About Us

Mid Oaks was founded in 1986 with a goal to build successful companies in industries that offer substantial growth opportunities. Unlike traditional private equity funds, Mid Oaks invests only the capital of its principals, does not manage the funds of limited partners and does not have any fixed holding periods for our investments. We view our management teams as long-term business partners and our structure allows us to be fully aligned with the entrepreneurs we partner with.

Our team recognizes that financial engineering is not the way to build a successful business. We are well qualified to support the management of portfolio companies because we bring experienced perspectives as managers of day-to-day business operations. We are able to draw on our real-world experiences as owners and operators to provide support and guidance on topics such as strategy development, executive recruitment and business functions such as finance, administration, accounting, tax and legal.

At Mid Oaks, we believe in a company culture in which a common vision is focused on filling a market need. Risks are reduced and the probability of success is enhanced when that vision is shared by experienced people with an entrepreneurial commitment who work hard and who possess a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm.

Our winning formula is based on finding exceptional entrepreneurs with fundamentally sound businesses, creating a conservative capital structure and giving managers the flexibility they need to execute their strategy. We have found the journey through a company’s twists and turns and its ups and downs to be a challenge well worth the effort.

When Mid Oaks makes an investment, it is predicated on creating long-term fundamental value by growing the operating income of the business. We seek improved results through capital investment, new product development, acquisitions, and by partnering with professional management.

Mid Oaks invests in businesses with some or all of the following characteristics:

• A management team that can articulate and execute a long-term vision for the enterprise as well as an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to participate alongside us in the ownership of the business.

• Strong growth prospects and a sustainable competitive advantage arising from factors such as proven technologies, strong brand names or a defensible distribution channel.

• Clearly defined product lines, market niches and customer bases.

• Profitable and established businesses with a preference for the broadly defined manufacturing industry. We will consider opportunities in other industries such as service, distribution and others. We are not interested in finance, insurance, real estate, oil and gas, or retail businesses.

• Annual revenues of $25 to $250 million, or less where a strategic fit exists with one of our portfolio companies.

• Operations primarily located in North America.

• We acquire majority interests or minority positions.