Top Chicago Private Equity Firms

1. Madison Dearborn

Madison Dearborn Partners is a mega-sized private equity firm that targets buyouts of private or publicly held companies, divestitures of larger companies, recapitalizations of family-owned or closely-held companies, acquisition-oriented financings, and financings to fund internal growth. MDP's target investment size is $100 to $600 million in buyout oriented transactions and $100 to $400 million in growth capital commitments. Areas of interest include basic industries (natural resources, chemicals, energy and power, automotive, building products, food, metals and mining, refining, paper, packaging and forest products, and general manufacturing), as well as communications, consumer products/services, financial services, and healthcare. Madison Dearborn Partners was formed in 1992 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

2. GTCR Golder Rauner

GTCR is a private equity firm that typically partners with management when pursuing acquisitions. The Firm looks to grow companies through build-on acquisitions, consolidations, and internal growth. GTCR will consider both equity and mezzanine capital commitments and concentrates its investment activity in consumer products & services, healthcare services, outsourced business services, technology, transaction processing, and pharma/medical products. GTCR was formed in 1980 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

3. Willis Stein & Partners

Willis Stein & Partners focuses on investing in growth-oriented US based mid-sized companies. The Firm looks for scalable businesses with strong franchises valued from $75 to $750 million. Prospective investment situations include buyouts, growth capital financings, corporate divestitures, industry consolidations, and generational changes in ownership. Sectors of interest include business services, consumer products and services, healthcare, manufacturing, media and telecommunications. Willis Stein & Partners was formed in 1995.

4. Code Hennessy & Simmons

Code Hennessy & Simmons (CHS) targets US based company investments in a variety of sectors. CHS will consider both control and non-control positions in businesses with proven management and strong growth potential. Broad sectors of interest include business services, consumer services, consumer products, distribution, industrial products and infrastructure. CHS will not invest in venture opportunities or turnaround situations. Code Hennessy and Simmons was formed in 1988.

5. CIVC Partners

CIVC Partners provides buyout and growth capital to middle-market businesses located in the US and Canada. Sectors of interest include business services, distribution, financial services, marketing, information services, media, education and communications. CIVC looks to invest between $10 and $85 million of equity capital in businesses generating up to $300 million in revenue. CIVC prefers to be the lead equity sponsor and will consider both majority and minority investment situations. CIVC Partners was formed in 1970.

6. Pfingsten Partners

Pfingsten Partners is a private equity firm focused on investments in niche manufacturing, distribution, and business services companies. The Firm targets platform companies headquartered in the US although add-on acquisitions can be located outside the US. Prospective companies typically have revenues of $20 to $150 million and EBITDA of $3 to $12 million. Transaction types include private companies undergoing an ownership transition, corporate divestitures, strategic add-ons, and turnarounds. Pfingsten only invests in situations allowing for control. Pfingsten will not invest in real estate, natural resources, highly regulated businesses, retail, restaurants, early stage companies, or technology. Pfingsten Partners was formed in 1989 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with an additional office in Hong Kong.