Top Illinois Independent Sponsors with Recent Private M&A Activity

108

Active Firms

1,688

TTM Deal Inquiries

$5M-$21M

Core Revenue Range

$1M-$4M

Core EBITDA Range

Top Sectors by Activity

Industrials 53%

Healthcare 9%

Consumer Goods 8%

Technology 7%

Transportation 7%

Key Attributes

Focus: Control Investments | Capital Source: Deal-By-Deal Financing | Operating Approach: Scale & Exit

American Working Capital

5 Total Closed Deals

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American Working Capital is an investment firm seeking to partner with existingowners, management and employees for mutual long-term growth opportunitiesthrough equity and structured equity investments. We target investments inbusinesses with durable and compelling economic models where our relationships,structuring expertise and flexible capital provide enhanced opportunities toimprove business performance in investment returns. American Working Capital isa source of patient and flexible investment capital that can address ownershipsuccession and growth capital needs of healthy, mid-sized…

Recent Transactions

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Oct 2021 Acquired Advanced Construction Technologies and Applied GeoKinetics
Dec 2020 Invested in Salva Terra Holdings
Apr 2018 Invested in Concord Maritime
Apr 2015 Acquired Medway Air Ambulance

Monroe Street Partners

3 Total Closed Deals

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Based in Chicago, IL, MSP is an operationally focused investment firm formed to acquire family and founder-runbusinesses across the business services, niche manufacturing, and industrial sectors with EBITDAbetween $2MM-$10MM. Since its inception in 2022, MSP has completed seven acquisitions (three platforms and fouradd-on investments) across various of our target industries.

Recent Transactions

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Jun 2024 Acquired American Roadway Logistics
Aug 2023 Acquired Brandito
Feb 2023 Acquired Vigilnet

One Park Place Ventures

2 Total Closed Deals

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One Park Place Ventures LLC ("OPPV") is a pre-IPO Emerging Growth Company. At the current stage the company is operating as fundless sponsor for early stage event driven actively managed macro strategies in Real Estate and Longevity Mortality Risk based investments and is putting together other investments and investing strategies in diversified select industries, including a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company). Long/Short Strategies and Managed Futures. Subsidiary of Pre Fi Group Companies. -- Risk Management, Financial Solutions Structuring and Integration. Asset Management,…

Recent Transactions

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Mar 2008 Advised Clark/Clark (individual sellers) in its sale to One Park Place Ventures LLC
Sep 2005 Acquired Pre Fi Group

RTG Capital

2 Total Closed Deals

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RTG Capital is a private equity fund manager specializing in the consumer and lifestyle sectors. As part of RTG Group Asia, the firm leverages the strategic expertise of RTG Consulting Group to enhance brand value for its portfolio companies. With a focus on high-potential businesses, RTG Capital aims to expand or enter the Asian market, particularly in Southeast Asia and China. The company operates under the Venture Capital Fund Manager regime and is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. RTG Capital manages a diverse portfolio of around 15 companies, emphasizing growth and…

Recent Transactions

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Jan 2026 Acquired Own The Room®
Jan 2026 Acquired Wineapp

Tightrope Capital

2 Total Closed Deals

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Tightrope Capital’s team consists of professionals with more than 50 years of combined operating and investment experience. We have broad experience investing in, managing, and operating more than 25 companies across a diverse array of industry sectors. Furthermore, we have successfully operated through multiple economic cycles.

Recent Transactions

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Apr 2022 Acquired VCI Emergency Vehicles
Dec 2021 Acquired RAS Logistics

E-Commerce Holdings

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Independent sponsor with a focus on high growth direct to consumer e-commerce Beauty brands. We will consider equity, debt or convertible debt structure.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

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Garland Capital Group

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Garland Capital Group is a private investment company investing its own capital and partner capital into minority and control investments focused on the business and consumer services industries. We look for opportunities where we can leverage our experience scaling businesses through investing in developing IP and business infrastructure.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Aaron Allen Capital Partners

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Aaron Allen Capital Partners (AACP) is an investment group focused on funding the future of foodservice™. A consortium of esteemed restaurant industry executives, investors, and family offices, we are combining resources to solve some of the biggest pain-points for the foodservice industry globally. We back high-growth-potential restaurant companies and innovative foodservice technology companies across the globe. AACP funds transactions through a combination of internal capital and an expansive network of third-party investors using a deal-by-deal approach to maximize value creation…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Braxos Capital

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Braxos Capital is seeking to acquire and operate one privately-held enterprise in the Midwestern United States. Once Braxos acquires an enterprise, our focus is to hold the business for the long-term, carry forward the previous owner's legacy, and create long-term value for the entire organization, including every employee and stakeholder. Resources Braxos Capital is the ideal solution for a business and owner in need of succession planning or an exit event. In order to provide value to the business and its owner, Braxos is able to provide the following resources: Hard-working, principled…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Dorn Group

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Dorn Group is a private investment firm focused on high-growth manufacturers across the industrial sector. We seek out opportunities where we are able to closely partner with management teams to create value through operational and commercial insight, and strategic growth capital.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Flatrock Management

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Flatrock provides patient capital to ambitious and growing small businesses, with preferred equity, mezzanine debt and second lien notes. Raise on your own terms. Harness equity or debt capital over a 5-10 year period. Stay in complete control of your business - and prepare for a successful exit.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Equity Visions

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Equity Visions is a private investment firm focused on partnering with middle-market business owners and entrepreneurs seeking the next stage of growth. Equity Visions is focused on North American opportunities and seeks to partner with talented management teams.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Cottage Grove Capital

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We focus on control-oriented investments in professional and advisory services businesses with strong fundamentals and growth potential. We take a disciplined approach to investing, seeking professional service businesses that demonstrate stable cash flows, recurring revenue models, and opportunities for operational enhancement and strategic growth. We believe in the power of active ownership and operational involvement.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Scalewerks Holdings, LLC

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The ScaleWerks Holdings Model represents a radical departure from the “Traditional Private Equity Model” - it represents a new way of enhancing generational wealth through Long-Term Sustainable Value and Profit Creation for a Select Group of LP’s.Our strategy is to make control investments in middle market companies through acquisitions, special situations, corporate carve outs and turnarounds. We work with management to subsequently enhance enterprise value through operational/strategic initiatives and add-on acquisitions.ScaleWerks Holding's purpose is to provide sustainable…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Apex Growth Capital

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Apex Growth Capital is passionate about building & growing great healthcare companies.With a unique set of perspectives derived from medicine, private equity investing, entrepreneurship, & consulting, Apex is well-positioned to support lower middle market companies in their next phase of growth.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Acuity Capital Partners

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Acuity Capital Partners is a unique private investment firm. Our goal is simple: to create extraordinary shareholder value by making investments in carefully chosen companies in the lower middle market in which we can leverage our strengths in strategy, operations and corporate finance with Management’s execution capabilities.We invest our own capital in every deal and also invest on behalf of a small group of private individuals. Because we don't maintain a captive fund, we enjoy tremendous flexibility and latitude. We are able to pursue opportunities that are well beyond the scope and…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Well Rock Group

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Well Rock Group is a family-run holding company that specializes in acquiring and managing owner-operated small businesses. The company focuses on businesses with established, recurring-revenue service models, particularly those with compliance-driven revenue streams. This strategic approach targets businesses with strong fundamentals and stable, predictable income, ensuring a robust portfolio that aligns with their investment philosophy. Well Rock Group operates independently, leveraging its expertise to foster growth and sustainability in the businesses it acquires.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

6052658 Canada Inc.

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My Business Partners and I are ex-Co-Founders of multipe companies. As entrepreneurs we were hands on Operators who grew and successfully exited multiple upper mid-market companies. Today, we are aiming to acquire small mid-market businesses and grow them.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

SecondGen Partners

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SecondGen's principals have four decades of experience partnering with and building businesses across many industries. Having grown up around successful blue collar family businesses, and worked alongside a number of skilled operators, our principals understand what it takes and bring world-class business experience and entrepreneurial passion to every partnership.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Mars 2 LLC

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Mars LC is a diversified investor with a strategic focus on acquiring and building organizations to foster sustainable equity value over time. The company has a significant presence in real estate and operating companies, leveraging its expertise to manage and develop projects that align with long-term growth objectives. With a history rooted in environmental remediation and real estate, Mars LC has evolved to encompass a broad portfolio, reflecting its commitment to strategic investments and sustainable development. The firm's approach is characterized by a long-term investment horizon,…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

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Firms in the Illinois Independent Sponsors directory are ordered based on recent deal activity on Axial. The default order reflects observed market signals rather than a subjective ranking of firm quality.

Each profile provides information about the firm’s areas of focus, transaction criteria, and relevant activity on Axial’s M&A platform. Together, these details provide a clearer view of where a firm is active and the types of companies and opportunities most relevant for it.

Based on activity on Axial’s M&A platform, the core revenue range for Illinois Independent Sponsors is $5M-$21M, with a core EBITDA range of $1M-$4M. Company size can be an important indicator of fit, as firms often concentrate their experience, resources, and transaction activity within particular segments of the market.

Location can be an important consideration, but it does not necessarily define where a firm is active. Firms based in Illinois may bring regional knowledge, local relationships, and experience with businesses in the area, while many also pursue opportunities across a broader geographic footprint. Geography is best considered alongside sector focus, company size, and relevant transaction activity.

Not necessarily. A firm’s location does not always define its geographic reach. Many Independent Sponsors based in Illinois are active across multiple regions, while firms based elsewhere may also participate in the Illinois market. Location can provide useful context, but it should not be interpreted as a firm’s geographic boundary.

When comparing Independent Sponsors in Illinois, consider factors such as sector focus, size range, and recent transaction activity. These characteristics vary across the 108 firms included in the directory and can help identify firms that align with your needs.

Axial can help you identify and connect with firms based on your objectives and what you are looking to accomplish. The process varies depending on your role and transaction needs. If you are interested in connecting with firms in the Illinois Independent Sponsors directory, you can request information here.

Top Illinois Independent Sponsors

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