Thompson Street Capital Partners, a St. Louis, Mo.-based private equity firm, is seeking to raise $1.1 billion for its fifth fund, according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
This latest fund marks Thompson Street’s largest to date. Since it was founded in 2000, the firm has managed more than $1.5 billion in assets. In September 2015, Thompson Street Capital raised $640 million for TSCP IV, following the close of a $350 million fund in February 2012.
Thompson Street typically targets founder-led middle-market companies with EBITDA of between $5 million and $20 million across various sectors. The firm partners with management in recapitalizations, management buyouts, corporate divestitures, family businesses in transition and take-private transactions. Ideal targets show strong return on net assets, predicable revenue, solid and sustainable growth, have a leading position in a niche industry, maintain a “limited customer concentration” and possess a proven management team.
The PE shop has acquired more than 100 companies in the Healthcare & Life Science Services, Software & Technology Services and Business Services & Engineered Products sectors. Its portfolio is comprised of enterprise software providers including Vaddio, TierPoint, Global Software Inc., FocusVision, BCC Software and Gurobi Optimization.
The investment firm has more than 30 employees and is led by a vetted management team. Founder, Senior Managing Director and Managing Partner Jim Cooper held previous leadership experience at JPMorgan and Harbour Group. He is joined by Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer Kellie J. Cramer, a CPA with over nine years of Big Four Public Accounting experience as well as management positions at The Earthgrains Company/Sara Lee Bakery Group. Harry Holiday III serves as Thompson Street’s Chief Operating Officer, previously having held positions at companies including Owosso Corp., Emerson Electric and General Electric Co.
