Connecting Capital & Opportunities

Northwind is your gateway to global and private offerings

How we are different

Operating Partnership

We believe existing management possesses inherent knowledge that is difficult - if not impossible - to replicate. We rely on our management partners to run the day-to-day operations. However, as a business evolves, it can often benefit from an experienced partner well-versed in tackling the complexities and challenges of effectively managing a growing business. Northwind’s ‘roll-up our sleeves’ mentality means that when needed, the firm is capable of providing support to management across operations, finance, strategic planning and acquisition execution. Northwind’s professionals bring a wealth of experience in operating and building businesses.

Timely And Professional Execution

Because our reputation is paramount, Northwind only commits to doing what we know we can deliver. Our professionals have a proven track-record of investing in sectors across the economy, as well as a sterling reputation and deep referral network across the financial markets. Northwind’s nimble size, entrepreneurial culture, and lack of internal approval committees allow us to be a quick and dependable buyer, after closing transactions in 30 days or less.

Long-Term Investment Horizon

As the management team of a middle-market business, you don’t have an artificial time horizon on your business, so why should you be a financial partner? Northwind’s commitment of patient capital ensures we and the management team are fully aligned in making the right decisions for the long-term health and success of the business.

Industry Expertise

Sector focus

Our investment strategy leverages a growth-focused, theme-driven investment process with import and export business.

Geographic focus

Northwind focuses on companies headquartered in North America, Asia, and South America.

Growth stage focus

We partner with profitable, growing companies and have actionable opportunities to potentially grow via capital infusion.

Ownership positions

We focus on majority positions ranging from 51%–95%. Day-to-day management for our portfolio companies lies with our executive teams, and our involvement is primarily as a value-added investor focusing on board-level strategic initiatives.

Company size

Our portfolio companies typically have EBITDA of $1 million to $10 million at the initial investment. We do not have minimum size requirements for add-on acquisitions for our current portfolio companies.

Leverage

We believe the conservative level of debt allows management teams to focus on growing their businesses rather than servicing their lender. Many of our initial investments are completed with no debt.

Investment period

We focus on building value strategically over time with investment hold periods typically averaging 4–6 years.

Investment size

Northwind focuses on equity investments ranging from $1 million to $25 million in privately-held companies.

Add-on acquisitions

Northwind has significant experience supporting our portfolio companies in acquisition-based growth strategies.

Investment Criteria

Northwind invests in Export, Import, Distribution, Logistics, and Consumer businesses that truly matter to their suppliers, customers, and employees. 

Our companies make a difference in the markets they serve. Some face daunting challenges. Others are doing well but could benefit from our operational expertise in order to accelerate their earnings growth and grow their business to the next level.

We are skilled at navigating complicated deals that deter other buyers. We can close difficult, multi-party transactions in as little as 30 days, without financing contingencies. We can buy businesses through simple asset or stock sales or through more complex transactions.

We work hard to involve management, employees, vendors, and customers in every acquisition. 

Above all, we value simplicity, transparency, and integrity at every stage of the acquisition process. We do what we say we are going to do, and we work hard to be the best possible transaction partner.

Northwind’s primary focus is on SBE companies with enterprise values up to $10 million in international distribution, logistics, and consumer businesses.

We typically own our businesses in partnership with senior local management or other strategic investors.

Once we buy a business, our team works hand-in-hand with management in order to generate cash and improve EBITDA, increasing value for our stakeholders.

Investment Principles

  1. The most important asset at every company we invest in is its people. We spend considerable resources to ensure our portfolio companies are great places to work.
  2. Alignment and transparency are key to any relationship. Partnership means winning together and making tough decisions together, always in an open and honest way.
  3. Share the wealth. There is no better feeling than when a transaction comes to fruition and the management team that really made it happen benefits from a life-changing financial reward.
  4. Always look to harvest when the skies are blue. Waiting for an even better day entails risk and uncertainty.
  5. When faced with a challenging business decision, choose the more correctable mistake. There’s never a difficult call we make where we don’t visit this principle.
  6. Diversity is an asset, and one we seek in all aspects of what we do. A diverse set of opinions, perspectives, and experiences results in the best outcome.
  7. Never overlook or take for granted the people behind the capital we manage. Our success benefits charitable organizations and endowments as well as pension holders of all types – teachers, first responders, and city and state employees.
  8. Never use all the debt that is available. Our returns are driven by growth, investing in people, and making solid strategic decisions – not by financial engineering.
  9. Northwind’s most important assets are our people, our capital, and our reputation. If any of these are lost, the last is the most difficult to regain.
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