Riverside Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, has announced its rebrand to RS2 Healthcare Partners, formalizing the firm’s exclusive strategic focus on healthcare investing in the lower middle market. The rebrand is accompanied by the appointment of Craig Stern as Co-Managing Partner alongside David Belluck, and the closing of a single-asset continuation vehicle for Loftware, a leading global enterprise labeling and artwork management software provider, with AKKR Strategic Capital serving as lead investor.
Founded in 1989 and operating with $1.6 billion in total capital commitments raised since inception, RS2 Healthcare Partners said the rebrand reflects more than 30 years of healthcare-focused experience now channeled exclusively into pharma services, medical device contract manufacturing, technology-enabled healthcare, and other high-growth healthcare subsectors. The firm’s specialized strategy is supported by Healthcare, Clinical, and AI Advisory Boards comprising more than 30 executives, clinicians, and technology experts. Stern has worked alongside Belluck for 14 years with an exclusive focus on healthcare investing, and his elevation to Co-Managing Partner reflects the depth of their long-standing partnership.
The Loftware continuation vehicle closes a chapter on RS2 Healthcare Partners’ original 2014 acquisition of the company, during which Loftware grew from a U.S.-focused labeling provider into the leading independent global platform for mission-critical supply chain labeling software, completing four strategic add-on acquisitions along the way. Loftware now generates approximately $125 million in revenue and serves more than 10,000 customers across more than 100 countries, with its life sciences vertical growing into its largest and fastest-growing end market. AKKR has been an investor in Loftware since March 2023. The continuation vehicle provides Loftware with dedicated growth capital while giving RS2 Healthcare Partners additional committed funding to pursue new platform investments. Atlantic-Pacific Capital served as financial advisor and placement agent, and Choate Hall & Stewart served as legal counsel.
KEY QUOTES:
“RS2 Healthcare Partners reflects the investment strategy and sector specialization we have cultivated over three decades of focused lower middle market healthcare investing. Our dedicated healthcare platform — anchored by established industry relationships, an experienced investment team, and veteran Advisory Boards — creates a differentiated ability to partner with founders and management teams to build market-leading businesses.”
David Belluck, Co-Managing Partner, RS2 Healthcare Partners
“We have been focused on creating a firm with a differentiated approach to healthcare investing, grounded in extensive sector expertise, a collaborative and values-driven culture, and trusted partnerships with founders and management teams. I am excited to co-lead the Firm going forward with David as we build on the strong foundation already in place.”
Craig Stern, Co-Managing Partner, RS2 Healthcare Partners
