My good buddy Michael Hollend has joined TorQuest Partners. Michael is probably one of the nicest and smartest investment professionals on Bay Street.
TorQuest is a mid-market firm that invests in the big money rounds, typically in the $15 - $100 million range. They invest in a wide range of transactions that don't just span technology. From the website:
TorQuest's private equity funds seek control or joint control through management buyouts, leveraged buyouts, and recapitalizations in companies that operate in established industries. TorQuest is a generalist firm with deep relationships across many different industry sectors, but has developed particular competitive advantages in the most attractive sectors of manufacturing, business services, financial services, food, consumer products, and chemicals. TorQuest is focused primarily on opportunities within Canada, but has made a number of successful U.S. investments as well.
- Preferred Deal Size:
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- Equity Investment of C$15 - $100 million per transaction
- Enterprise Value of C$40 - $250 million
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Investment Preferences:
- Corporate Spin-Off
- Entrepreneurial Transition
- Management Buyout
- PIPE Investments
- Growth and Expansion Capital
- Recapitalizations
An great example happens to be Lowepro photography bags which I swear by. I've taken this stuff all over the world, including Antarctica, and these bags just rock. This is from the TorQuest website:
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Business Description
DayMen Photo Marketing LP is the trademark holder of Lowepro, the worldwide leading brand of protective carrying bags and packs for imaging and electronic equipment. DayMen and its subsidiaries oversee the design, manufacturing, marketing and merchandising of Lowepro products, which are distributed through DayMen's wholly-owned operations in Canada, US, UK and Germany as well as through third party distributors in over 90 countries. In addition to Lowepro branded products, the DayMen companies distribute a number of other photographic and consumer electronic products and accessories in the imaging and photography industries.
Investment Thesis
TorQuest has invested in DayMen based on the Company’s outstanding track record of growth and the prospects for continuing on its growth trajectory. DayMen will continue to benefit from the worldwide growth in the imaging market and the growing importance of photographic accessories to retailer profitability. DayMen also has a number of identified opportunities to enter new markets. Lowepro is the leading brand in the industry and is known for its innovative designs and quality. Finally, DayMen and its subsidiaries are led by an outstanding management team, which has partnered with us on this acquisition.
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Congrats to TorQuest, you scored big in landing Michael.
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