Investment Philosophy
Birchwood’s investment philosophy is consistent with the approach that we have successfully employed over our 60 years of combined private equity and public market experience. Key elements of our philosophy include: (i) investing in lower middle market business that meet Birchwood’s criteria, (ii) deploying a research-driven sourcing model which capitalizes on Birchwood’s capabilities and broad relationship networks to generate attractive deal flow, (iii) partnering with proven industry executives, (iv) performing rigorous due diligence (v) utilizing a conservative approach to leverage and pricing, (vi) working with management teams through active ownership to drive value creation and (vii) positioning portfolio companies for an exit to a strategic buyer or an IPO over a three to five-year period.
Our fundamental understanding of the sectors that we invest in, results in an immediate collaboration with management teams from the first day of an investment, enabling Birchwood to partner in a hands-on manner for value creation. Because of our extensive experience, Birchwood strategically plans prior to making an investment, cultivating a more productive relationship with the portfolio company and provides the optimal balance between advising/guiding, management empowerment and accountability. We continually focus, once closed on evaluating potential add-on acquisitions for suitability with respect to strategic fit, value accretion, and post close integration.
Deep Industry Experience
Through our committed emphasis on the sectors we invest in, the Birchwood team has developed a deep understanding of both the macroeconomic forces and specific business-related factors impacting those industries. We are able to offer valuable insight to management teams regarding potential opportunities and risks, as well as provide specific knowledge and perspective on industry trends, market participants, and industry best practices. In addition, we have built an extensive network of operating advisers and industry contacts who are subject matter experts and can provide management with additional valuable guidance and advice.
Operational Expertise
While we are not, nor seek to be, day-to-day managers of our partner companies, Birchwood offers an active level of support to transform lower middle market businesses and accelerate achievement of their strategic plans. We have worked closely with dozens of companies through our careers. With extensive board level and operating executive experience, we assist management teams as they define, prioritize and implement growth initiatives; expand and diversify service or product offerings, geographical presence, and customer bases; build and develop their human capital base; develop key financial reporting metrics and accountability; complete strategic add-on acquisitions; and implement various other operational improvements.
Focus on Value Creation
We identify and invest in companies sharing a core set of defining business model characteristics: a strong value proposition; sustainable competitive differentiation; and recurring revenue elements. We have consistently leveraged the advantages these value drivers enable to unlock in our investments by focusing on the key value propositions when prioritizing growth initiatives; highlighting the company’s competitive advantages to the market; and enhancing customer relationships to drive recurring revenue.
Aligned Interests with Management
Birchwood believes in partnering with and sharing the rewards of growth with its strong, growth-oriented management teams. We understand the goals and objectives of our partners and strive to structure a relationship that provides win-win solutions. We offer entrepreneurs and owners an opportunity to achieve liquidity, while, if desired, retaining a continued investment interest in their business. For managers who are not exiting business owners, we create a path for equity ownership by facilitating direct investment into their company, as well as participation in a stock option or other equity incentive program.
Ethical, Honest and Straightforward Partners
At Birchwood, we believe in delivering on our commitments and exceeding the expectations of all of our stakeholders, including sellers, management teams, lenders, and investors. We possess a track record not only of successful investment returns, but also of integrity and long-term partnerships.