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Norwest Equity Partners (NEP)

North America, Minnesota, United States, Minneapolis

Description

Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) is a prominent middle-market private equity firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a long-standing history of investing in and building industry-leading companies. Founded in 1961, NEP focuses on making control equity investments in profitable and growing businesses across North America. The firm's strategy revolves around partnering with experienced management teams to drive growth, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives, ultimately creating long-term value for its portfolio companies and investors.

NEP targets companies with enterprise values generally ranging from $100 million to $500 million. Their investment focus spans five core sectors: business services, consumer, distribution, industrials, and healthcare. Within these sectors, NEP seeks out companies with strong market positions, sustainable competitive advantages, and significant growth potential. The firm is known for its disciplined investment approach, thorough due diligence, and commitment to providing capital and strategic support to help portfolio companies achieve their full potential.

Regarding investment size, Norwest Equity Partners typically invests between $50 million and $250 million of equity capital per transaction. This substantial check size allows them to acquire meaningful stakes in established middle-market companies and provide the necessary capital for expansion, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives. Over its history, NEP has demonstrated significant scale and experience, having raised over $7 billion in capital across multiple funds and completed more than 165 platform investments. This extensive track record underscores their deep expertise and ability to navigate complex transactions and foster sustainable growth.

NEP's value creation strategy extends beyond capital provision, emphasizing operational excellence, strategic planning, and talent development. The firm's long-term perspective and commitment to fostering strong partnerships with management teams are central to its success in transforming businesses and generating attractive returns for its investors.

Investor Profile

Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) has backed more than 109 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 17 rounds, about 16% of its total and boasts 61 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Private Equity, Series Unknown, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Denmark, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Manufacturing, Health Care, Retail.
  • Typical check size: $50M – $250M.

Stage Focus

  • Private Equity (96%)
  • Series Unknown (2%)
  • Series B (1%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (92%)
  • Denmark (4%)
  • Canada (3%)
  • Switzerland (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Manufacturing
  • Health Care
  • Retail
  • Information Technology
  • Transportation
  • Consumer Goods
  • Electronics
  • Professional Services
  • Software
  • Broadcasting
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) frequently co-invest with?

AV
North America, Minnesota, United States, Princeton
Co-Investments: 1
Norwest Mezzanine Partners
North America, Minnesota, United States, Minneapolis
Co-Investments: 9
Onex
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Co-Investments: 2
BMO Capital Markets
North America, Ontario, Canada, Toronto
Co-Investments: 2
Duff, Ackerman and Goodrich
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
Centennial Ventures
North America, Colorado, United States, Denver
Co-Investments: 1
ABS Capital Partners
North America, Maryland, United States, Baltimore
Co-Investments: 2
Antares Capital
North America, Florida, United States, Miami
Co-Investments: 3
BP
North America, New Jersey, United States, Teaneck
Co-Investments: 1
Alta Communications
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 1

Which angels does Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) often collaborate with?

Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Norwest Equity Partners (NEP)?

recteq

Evans, Georgia, United States

Recteq is a designer, marketer, and direct seller of premium pellet grills, accessories, and other consumable products.

Consumer Goods
Private EquityFeb 1, 2021
ARTERIORS Home

Carrollton, Texas, United States

ARTERIORS Home is a furniture company that offers lighting, furniture, and accessories.

E-CommerceElectronicsHardwareManufacturing
Private EquityJun 18, 2019
Institute for Integrative Nutrition

New York, New York, United States

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition is a holistic nutrition school that offers the world’s largest online Health Coach training program.

Private EquityOct 3, 2018
Wahoo Fitness

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Wahoo Fitness harnesses the power of your iPhone to transform the way you rid

FitnessHealth CarePersonal Health
Private EquityJul 28, 2018
Ramsey Industries

Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

Ramsey Industries manufactures and sells service cranes, industrial and commercial winches, and planetary gear drives.

Machinery ManufacturingManufacturing
Private EquityNov 8, 2017
Bailiwick

Chaska, Minnesota, United States

A Chaska, Minn. provider of IT services.

Information TechnologyLogisticsProject ManagementTransportationVirtual Reality
Private EquityMar 6, 2017
West Star Aviation

Grand Junction, Colorado, United States

West Star Aviation provides MRO services for the business aviation industry.

AerospaceAir TransportationTransportation
Private EquityMay 2, 2016
Bix Produce

Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States

Bix Produce provide the finest quality bulk and pre-cut fruits and vegetables, dairy, and related food items to food service operators.

Natural ResourcesOrganic Food
Private EquityDec 21, 2015
Marco

Saint Cloud, Minnesota, United States

A St. Cloud, Minn.-based provider of business technology solutions.

Business DevelopmentDocument ManagementService Industry
Private EquityNov 2, 2015
Christy Sports

Lakewood, Colorado, United States

A Lakewood, Colo.-based retailer of ski and snowboard equipment and apparel in the Rocky Mountain region

ApparelLifestyleSporting GoodsSports
Private EquityOct 29, 2015