Benford Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity investment firm exclusively focused on leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations of smaller, lower middle market companies. The firm invests in niche manufacturers, unique service companies, and specialty distributors with revenues of at least $3 million. Also bought and built on are smaller, niche businesses that fall outside the investment parameters of many professional investors due to varying factors including their smaller size, an Owner/Operator transition, or a need for hands-on management for a period of time. Benford transactions provide liquidity for owners, capital for growth and acquisitions, and a path to significant equity appreciation for management. The firm seeks to partner with strong, experienced operators who understand the nuances of successfully operating a business in a given industry niche. They also invest in transactions where owners wish to sell and retire. These transitions are carefully planned to put a business in the best position to achieve long-term success. Benford Capital is experienced with the unique market, business, cultural, and, at times, family issues that smaller companies face. Transactions are flexible and structured to meet the specific financial, legal and tax objectives of shareholders and management. Management strongly believe in a collaborative approach to building long-term value, with day-to-day decisions left to management. Toward that end, they take an active role at the Board of Directors level, focusing on growth opportunities, acquisitions, recruiting, strategy and financing. In situations involving Owner/Operator transitions, and often will draw upon their relationships with experienced outside managers seeking to take an active full-time role in a company. Taking a long-term investment perspective and believing that the best companies are built over time, Benford's typical investment period is between 5 and 10 years, but they have the flexibility to invest for either shorter or longer durations.
