At HKW we continually challenge ourselves to improve.
We embrace this philosophy through our Four Pillar approach. We are proud of how this structure supports the strengths of each individual while promoting collaboration between the pillars. Our team-first culture places a significant emphasis on data-driven execution from the deal sourcing process through our exit-focused strategic growth initiatives.
The Four Pillars Approach
Our dedicated Sourcing Team targets 1,000+ opportunities to review every year as it seeks to find profitable growth-oriented companies in the US and Canada. At HKW, we believe in building relationships through eye contact and a handshake. As a result, our Sourcing Team typically spends a combined 100 weeks on the road every year, connecting with people and building relationships.
The Sourcing Team conducts the initial review of prospective companies. If a prospective company meets the established criteria, the opportunity progresses to the Transaction Team.
The Transaction Team evaluates opportunities provided by the Sourcing Team, determining fit within our established deal criteria, culture, and values. The transaction process reflects our commitment to fairness; we want to understand the current owner’s point of view and vision, striving to treat owners fairly throughout the entire process.
During due diligence, the Transaction Team will partner with our Operations Team to begin aligning with the opportunity’s senior management.
Once HKW acquires the portfolio company, the Operations Team takes the lead to collaborate with company management on operational strategies and growth initiatives. During this period, the Operations Team seeks to align goals and expectations alongside company management.
We take pride in our collaborative approach, providing support to company management by contributing essential resources, knowledge, and strategic insights. We believe that by working together, we can build stronger companies and create value.
HKW partners with portfolio company management to develop exit-focused strategic growth initiatives during the investment period. The Exits Team and the Operations Team begin the day the portfolio company closes, concentrating on the growth initiatives HKW believes future buyers will value most.
In 2015, HKW established the Exit Committee, which meets semiannually to review existing companies. The Exit Committee provides a formal process for evaluating the overall condition of our companies.
Investment Criteria
Manufacturing, Distribution, and Business Services
HKW is a private equity firm investing in growth-oriented companies with talented management teams in the US and Canada. HKW targets small to mid-size companies in the Manufacturing, Distribution, and Business Services sectors. We target:
Geographical Focus:
- United States
- Canada
$3-30mm
Target EBITDA
Investment Criteria for Manufacturing, Distribution and Business Services:
- Industrial manufacturing & distribution, business services, and industrial IoT-driven products and services
- Companies with EBITDA between $3 million and $30 million headquartered in North America
- Industry consolidations, corporate divestitures, generational changes in ownership, management buy-outs & recapitalizations
- Companies with talented management teams who want to own equity
- Companies that have demonstrated a sustainable competitive advantage and a clearly defined growth strategy
The target investment criteria set forth herein is for illustrative purposes. There is no assurance such target investment criteria can be achieved. Actual results may differ (in some cases, materially) from current expectations and projections.