CenterOak Partners, a Dallas-based middle market private equity firm, has hired three new professionals. Joining the firm are Ben Adams, Vice President; Carrie Calhoun, Senior Associate of Business Development and Investor Relations; and Josh Weaver, Associate.
“Ben, Carrie and Josh each bring valuable experience and an impressive track record, whether working in an investment capacity, business development, investor relations or developing expertise in a particular industry or sector,” said CenterOak Managing Partner Randall Fojtasek. “We’re looking forward to working with them and believe they will each make a considerable contribution to our team.”
With these three hires, the staff at CenterOak now totals 22 individuals, including 13 members of the investment team and three operating partners. CenterOak was launched in September 2014 by Mr. Fojtasek, former Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Brazos Private Equity Partners. He leads the firm alongside former Brazos senior executives Michael Salim, Lucas Cutler, Jason Sutherland and William Henry.
Mr. Adams and Mr. Weaver will be active in supporting the firm’s investment and monitoring activities. Prior to joining CenterOak, Mr. Adams held positions at Intuit, Lindsay Goldberg, TPG Capital, and Morgan Stanley. Mr. Weaver served as an Analyst at Wells Fargo Securities. Ms. Calhoun will support the firm’s investment sourcing activities and relationships with its limited partners. Prior to joining CenterOak, Ms. Calhoun held positions at NGP Energy Capital Management and Credit Suisse.
CenterOak makes equity investments of $20 million to $90 million in companies with enterprise values of $50 million to $200 million. Sectors of interest include: distribution; outsourced industrial services; building products; specialty coatings, chemicals and adhesives; active, outdoor and lifestyle apparel and accessories; food and restaurants; specialty retail; health and personal care; pet products and services; technology-enabled services; information services; and marketing and professional services. The firm invests in companies across the US but has a specific focus on the Southwest and South. CenterOak is based in Dallas (www.centeroakpartners.com).
These staff additions follow the August 2016 close of CenterOak Equity Fund I, LP with total commitments at the hard cap of $420 million. The significantly oversubscribed fund had an initial target of $350 million.
© 2016 Private Equity Professional • 10-27-16
