MiddleGround Appoints Managing Director to Lead Exit Strategies

MiddleGround Capital has named investment banking veteran Tim Curley as managing director, overseeing exits and realizations for the firm’s portfolio companies. Mr. Curley will be based in MiddleGround’s New York office.

In his new role, Mr. Curley will oversee exit processes for the firm’s holdings and build stronger corporate, advisory, and private equity relationships. He will also support co-investment efforts and work with portfolio company management teams on growth planning and operational improvements to prepare companies for successful sales or exits.

“Tim is an outstanding addition to MiddleGround, especially at a time when the firm is focused on realizing our investments and returning liquidity to our stakeholders,” said John Stewart, founding and managing partner of MiddleGround. “Our growth has created exciting new opportunities, and bringing in a senior leader with an investment banking background to guide exits will strengthen the way we support our portfolio companies. Tim’s expertise and collaborative approach make him a perfect fit for our team.”

Prior to joining MiddleGround, Mr. Curley spent 18 years at BMO Capital Markets, most recently as a managing director on the firm’s industrials investment banking team, where he led its transportation and diversified manufacturing practice. Mr. Curley has advised public corporations, private equity firms, and family-owned businesses on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions.

“I’m thrilled to join MiddleGround at such an exciting point in the company’s growth,” said Mr. Curley. “The firm’s operator-led approach to private equity truly sets it apart, and I’m excited to help ensure our exit strategies reflect the incredible work being done with portfolio companies. I look forward to working alongside such a talented team to build on that success.”

Mr. Curley earned his undergraduate degree in economics and business administration with a concentration in finance from Villanova University.

MiddleGround makes control equity investments from $20 million to $350 million in North American- and European-based business-to-business companies in the industrial and specialty distribution sectors that have up to $1 billion in revenue and at least $10 million of EBITDA. The firm, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, with additional offices in New York City and Amsterdam, has over $4.1 billion of assets under management and was founded in 2018.