Sterling Partners

Sterling Partners is a well-established private equity firm with a history spanning over four decades, having been founded in 1983. Based in Chicago, the firm specializes in making control equity investments in middle-market companies across a select group of industries. Their core focus areas include education, healthcare, business services, and technology-enabled services, where they leverage deep sector expertise to identify and support growth-oriented businesses.

The firm's investment strategy centers on partnering with strong management teams to drive operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives. Sterling Partners is known for its hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and operational support to help portfolio companies achieve their full potential. They typically seek out companies with enterprise values ranging from $100 million to $500 million, looking for opportunities to create significant value through organic growth, add-on acquisitions, and operational efficiencies.

Sterling Partners has successfully raised substantial capital over its history, with reports indicating over $6 billion in capital raised across various funds. This significant capital base allows them to make meaningful equity investments, typically ranging from $50 million to $200 million per transaction. Their long-term perspective and commitment to building sustainable businesses have contributed to their reputation for generating strong returns for their investors.