Top Ohio Search Funds with Recent Private M&A Activity

Active Firms

291

TTM Deal Inquiries

$3M-$14M

Core Revenue Range

$600K-$3M

Core EBITDA Range

Top Sectors by Activity

Industrials 53%

Consumer Goods 12%

Technology 9%

Transportation 9%

Business Services 6%

Key Attributes

Focus: Acquiring One Business | Capital Source: Investor-Backed or Self-Funded | Operating Approach: Stewardship & Growth

Paper Street Consulting

1 Closed Deal via Axial

1 Total Closed Deal

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The Paper Street Group (PSG) is a small team of business leaders who are focused on partnering with Midwest-based light manufacturing & distribution businesses. We look to partner with small and midsize businesses who are looking to continue their legacy.Our operating experience includes start-ups, turn-arounds, family businesses, and integrating new business units. Our acquisition and finance experience includes working with General Partners, Limited Partners, negotiating operating agreements, and financing dozens of investments. This experience includes activities that…

Recent Transactions

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Jan 2025 Acquired Confidential Company

Doan Brook Capital

Actively Sourcing Deals

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Doan Brook Capital is a private investment firm focused on small to medium sized acquisitions. We partner with exceptional companies seeking the next stage of growth. Post acquisition, we work closely with our portfolio companies to drive measurable value for all stakeholders.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Diogenes Capital

Actively Sourcing Deals

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Diogenes Capital is a family-backed investment firm focused on acquiring and owning a single, high-quality manufacturing or industrial business in Ohio. We are long-term owners, not financial sponsors, and our goal is to preserve what works while supporting thoughtful growth.We focus on established manufacturing and distribution businesses with durable cash flow, tangible assets, and strong teams. We are particularly interested in owner-led companies where succession or a transition is beginning to be part of the conversation.Our approach is relationship-driven and flexible. We are…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Calverton Growth Partners

Actively Sourcing Deals

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Long-term investor and operator looking for great businesses to buy and grow in Northeast Ohio.I have spent my career thus far in private equity investing and as a consultant at McKinsey. I know the challenges of private equity ownership and want to bring a longer term, more flexible and operationally oriented approach to business owners that want an alternative.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

WTR

Actively Sourcing Deals

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WTR Capital is a focused on acquiring and partnering with established businesses for growth. It is led by Jeff Reynolds, who aims to dedicate his expertise to nurturing the acquired company. The firm seeks to form a strategic partnership with a successful business.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

The Stan Oliver Group

Actively Sourcing Deals

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I am an operations and strategy executive seeking to acquire a platform business in the clean energy and essential building services sector to build lasting generational wealth. My approach centers on strategic governance, capital allocation, and empowering existing leadership rather than day-to-day micro-management.Specifically, I am targeting established businesses across HVAC, solar, and wind services with an enterprise valuation between $1 million and $2 million. My primary geographic focus is Ohio and the broader Midwest, though I remain open to compelling strategic markets…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

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KPI Acquisitions

Actively Sourcing Deals

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We are a team of investors from Cleveland looking to acquire and operate a single, established business in Northeast Ohio for the long haul.We are actively seeking founder-owned or family-led companies with $1 million to $10 million in revenue and a history of sustained profitability. We primarily focus on businesses with recurring revenue in B2B:Niche manufacturing,Industrial and commercial services, orEssential services.What truly sets us apart from traditional private equity is our intent. We aren't looking for a quick portfolio flip or aggressive cost-cutting. We offer an integrity-first…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Neo Growth Group LLC

Actively Sourcing Deals

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Our vision is to become your trusted partner in your business's transition. We aim to protect your hard-earned achievements while fostering success and growth for your company and its employees. Our Vision is in our name. NEO, meaning "new / revival" in ancient Greek, represents our commitment to building a future while respecting the past. We commit to honor and grow the legacy you’ve built. Your legacy is our legacy. NEO also stands for North East Ohio, where we are located. This region is at the heart of the Industrial Midwest, known for its strong history in manufacturing and its…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Sill & Stone Holdings, LLC

Actively Sourcing Deals

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Sill & Stone Holdings is a Central Ohio–based company focused on acquiring and operating one established trades business. The firm seeks long-term ownership of businesses with strong teams, loyal customers, and consistent performance. As a hands-on local owner, Sill & Stone prioritizes thoughtful transitions and responsible growth.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Genitori Investments, LLC

Actively Sourcing Deals

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After growing a home services business to 6 million in revenue, and 47 employees, I sold it to a Private Equity Firm in 2023, and retired in 2024 at 49 years old. After taking some time off, I am prepared to purchase and operate another company near Northeast Ohio.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

CTR Services

Actively Sourcing Deals

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Chemical engineer with fifteen years of experience in product management, R&D sales and marketing and operations looking to invest in first business opportunity in the lower middle market in the Ohio region.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Korda Growth Partners

Actively Sourcing Deals

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Tenured President / COO in multi-site consumer and business services. • History of accelerating profit: revenue growth, gross margin expansion, operating leverage• 20 years full P&L ownership up to $900 mm, leading 5,000+ people across hundreds of locations - Direct-to-consumer home services - Commercial account and program sales - Employee-, contractor-, and franchisee-based business models• Functional leadership: sales, operations, mergers & acquisitions, strategy, business development• History of accelerating profit and business development - Organic revenue growth, gross…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Ben Guggenbiller

Actively Sourcing Deals

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Buyer Profile / Investment CriteriaI’m a Cincinnati–Dayton–based buyer (West Chester) seeking to acquire and operate a single, well-run small business in the region. Local ownership matters to me—both for hands-on involvement and long-term continuity for employees and customers.Size & EconomicsI’m targeting businesses with normalized annual cash flow of approximately $500K–$2M. This range is large enough to justify the risk and responsibility of ownership while remaining manageable for a first acquisition and long-term operator transition.Industry FocusI’m intentionally…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Bailey Companies Ltd.

Actively Sourcing Deals

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Experienced operator and entrepreneur seeking to acquire and scale a B2B services business in the Midwest or Southeast. I previously co-founded and scaled SecurSpace, a marketplace for freight storage, from concept to $100M+ GMV in less than five years, including two exits. I have now launched Bailey Companies Ltd. with the goal of building a portfolio of small businesses with EBITDA between $750k to $1.5M.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Edwin Wiey

Actively Sourcing Deals

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I'm looking for an Enduringly Profitable business, either a Manufacturing or a Service business with strong sales but needing Operational Excellence, generating between 200-700k SDE, within the greater Cincinnati area.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Communitize LLC

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We are seeking to acquire a product or service-based business. We are committed to continuing the foundation and legacy built by the current owner while strategically identifying growth and operational efficiencies.. We plan to leverage project management and operations experience and skills to optimize existing processes & actively pursue technical enhancement opportunities.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Growth Bridge

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We are a private investment firm focused on acquiring high-quality, mature business services companies across the United States. With flexible capital, operational expertise, and a long-term mindset, we are a reliable partner to both founders and intermediaries.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Alexander Search Co

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I am leading a self-funded search through Alexander Search Co. to acquire and grow one established business in the Greater Cincinnati area. With over a decade of experience in technology-driven process improvement, most recently as a software engineering manager, I bring a proven track record of scaling teams, optimizing workflows, and driving data-led growth.I am targeting recurring-revenue businesses with $500K–$1.5M SDE, margins above 15%, and enterprise values between $2M and $10M (with flexibility for smaller roll-up opportunities). My industry focus includes manufacturing, compliance…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Ab Initio

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Search Fund looking to acquire and grow a B2B company in energy services, financial services, renewable energy, specialized manufacturing, SaaS, or core industries in the Midwest, with a strong preference for Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The acquisition team is comprised of industry and functional veterans with strong a track record of maintaining business health and improving revenues across engineering services, energy and HVAC rentals, renewable energy, manufacturing, and SaaS platforms. The team is willing to offer on-going residuals for the seller on a case-by-case basis.

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Timmerman Capital

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Timmerman Capital is a private investment firm focused on acquiring a small to medium sized B2B service-based business. We're also open to evaluating high-performing B2C home-service-based and pet-based businesses. We'd like to partner with an exceptional company seeking the next stage of growth. Post acquisition, we plan to work closely with the business to drive measurable value for all stakeholders.Together, our team has over 20 years of leadership and operational experience in sales, marketing, product development, and general consulting -- spearheading our respective companies to…

Recent Transactions

This member has no reported closed transactions.

Firms in the Ohio Search Funds 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 Ohio Search Funds is $3M-$14M, with a core EBITDA range of $600K-$3M. 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 Ohio 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 Search Funds based in Ohio are active across multiple regions, while firms based elsewhere may also participate in the Ohio market. Location can provide useful context, but it should not be interpreted as a firm’s geographic boundary.

When comparing Search Funds in Ohio, consider factors such as sector focus, size range, and recent transaction activity. These characteristics vary across the 37 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 Ohio Search Funds directory, you can request information here.

Top Ohio Search Funds

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