CREDO
We believe success is based on building long-term relationships with management teams with whom we share common values
Who We Are
Credo Private Capital was formed to provide small business owners and management teams access to an investment partner that does not have the constraints associated with traditional private equity. For example, there are no pre-determined investment timelines when working with Credo; we think the best opportunities are situations where companies are operated based on what is best for the business and its customers.
We are not business operators. We seek opportunities in lower-middle market companies where we can complement management’s existing skillset with our ability to identify and execute strategic add-on acquisition opportunities to create long-term value. Our role is to support management with input and ensure they have the resources needed to accomplish their goals.
The principals of Credo have been involved in 30+ transactions comprising $500+ million of invested capital over the last 15 years, consisting of companies ranging in size from $1 million to over $30 million of EBITDA across a wide variety of industries including manufacturing, value-add distribution and business services.
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Team
Credo Private Capital is managed by Adam P. Wise, an investor and board member of privately owned companies with 15+ years’ experience in principal investing and lower middle market mergers and acquisitions.
Adam has participated in over 30 transactions as a principal investor in the manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, and business services segments. He has significant expertise in sourcing acquisition opportunities, facilitating due diligence, raising capital, and negotiating transaction documents. As an active board member of portfolio companies, he has helped management teams with strategy development as well as growth opportunities both organically and through acquisition.
Born and raised in Michigan, Adam is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he earned BBA, MAcc and MBA degrees. Before founding Credo, he spent 15 years at Strength Capital Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm, and prior to that he spent 3 years as a CPA in the audit practice at KPMG. He enjoys world travel and competing in sporting clays tournaments across the United States.
What We Believe
Authenticity
Being positive and authentic is how we interact with our business partners.
Integrity
Honesty and integrity are the foundation for every business relationship.
Transparency
Open and straightforward communication is paramount even when it means delivering disappointing news.
Accountability
Taking ownership and being responsible is key. When we commit to do something, we own the outcome.
Collaboration
Better outcomes result from collaborative relationships, and success is more fun when had as part of a team.
Investment Guidelines
Size
EBITDA of at least $2 million
Geography
Focused on companies located in the greater Midwest, but will venture further for the right opportunity
Industry
Manufacturing
Distribution
Business/Industrial Services
Logistics/Transportation
Management
We prefer supporting existing management teams or situations with limited management transition.
Investment Structure
Control Investments
Not Considered
Turnarounds
Start-ups
Retail
Oil/gas focused companies
Current Portfolio
Historical Experience
The principals of Credo has been involved in 30+ transactions comprising $500+ million of invested equity capital over the last 15 years. The companies below are a representative sample of prior experience.
Propane Services
Taylor, MI
Propane Gas Distributor
Inland Pipe Rehabilitation
Conyers, GA
Municipal sewer pipe maintenance provider
WoodWick Candles
Lynchburg, VA
Manufacturer and marketer of premium home fragrance products
Give ‘Em A Brake Safety
Grandville, MI
Traffic control/safety products and services
ARCH Global Precision
Bloomfield Hills, MI
Manufacturer of precision metal components and industrial cutting tools
Postle Aluminum
Elkhart, IN
Manufacturer and distributor of extruded aluminum components
