Transforming Opportunity Into Value
We specialize in private equity, and related strategies and work with portfolio companies to build market leaders while driving enterprise value through operational support, investments in growth and other transformational initiatives.
The UGW difference
We partner with companies and management teams to accelerate the next phase of growth. Taking a value oriented approach, we establish truly aligned partnerships, embracing complexity and flexibility in pursuit of a shared vision. Through transparent deal structures and flexible partnership, we align all stakeholders toward long-term equity value creation while giving our management partners the freedom to be entrepreneurial.
You can rely on us to be fair, transparent and provide support in good times and bad. We have been in your shoes, we understand the complexity and nuance of scaling in the lower middle market. We listen closely, execute decisively, and show up every day committed to making those around us better. We believe our commitment to our partner companies and the hard-working demeanor of our team sets us apart from other firms and helps us build strong, healthy companies and create meaningful long-term value.
Deeply aligned partnerships
We prioritize deeply aligned partnerships with founders and management teams, structuring investments to ensure shared economics and alignment of interest. This collaborative approach fosters trust, supports disciplined decision making, and drives long-term value creation throughout the investment lifecycle.
Strategic capital rooted in DC
Based in Washington, D.C., we leverage our proximity to industry leaders, policymakers, and our deep network of advisors, we help management teams navigate various business environments, unlock new opportunities, and build stronger, more resilient businesses over the long term.
Integrated value creation capabilities
We partner with management teams to drive value through operational improvement and strategic execution. Leveraging both internal capabilities and external expertise across our network in operations, technology, and capital markets, our integrated approach helps mitigate risk, uncover opportunities, and build more resilient businesses throughout the investment lifecycle.
Our values
-
Creativity
We embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and believe good ideas can come from anyone.
-
Transparency
We believe in radical transparency and open communication.
-
Partnership
We believe collaboration, partnership and alignment of interests are the catalyst for growth.
-
Outperformance
We strive to outperform our competition through a restless pursuit to win and a strong focus on customer obsession.
Creative capital across 4 core industries
We understand each investment is unique. We design capital structures that create value for all stakeholders. We aim to provide efficient tax structures and ready access to capital for add on acquisitions and growth initiatives post closing.
We invest across 4 high-growth and resilient sectors where operational excellence drives outsized returns.
Private Equity
Majority investments in profitable, scalable, middle market businesses.
Investment Criteria
Revenue: 20M - 250M
EBITDA: 4M - 35M
Special Situations
Complex transactions that require flexible capital solutions.
Investment Criteria
Revenue: 40M - 400M
EBITDA: Not Required
Transaction Types
Growth Capital
Turnarounds
Leveraged Buyout
Carveouts
Family Succession
Management Buyout
Transaction Structure
Majority Control
Geography
North America (international add-ons)
Our process
-
Identify
We source lower middle market opportunities where capital and operational support can unlock meaningful growth.
-
Partner
We embed alongside management early, aligning on strategy and building a shared plan across people, process, and technology.
-
Build
We execute organic growth first, then layer in targeted, synergistic acquisitions with disciplined diligence and a clear integration playbook.
-
Realize
We capture the full value of organic and inorganic initiatives within a 5-7 year horizon, delivering superior risk-adjusted returns for investors and lasting outcomes for our portfolio companies.