Investment Criteria

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Balustrade Capital seeks to partner with successful, long-tenured businesses which need capital, commitment and creativity to reach their full potential.

Ideal partner companies will offer multiple opportunities for both organic as well as bolt-on growth without overreliance on fast-changing and disruptable technologies

Ideal Business Profiles

Strong Track Record

Maintains a track record of high quality financial performance based on relationships with multiple long-term customers

Scaleable

Offers an opportunity for accelerated growth through incremental capital infusions and/or committed strategic leadership and vision

Fragmented Niche

Participates in a niche industry without a concentrated number of dominant players, allowing potential growth through future bolt-on acquisitions

"Old" Economy

Does not primarily generate revenue based on software code or other advanced technologies

Example Industries

Participates in historically under-appreciated industries, e.g.:

Home / Business services
Niche Manufacturing
Experiences / Content
Distribution / Wholesale

SDE between $1-5M

Generates Seller Discretionary Earnings between $1m and $5m, though exceptions are made for targets with a strong strategic fit

Location

Headquartered in the US Midwest, with a strong preference for the greater Chicagoland area