Kingsman Capital LLC is a Chicago-based private equity firm that invests in middle-market businesses. Transactions include leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, industry consolidations and family succession transactions, as well as growth investments to fund expansion or acquisition. We also invest in high-quality companies during periods of financial transition (i.e., good companies with bad balance sheets). We target companies in North America with $5 million or less of EBITDA. We believe that integrity is the cornerstone of success and we strive to bring the highest level of honesty and ethical behavior to all of our relationships.
Kingsman Capital has launched as a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on opportunities in the middle markets. It is being run by Keith Konesman, who has previously held positions with Merrill Lynch, Dresner Partners, Divine Interventures and Banc of America Securities.
Mr. “Kingsman Capital’s strategy meets a heretofore unmet need: flexible and sophisticated private equity capital in the middle-market,“ Koeneman said. “The economy and the financial markets are currently experiencing unprecedented turmoil, creating a certain significant level of risk aversion in the business community. But this has also created unique investment opportunities for middle-market businesses. Kingsman Capital is structured to provide funding to high-quality middle-market businesses and deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our investors.”
Mr. Koeneman also expanded on his current perspective for middle-market private equity in 2009:
“During the first half of 2009 investing will continue, but significant focus will be on portfolio company survival. We should not assume that we’ve seen the worst yet; some portfolio companies may see a 10 percent to 30 percent drop in revenues.” Koeneman continued, “Company executives will need to ‘rise to the occasion’ and provide decisive leadership. Additionally, industry expertise will be more critical than ever and private equity firms will tap into their operating partners and networks of contacts to help their portfolio companies.”