Investment Approach
Operational Focus
We believe sustainable value is created first and foremost through hands-on operational transformation. The partners of Saothair have worked with businesses across a range of end markets creating fundamental, sustainable improvement to every aspect of the operations of a business.
We drive value creation through a Lean transformation of our businesses. Utilizing data-driven tools, employee teams address process challenges to create sustainable improvements. Employee engagement and empowerment results in a culture of continuous improvement in all aspects of our business, including safety, productivity, quality, service and waste reduction.
Constructive Approach
We work in partnership with each of the key stakeholders invested in the long-term success of the business. The workforce, senior management, lenders, customers, suppliers, local officials – each have a vested interest in seeing the business thrive, and each is enrolled in the process of ensuring the business is on strong footing for a successful future.
We believe in establishing partnerships with our management teams, investing behind their leadership and ensuring management shares in the success of our investment. A successful Saothair investment also means creating a positive working environment for our employees, as well as a business that contributes to a thriving, healthy community around it.
Transactional Expertise
We are capable of investing in and acquiring businesses through a range of challenging situations, including corporate carve-outs, financial restructurings, or family-owned businesses looking for a successful transition. We understand that different circumstances require a flexibility in transactional approach, and we are capable of meeting the needs of a business with the appropriate transactional model. We can also show flexibility with selling stakeholders, allowing them to share in the value created under new ownership.
We realize that speed is frequently critical for a successful outcome under these circumstances, and we are capable of moving extremely quickly to complete due diligence and fund and close a transaction.
Investment Discipline
We invest in businesses we understand. We focus exclusively on lower-middle market manufacturing and industrial businesses with their primary operations in North America, though satellite operations or end-markets may be overseas.
We have experience investing in and operating manufacturing businesses across a range of processes and end markets, including paper & packaging, plastics, metals processing, automotive or heavy truck, building products, healthcare-related products, food & beverage, and other niche manufacturing.