Knox Investment Partners is an Australasian private equity mid market “conviction” investor. That means Knox looks to invest in companies in a wide range of size (but usually below $100m total value), in Australia and New Zealand, with a concentrated investment focus (100% ownership, controlling equity stakes or strategic minority equity position, small number of investments at any given time, very active roles taken).
 
As a guide, Knox is interested in businesses and opportunities with the following characteristics;

• strong current and historical profitability in the $3m - $15m EBITDA range with growth trends
• highly cash generative earnings
• established market presence/brand and market share
• an attractive industry or niche sector with growth potential and/or consolidation potential
• privately owned with New Zealand and/or Australian core base
• public companies looking to exit subsidiary non-core component businesses
• a real need for equity partners (ownership transition, growth capital, balance sheet restructure)
• high quality management teams
• simple ownership structure and ownership group with realistic expectations of the business

Within this investment focus, many of the opportunities arise from ownership transition due to retiring business owners (or partial sell down for shareholders), generational change and management buyouts. Knox has a lot of experience in these types of situations and is very realistic and practical on finding the best solution for all parties. Other investment scenarios (often as part of the above ownership transition focus) include expansion capital, industry consolidation and recapitalizations.
Once an investment decision is made, Knox then actively participates in the business and with senior management. This typically goes beyond the standard “Board Seat Warmer” role. Given the extensive operational backgrounds of the team, Knox undertakes a value-added approach by becoming extensively involved in the Business Development and Strategy, Operational Challenges and Financial Support as well as ensuring Board and Governance processes are robust.

• We believe this approach is a key competitive advantage over other equity partners

In addition, Knox maintains relationships with a stable of individuals in both Australia and New Zealand who are exceptional operational managers that we can place into businesses as required. Knox is also uniquely positioned to tap into a very wide knowledge and experience base given the extensive high net worth private investor group.

If you are currently a business owner and/or senior manager considering private equity as an option for your business, please contact Bret Jackson for a confidential and preliminary discussion on how Knox could be a valuable partner for the next phase of your business.