Wheelhouse Capital Partners, a new lower middle market private equity firm, has been launched by Wheelhouse, LLC, an executive management firm, and by Global Endowment Management.
Wheelhouse, LLC is a provider of temporary executive leadership services, particularly in the role of Chief Executive Officer. After working closely with private equity firms for years in a variety of different companies, Steve Simpson and Mark Graham formed Wheelhouse in 2009. Since founding, Wheelhouse has applied its leadership philosophy and management skills to achieve demonstrable growth for a variety of private equity portfolio companies. Wheelhouse is based near Nashville in Franklin, TN (www.wheelhouse-llc.com).
With the formation of Wheelhouse Capital Partners, Messrs. Simpson and Graham are seeking to acquire lower middle market businesses valued in the $10 million to $30 million range in two core sectors: healthcare and industrial services.
“After a great deal of preparation, we are proud to incorporate private equity investing into our already unique business model,” said Mr. Simpson. “This expansion is a natural evolution for our firm and we are pleased to add Global Endowment Management as a partner.”
The Wheelhouse Capital Partners team is made up of former CEOs and management professionals with experience across a range of industries, led by Graham and Simpson, who have backgrounds in healthcare and industrial services. The firm will attempt to merge its expertise in finance, information technology, business intelligence and sales and marketing to create shareholder value. Wheelhouse Capital Partners is based in Franklin, TN (www.wheelhousecapitalpartners.com).
“What sets Wheelhouse Capital Partners apart is the track record and experience of our team,” said Mr. Graham. “Our bench of management experts will provide strategic direction and improve operations to help our portfolio companies become better, stronger and more valuable.”
Global Endowment Management (GEM) is an investment management firm serving primarily endowment, foundation and other institutional clients. GEM was founded and is run by former managers of the Duke Endowment – the $3.3 billion family foundation of James B. Duke – and the Duke University Management Company. GEM is based in Charlotte, NC (www.globalendowment.com).
“GEM’s private investing strategy is to seek out partners with an eye for value, operational intensity and proven experience growing businesses,” said Hugh Wrigley, GEM managing director. “Mark and Steve bring all of these qualities to the table, and our partnership with them embodies the next generation of private equity.”
© 2015 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 3-24-15
