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Freeman Spogli promotes two to partner

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  • Christian Johnson, John Hwang promoted
  • Firm counts nine professionals among partnership group
  • Fund VI netting 24.4 pct IRR as of June 30, says NYC pension

Freeman Spogli & Co promoted two of its principals to partner at the start of the year, according to the firm’s website.

New Partners John Hwang and Christian Johnson started their careers with Freeman Spogli in 2006. Hwang, who works in the firm’s Los Angeles office, was previously a member of Citigroup’s M&A and financial sponsor team. Johnson worked for Wachovia Securities’ leveraged finance group before joining Freeman Spogli.

The firm’s partnership group now includes nine investment professionals, including CEO John Roth and President Jon Ralph. Co-founders Bradford Freeman and Ronald Spogli are co-chairmen of the firm.

The firm did not respond to a request for comment.

Freeman Spogli specializes in acquiring middle-market companies in the consumer and distribution sectors. Its portfolio includes pet supply store Petco, which filed to go public last year, as well as fast food chain El Pollo Loco and western clothing retailer Boot Barn. In November, the firm invested in Regent Holding Company, which owns the home décor brands Creative Co-Op and Bloomingville.

The firm closed FS Equity Partners VII on $1.3 billion in 2014. Its previous fund, a $735 million 2009 vintage, netted a 24.4 percent internal rate of return and 1.92x multiple through June 30, according to New York City Employees’ Retirement System documents.

Freeman Spogli has approximately $4 billion of committed capital under management. The firm maintains offices in New York and Los Angeles.

Action Item: Freeman Spogli’s website can be found at www.freemanspogli.com

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