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Firm Search Guide | Firm Details Explanation | Industry Breakdown

PEdatabase allows users to quickly filter firms based on a set of criteria or quickly isolate using keywords.

To create a list of firms using filters, select "Primary Search Tool" within the Members' area landing page. To search using keywords, select "Keyword Search".

A. "Primary Search Tool" Criteria Explanation

PEdatabase's Primary Search Tool allows users to filter firms and create lists that match a predefined set of criteria. Predefined criteria can match characteristics of firms or of their investments.

1. "Filter by Firm Characteristics"

PEdatabase firm characteristics include Size, Sponsored/Unsponsored, and Location. See below for an explanation.

Size

The database breaks down each private equity firm based on dedicated equity/mezzanine funds available for investment. Selecting one of the criteria below will filter out those firms demonstrating the noted characteristics.

  • Small - Less than $150 million in committed investment capital
  • Medium - Between $150 and $500 million in committed capital
  • Large - Between $500 million and $3 billion in committed capital
  • Mega - Greater than $3 billion in committed capital

Note: Unsponsored firms without a dedicated investment fund are included in the Small category by default, unless there is a proven track record with past deals and where the firm is targeting larger transactions.

Sponsored/Unsponsored

Sponsored - Firms with dedicated funds available for investment.

Unsponsored - (No/Unknown) - Firms that either must partner or raise capital from outside sources to complete transactions or if information of a dedicated fund is unavailable.

An example of an unsponsored private equity firm is Parallax Capital Partners based in Irvine, California. Parallax notes on its website that its "Special Partners" include Golden Gate Capital and The Argentum Group. Parallax Capital "partners" with these firms to fund deals.

HQ Region

HQ Region describes the region where the primary office is located. Given most of the database is represented by US based firms, PEdatabase has split the US into four regions; East, Midwest, South, and West. Selecting "West" will isolate firms with primary offices located in the states below. Selecting "International" will yield all firms with primary offices outside the United States.

  • East - CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NY, PA, and RI
  • Midwest - IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, OH, OK, SD, and WI
  • South - AK, AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, NC, SC, TN, TX, and VA
  • West - AZ, CA, CO, HI, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, and WY
  • International - Outside United States

State/Province

Isolate firms located in a given state or province.

Country

Isolate firms located in a given country.

2. "Filter by Firm Investment Characteristics"

Industry Interest(s)

Locate firms with particular industry interests. Selecting more than one industry will generate firms with an interest in either of the industries selected. For example, selecting Aerospace, Defense, and Marine, will generate a list the includes firms interested in Aerospace OR Defense OR Marine.

Transaction Type(s)

Locate firms based on a targeted transaction type. Current transaction types include:

  • Buyout: MBO, MBI
  • Consolidation: Roll-up, Build-up investments
  • Divestiture: Spin-off, carve out
  • Going Private: Public to Private
  • Growth Capital: Expansion, Acquisition Capital
  • Mezzanine: Subordinated debt investments
  • Secondary: Acquisition of private equity limited partnership interests
  • Special Situations: Distressed, Turnaround

Selecting more than one transaction type will generate firms with an interest in either of the transaction types selected. For example, selecting Buyout and Growth Capital will generate a list that includes firms that invest in Buyout OR Growth Capital situations.

Geographic Preference(s)

Locate firms based on the location of investments. This tool is useful as firms often invest in areas outside of where their primary office is located. Current geographic preference regions include:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Australia/New Zealand
  • Central Asia/India
  • Latin/South America
  • Middle East
  • Africa

Target Revenue Size

Enter a minimum and/or maximum value (in US millions) to isolate those firms that have disclosed a target revenue size range for prospective investments.

Target Investment Size

Enter a minimum and/or maximum value (in US millions) to isolate those firms that have disclosed a target investment size range for prospective investments.

Note: PEdatabase recommends that users enter values for target revenue and investment sizes for searches that generate a long list of results. Not all firms disclose these values and we are working at making this section complete for as many firms as possible.

PEdatabase Rating

PEdatabase, (where appropriate) has assigned a rating of 1 to 5 stars based upon available information. The 1 to 5 stars is largely based on a firm's longevity, transaction frequency, and management experience.

Given the rise of many firms in the last 5 years, we feel it is important for subscribers to note that many firms are unproven and may not have the buyside experience that may be conveyed. Firms with 0 star ratings have not yet been rated or there is not enough info available.

Select yes for firms that provide mezzanine investments.

B. "Keyword Search Tool"

Firm Name

Search records using the full or partial name of a firm.

Firm Descriptions

Search firm descriptions by keyword. Examples include, Secondary, Distressed, SBIC, and Mezzanine.

Search Examples

  • A. Example Search

    • 1. Selecting "Yes" under Sponsored
    • 2. Selecting "California" under State/Province
    • 3. Checking Aerospace and Defense under Industry Interest(s)
    • 4. Checking Buyout under Transaction Type(s)
    Definition:

    This search will generate a list of sponsored firms located in California interested in Buyouts of Aerospace OR Defense businesses.

  • B. Example Search

    • 1. Selecting Large and Mega under Size
    • 2. Selecting "International" under HQ Region
    • 3. Checking Asia, Australia/New Zealand, United States, Canada
    Definition:

    This search will generate a list of Large AND Mega sized firms located outside the United States interested in investing in Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the United States, OR Canada.