MiddleGround Capital

2023's market conditions required tenacity and creativity to succeed, and we're proud of the work our team did to make an impact throughout the year. Last year, we returned $661.1 million to investors, gave back to our communities with the new MiddleGround 501c3 Charitable Foundation, and deployed $786 million of fund capital! As our Founding and Managing Partner, John Stewart, said, “…a difficult market is NOT an excuse to underperform. There will always be down markets, and truly skilled professionals can show their true capability by succeeding in these times. I’m incredibly proud of my team. They thought outside the box, returned capital to our investors, were tenacious in deal sourcing, and maximized operational improvements throughout the year.” In 2023, we prioritized creating equity value for our investors, refining our leadership skills, and strengthening our operational offerings. These actions laid the groundwork for continued success. Read our 2023 Year in Review: https://bit.ly/4awid0b #privateequity #manufacturing

Next in our MiddleGround Made series: TPM, a market leader established in 1947, specializing in bespoke #thermoplastic and thermoset injection molding. Why are their services important? TPM's comprehensive capabilities and advanced technologies are crucial in delivering high-quality, reliable components for critical industries. Their molding solutions help businesses maintain operational excellence, meet stringent quality standards, and drive continuous improvement in their #manufacturing processes. What sets them apart? TPM enables customers to expedite tooling timelines, protect their supply chain, fine-tune new tooling, and undertake routine preventative maintenance, ensuring seamless and efficient #operations. Learn more about TPM here: https://bit.ly/3LkxGpf #privateequity

🚨 Calling exit strategy experts!🚨 We are officially #HIRING for a Director, Exits & Realizations to join the Transaction Team under Christen Paras' leadership! Christen joined us as employee number 18 and has been instrumental in our growth. This role will support her in executing exit strategies and value realization for our portfolio companies. “Our goal is to maximize value for our investors. In order to consistently drive excellent exit outcomes, we knew we needed to do something most firms don’t—build a team purely focused on just that. MiddleGround and our Management Teams work so hard to execute on value-creation plans developed during our underwriting that merely hiring advisors toward the end of our hold to sell our portfolio companies just isn’t enough. We have to focus on exit strategy and market positioning throughout our ownership from Day 1,” said Christen. If you're a results-driven exit strategist ready to leave your mark, apply here or reach out to our team below: https://bit.ly/45uASYt Zach Miller, VP of Human Capital, zmiller@middleground.com Christen Paras, Co-Head of Transaction Team, cparas@middleground.com #privateequity #careers

Imagine needing new clothes, shoes, and jewelry and visiting multiple stores to find everything… now, picture walking into a department store, where you can find everything from clothing to accessories under one roof. Our latest strategic integration of GMS Instruments with PVI Holdings, Inc. and W&O Supply made one-stop shopping a whole lot easier! Customers can streamline their supplier relationships, accessing a comprehensive range of products from a SINGLE, reliable source. For companies operating in the #maritime and offshore sectors, having a comprehensive portfolio of products available through one source brings tremendous value. We're proud to drive these sorts of customer-centric enhancements as we continually strive for operational excellence across our portfolio. #privateequity #innovation

You may have seen the NBA playoffs, the Superbowl, or the U.S. Open... but you haven't lived if you haven't experienced the intensity of a MiddleGround cornhole game. We hosted our annual cornhole tournament and MiddleGrounders battled their way to victory! Events like these are a testament to our commitment to fostering strong connections and building a vibrant #companyculture. Whether in Lexington, New York, or Amsterdam, we always come together to celebrate, compete, and have fun as a team. #teamwork #teambonding

As we celebrate #IndependenceDay, we reflect on the spirit of #innovation that defines our nation. At MiddleGround, we pride ourselves on investing in American #manufacturing and are honored to work alongside the hard-working people who drive our economy forward. Their resilience is the backbone of our nation's prosperity. This Fourth of July, let’s raise a flag to the achievements and future of American manufacturing. Happy Independence Day!

Just like dating, the #privateequity process is all about compatibility. In our latest #podcast episode, Dyana Baurley, our Head of NA Business Development, recaps her recent interview with Dave Bookbinder on the Behind The Numbers podcast and highlights crucial considerations for business owners looking for their perfect match: ➡️ Finding the Right Fit: When selling your business, you're not just handing over the keys, you're interviewing potential buyers to find someone who aligns with your vision. ➡️ Hands-On vs. Hands-Off: There's a spectrum in private equity from firms that hand over a check and step back, to those that roll up their sleeves and partner with you on the shop floor. Kknowing what you need can make all the difference. ➡️ Choosing the Right Partner: The right partner will provide more than just capital. They’ll bring expertise, strategic insight, and a commitment to helping your business grow and thrive. Choosing the right private equity partner is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make. Listen to the full episode to hear more: https://bit.ly/4cvnp5e #manufacturing

Scarcity breeds innovation! When deal flow slows down, the only way to keep a consistent stream of transactions is to think outside the box! By exploring creative solutions such as continuation vehicles and take-privates, we're uncovering untapped potential. Dyana Baurley, our Head of NA #BusinessDevelopment, highlighted, "The last several quarters have required intense focus, strategic thinking, and creativity. However, these challenges make our successes, like the Starrett acquisition, even more rewarding. This transaction, following our first CV with Castle Metals and Banner Industries, shows that deviating from old playbooks can lead to extraordinary results." The acquisition of the (previously publicly held) The L.S. Starrett Company showcases our ability to thrive even in challenging markets. #privateequity #innovation

Rev your engines, Lexington! 🚗💨 On Saturday, July 6th, we're hosting "Cruisin' for a Cause" - a family-friendly car show with proceeds going to Lexington Habitat for Humanity. As a Lexington-based firm, we’re dedicated to giving back to our local #community. Come celebrate Kentucky’s vibrant car culture at the Valvoline World Headquarters for a day of music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities! Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/4biNpzO #privateequity #culture

Business owners envision #privateequity firms as villainous corporate raiders but Dyana Baurley, our Head of NA Business Development, explains that companies and workers in our portfolio are treated like assets and not expendable resources. Just as you wouldn't buy a house only to tear down the rooms that drew you in, we invest in businesses for their strong operational foundations and #manufacturing know-how. Learn more about this in our latest #podcast episode, where Dyana recaps her recent interview with Dave Bookbinder on the Behind The Numbers podcast. Dyana’s business-owner-focused insights will reshape how you view private equity and show that we’re not all ‘big bad guys’ after all. Full podcast here: https://bit.ly/3zbi58F