Our Approach to Partnership

We are patient investors that want to partner with strong entrepreneurs.

 

What Does a SeaFort Partnership Look Like?

We are growth-oriented investors. We seek to partner with business owners who are looking for patient capital and support to help them grow. We are interested in pursuing opportunities where we can partner with an entrepreneur who has industry expertise and a passion for growth.

We take a patient and respectful approach to partnership that begins in our very first meeting with you. We want to listen to you, help refine your growth strategy, and assist you where we can to execute your strategic vision. Areas where we have expertise include:

Mergers & Acquisitions

Implementing a buy-and-build M&A growth strategy through identification and execution of acquisitions.

Strategy

Strategic planning by conducting market research and supporting the formulation of KPIs and long-term goals.

Operations

Operational support by bringing the analytical expertise and attention that your business may not have access to.

Financing

Accessing the best possible financing by leveraging our banking relationships.

Why Choose SeaFort Capital?

We have long-term capital. We understand that business owners and successful entrepreneurs often struggle with succession planning and finding the right partner to help them grow. They care deeply about the people involved in their company and want to deal with investors that share their values. We know that top managers want to work with patient financial partners who will give them operating autonomy while providing the steady support they need to succeed. We are committed to preserving legacies while building genuine partnerships with senior managers. Below are some of the ways SeaFort makes a great financial partner for you and your business:

  • We are focused on long-term partnerships. We believe the best way to create value is to develop and execute on a multi-year growth strategy. We are currently investing capital from SeaFort Fund II which has a 12-year fund life — two years longer than the average private equity fund life of ten years.

  • We are unintrusive when it comes to managing the operations of your business. We are active at the board level and will provide support where appropriate, but won’t interfere with the day-to-day activities.

  • Beginning with our founding investors, the Sobey and McCain families, we have deep roots in the Canadian business community and can bring the experience and relationships that these connections offer to your business.

  • We are experts at helping our partners develop and execute long-term growth plans. We help with strategy development and can give you more resources to evaluate the opportunities you’ve been thinking about.

  • We bring big-business tools to your company. Our areas of expertise are corporate development functions which include supporting acquisitions, accessing bank financing, conducting market research, executive recruitment, and the development of enhanced KPIs and financial reporting. We will offer you a dedicated resource to work on these activities for your business.

  • We offer flexibility when it comes to the transaction that makes sense for you. We can work with you on a three, five, or ten-year time horizon and can craft a succession plan that helps you accomplish your and your family’s goals.

  • SeaFort is a growth-focused investor. We prefer to create value by building and growing best-in-class businesses. During our partnership, you can expect us to work with you to add more management depth and resources and grow your workforce.

  • SeaFort is cautious when it comes to the use of debt. We won’t overburden your company with excessive leverage as we believe this provides the business with added flexibility to execute on growth initiatives.

 

SeaFort is your long-term partner.

Investment Criteria

Platforms

We are looking for businesses and operating partners who are looking to grow.

The Industry

An established, growing industry that presents an opportunity for the consolidation of smaller businesses or rapid organic growth. SeaFort focuses on the business services and industrial sectors but is generally industry agnostic.

The Company

A Canadian-headquartered business with between $2 million and $15 million in EBITDA that has not previously received an institutional equity investment.

The Partner

An operator with a proven track record and significant industry expertise that is looking for a financial partner.

The Structure

A majority equity investment by SeaFort while partnering with entrepreneurs who have invested their own capital.

Out of Scope

We do not make investments in companies primarily engaged in the following activities: mineral extraction, software & technology development, real estate, pharmaceuticals & biosciences, cannabis, food manufacturing, and grocery retail.

 

Add-Ons

SeaFort will consider add-on investments with the following criteria:

Industry: Operating in an industry where SeaFort has an existing investment, or in an adjacent industry.
Size: No minimum size.
Location: Canada or the U.S.
Structure: Flexible.
 
 

Case Studies

 
 

When Should You Contact Us?

 

Growth Capital Is Needed

You have a long-term vision for growth but you need additional capital to execute on your plan.

You’re Planning A Transition

You are approaching retirement and need a financial sponsor to support the next generation of leadership.

You Want To Crystalize Value

You’ve created meaningful value for yourself and want to de-risk some of your investment.

Shareholders Need Liquidity

You have shareholders in your business that need or want liquidity but you’re not ready to sell.