Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm focused on management buyouts, leveraged buildups, and recapitalizations of established growth businesses, has appointed Eric Smith as an operating partner.
In this role, Smith will advise Behrman’s investment team and portfolio company executives on management and operational matters. He brings deep experience working within Behrman’s ecosystem, having previously served as CEO of BECO Holding Company, a former portfolio company.
Smith’s relationship with Behrman dates back to 1998, when the firm acquired Brooks Equipment Company, later known as BHC. Over the years, he held multiple leadership roles, including CFO, president, and CEO, across successive investment periods. During his tenure as CEO, he led numerous acquisitions, financings, and strategic initiatives, helping build the company into a leading fire and life safety solutions provider while also developing its distribution platform and business systems.
Prior to his work with Behrman and BHC, Smith spent a decade at PwC and also served as president of the Fire Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, a trade group representing major suppliers in the fire protection equipment industry.
Behrman Capital, founded in 1991 and based in New York City, has raised approximately $4.3 billion since inception and invests primarily across defense and aerospace, healthcare, and specialty industrial sectors.
KEY QUOTE:
“Eric is an exceptional executive whose deep management and operational expertise, along with his understanding of our strategy, will be an asset to Behrman Capital and our portfolio companies. I’m delighted to continue my relationship with the Behrman Capital team. I’ve had the privilege of working with Behrman for many years, and I look forward to taking on this new challenge as Operating Partner and contributing to the ongoing success of Behrman and its portfolio companies.”
Grant G. Behrman, Managing Partner, Behrman Capital; Eric Smith, Operating Partner, Behrman Capital
