Guardian Capital Closes Debut Fund

Guardian Capital Partners has closed its debut fund with just over $50 million in capital commitments. The Wayne, Penn.-based firm focuses on the acquisition of controlling interests in lower middle-market manufacturing and service businesses in the United States.

PRESS RELEASE

Guardian Capital Partners (“GCP”) announced today the final closing of Guardian Capital Partners Fund I, L.P. with slightly more than $50 million in aggregate capital commitments.

“We are extremely pleased to have a final close on Guardian Capital Partners Fund I,” stated Peter Haabestad, Managing Partner of Guardian Capital Partners. “The lower middle market is underserved and provides unique opportunities to build more efficient, higher performing and safer businesses. By implementing an exceptional level of discipline, controls, strategic oversight and a relentless focus on operational excellence within our companies, Guardian Capital Partners strives to position itself as a leading private equity partner for businesses with historical revenue between $15 million and $75 million per year.”

The fund’s principal focus is to lead the acquisition of controlling interests in lower middle market manufacturing and service businesses in the United States. GCP is managed by three investment professionals: Scott D. Evans, Peter H. Haabestad and Hugh Kenworthy III. The fund is backed by institutional limited partners including investment affiliates of Argosy Capital, Bowside Capital, Hauser Capital Partners and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.

GCP has made two acquisitions through its new fund: Sure Fit Inc., the nation’s leading provider of ready-made slipcovers and related accessories; and Corporate Call Center, Inc., a business outsourcing service provider to the insurance, healthcare, financial services and other industries.

For more information contact Peter H. Haabestad at 610-964-1500 x103.

About Guardian Capital Partners(www.guardiancp.com)
Guardian Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in suburban Philadelphia that makes control investments in lower middle market manufacturing, consumer products and service companies. GCP partners with management teams to provide equity capital to lead leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and divestitures of family-owned businesses and non-core divisions of larger corporations. The private equity experience and complementary skill sets of the GCP team provide a unique combination of operating and finance capabilities resulting in speed and certainty of execution, operational excellence, and meaningful long term value creation for its portfolio companies. GCP targets profitable companies with revenues between $15 million and $75 million.