Atlanta-based private equity firm Eagle Merchant Partners announced it closed its second fund, Eagle Merchant Partners Fund II, with $415 million in capital commitments.
This fund was oversubscribed and closed above its original hard cap in seven months, showing strong support from institutional investors, family offices, high net worth individuals, and members of Eagle’s team.
Fund II continues Eagle’s strategy of making control investments in founder-owned companies across the Southeastern United States, with a focus on the franchise and multi-unit and commercial services sectors. Built over two decades, the Firm’s deep networks and extensive presence in the Southeast position Eagle to partner with business owners seeking their first institutional capital to accelerate growth.
This fund will target opportunities where Eagle can serve as a company’s first institutional partner, providing capital and operational support through its established playbook. And this includes investing in leadership and infrastructure, driving organic growth through geographic expansion and executing strategic add-on acquisitions. Eagle’s emphasis on team building and execution has resulted in successful value creation across multiple platforms.
Eagle’s inaugural $266 million fund closed in July 2023 and it was fully deployed across eight platform investments.
Placement agent/counsel: The Piper Sandler & Co. private capital advisory group, Aviditi Advisors, served as exclusive global placement agent for Fund II. Legal counsel was provided by Kirkland & Ellis.
KEY QUOTES:
“The Southeast remains one of the most attractive economic regions in the country, with strong demographics, a healthy business climate and a fragmented lower middle market. We are grateful for the support of our limited partners and believe this reflects the investment community’s confidence in our investment strategy and operating approach.”
Stockton Croft, Partner and co-founder
“Owners continue to respond to our experience, sector expertise and ability to help transform companies into market leaders. Fund II gives us the capital and resources to invest in more high-quality companies across the region.”
Partner and co-founder Bill Lundstrom
