HC Technologies, LLC, a Chicago-based principal trading firm with offices in New York City and London, announced the launch of its private equity arm, HC Private Investments (“HCPI”).  HCPI will make investments in lower-middle market manufacturing companies ranging in size from $10 to $100 million in enterprise value focused on consumer and industrial markets.  Typical equity investments will range in size between $5 million and $25 million.

Led by veteran middle market investors, John P. Kelly and Matthew J. Moran, HCPI was founded as an alternative to the traditional private equity model given its highly patient and flexible capital base and long-term investment horizon.  HCPI provides business owners and management teams access to operational know-how through its network of seasoned operating executives, who have led publicly-traded and multi-billion dollar businesses, each with a track record of creating value.

“I am delighted to be expanding our investment capacity with the launch of HCPI,” said Joe Niciforo, Managing Principal of HC Technologies, LLC.  “I have known John and Matt for years, and have always been impressed by their investing acumen and disciplined approach.  Under their leadership we anticipate an extremely selective, but expeditious investment process geared toward helping companies reach their full potential through post-investment value creation.”

Kelly and Moran added, “We are excited to partner with HC Tech’s dynamic investment platform as it expands beyond the public markets into private equity.  We are seeing a tremendous opportunity in the lower-middle market, where businesses have historically lacked the necessary strategic resources to realize their full potential. Our investment approach focuses on identifying high-quality companies in the consumer and industrial sectors and leveraging our deep network of experienced industry executives to partner with business owners and execute defined growth strategies.  As a patient and flexible financial partner, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on the numerous opportunities in the marketplace and are encouraged by our strong pipeline of potential investments currently under review.”

Prior to founding HC Private Investments, Kelly was a senior investment professional with The Tokarz Group Advisers and Mr. Moran was a senior investment professional at Wind Point Partners.