition of Paul Walsh to its middle-market investment team. For the past seven years, Mr. Walsh has been an Operating Partner for Calera Capital, serving in various operating and managerial roles at the firm’s portfolio companies.
Mr. Walsh is the former Chairman and CEO of eFunds Corporation (NYSE: EFD), a provider of risk management, electronic funds transfer services, prepaid card processing, and outsourcing services to more than 10,000 financial services companies in more than 80 countries. During his time at eFunds the company’s operating performance improved through organic revenue growth, acquisitions, rationalization of non-core assets and cost reductions. Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE: FIS) acquired eFunds in September 2007 for approximately $1.8 billion.
“As a former CEO and operator, I understand and greatly appreciate the partnership approach of Calera Capital and feel extremely fortunate to be part of the Calera team going forward,” said Mr. Walsh.
Mr. Walsh serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Competitor Group, a Calera portfolio company engaged in active lifestyle sports events and media. He is also a Director of Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS). Previously he served on the Boards of SterlingBackcheck, a former Calera portfolio company that provides employment and background screening services, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. Mr. Walsh has held other senior leadership positions at Wright Express (CEO), BancOne Diversified Services (CEO), Norwest Capital Management and Trust (SVP), and Diners Club Germany (CEO). He received a BS in Engineering from Tufts University and a MBA from Boston University.
“Calera’s strategy is to partner with founders and management teams and to help them take their businesses to the next level. Paul has proven to be a unique resource in support of our differentiated approach,” said Calera Capital Managing Partner Mark Williamson.
Calera Capital, formerly known as Fremont Partners, invests from $50 million to $250 million in companies with enterprise values from $100 million to $750 million. Sectors of interest include business services and specialty industrials. Calera was founded in 1991 and has offices in San Francisco and Boston (www.caleracapital.com).
© 2015 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 9-22-15
