Odyssey Investment Partners

Background

Odyssey Investment Partners, LLC is a private equity firm established in 1997, specializing in transforming middle-market companies into more efficient and diversified businesses with robust growth profiles. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Odyssey focuses on majority-controlled investments in industries exhibiting long-term positive outlooks and favorable secular trends. The firm's mission is to partner with skilled managers to drive operational excellence and strategic growth, thereby creating value for investors and stakeholders.

Key Strategic Focus

Odyssey employs a "buy, build, and integrate" strategy, concentrating on the industrial and business services sectors. The firm targets companies with EBITDA ranging from $20 million to $80 million, aiming to enhance their operational efficiency and market position. Key areas of specialization include aerospace, defense, insurance services, safety and testing, automated equipment and components, industrial services, equipment rental, pharmaceutical services, energy services, and packaging.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, Odyssey has raised over $8.2 billion in private equity capital. The firm's most recent fund, Odyssey Investment Partners Fund VI, closed in February 2020 at $3.25 billion, exceeding its initial target and reflecting strong investor confidence. This fund is dedicated to pursuing control-oriented investments and management buyouts of established middle-market companies.

Pipeline Development

Odyssey's investment portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across its targeted sectors. Notable investments include Protective Industrial Products, a global supplier of personal protective equipment, and Service Champions, a leading residential HVAC and plumbing services company. These investments align with Odyssey's strategy of partnering with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements.

Technological Platform and Innovation

While Odyssey Investment Partners does not develop proprietary technologies, it emphasizes leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency within its portfolio companies. The firm utilizes a tech stack that includes Google Analytics, Vue.js, Node.js, and Datadog, reflecting a commitment to data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.

Leadership Team

• Brian Kwait, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

• William Hopkins, Vice Chairman

• Stephen Berger, Chairman

• Jeffrey McKibben, Senior Managing Principal

• Craig Staub, Senior Managing Principal

• Doug Hitchner, Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer

• Vivian Hadis, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

These leaders bring extensive experience in private equity and investment management, guiding Odyssey's strategic direction and investment decisions.

Leadership Changes

In January 2025, Odyssey announced several promotions within its team:

• Jonathan Hall and Vivian Hadis were promoted to Managing Principal from Principal.

• Paul Ampofo, Zack Coleman, Jake Gillman, and Kelly Rafkin were promoted to Principal from Vice President.

• Kyle Dedrick, Lacey Goodman, Katie Kupersmith, and Christian Pinto were promoted to Vice President from Senior Associate.

• Abby Staker was promoted to Senior Associate from Associate.

These promotions reflect Odyssey's commitment to internal talent development and its apprenticeship model.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The private equity industry, particularly in the middle-market segment, is characterized by significant competition and substantial growth potential. Firms like Odyssey Investment Partners focus on sectors with favorable secular trends, such as industrial and business services, to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities.

Competitor Analysis

Odyssey's primary competitors include:

• Nautic Partners: Founded in 1986, Nautic focuses on investments in healthcare, industrial products, and outsourced services.

• Littlejohn & Co.: Established in 1996, Littlejohn specializes in middle-market private equity and distressed securities investments.

• Wynnchurch Capital: Founded in 1999, Wynnchurch invests in middle-market companies in the manufacturing, distribution, and business services sectors.

These firms share a focus on middle-market investments and employ strategies similar to Odyssey's, emphasizing operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Odyssey has engaged in significant partnerships to strengthen its market position:

• Protective Industrial Products (PIP): In December 2020, Odyssey acquired PIP, a leading global supplier of personal protective equipment, to expand its presence in the safety products sector.

• Service Champions: In January 2021, Odyssey acquired Service Champions, a residential HVAC and plumbing services company, enhancing its portfolio in the home services industry.

These collaborations align with Odyssey's strategy of investing in companies with strong growth potential and operational synergies.

Operational Insights

Odyssey's strategic approach involves partnering with management teams to implement operational best practices, drive organic growth, and pursue strategic acquisitions. The firm's emphasis on sectors with favorable long-term trends and its commitment to internal talent development provide distinct competitive advantages in the private equity landscape.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Odyssey aims to continue leveraging its "buy, build, and integrate" strategy to identify and invest in middle-market companies with strong growth potential.