The Riverside Company Bolsters Its Value Strategy Team with Addition of Craig Kahler as Partner

The Riverside Company, a global private investment firm focused on the smaller end of the middle market, announced that Craig Kahler has joined the firm as a Partner with Riverside’s value investing strategy (RVF). Kahler is a seasoned investment professional with over 20 years of middle-market private equity investing experience, and his addition is a key part of Riverside’s plan to grow RVF. Working closely with Managing Partner Sean Ozbolt, Managing Partner Ron Sansom and Partner Andy Fohrer, Kahler will help lead all aspects of the investment process, including sourcing, structuring, underwriting and overseeing new investments and growth strategies.

“Craig and I previously worked closely together for several years, and I am very excited to partner with him again to help us expand the RVF program,” said Ozbolt. “Craig has established an impressive track record of success over his career. As our investment pace accelerates and the size of our portfolio continues to grow, this is an important step in our strategic positioning for future growth. I believe Craig’s investment acumen, experience and cultural fit will be highly additive.”

Kahler brings significant experience across all aspects of the private equity investment process. Before joining Riverside, Kahler was a Managing Director at ORIX Capital Partners, where he was responsible for building the firm’s mid-market private equity business. Prior to that, he led the New York-based private equity team of Safanad, a global principal investment firm. Before Safanad, Kahler was a Portfolio Manager with BlueMountain Capital Management and Principal at H.I.G. Capital. He started his career at Willis Stein & Partners and Credit Suisse First Boston.

“I’m excited to join such a talented and focused team,” said Kahler. “I look forward to being a part of RVF's continued growth, and I’m thrilled to work closely with Sean, Andy and the broader Riverside organization to drive value creation across our investments. With a strong team and the broad sourcing, operating and strategic resources provided by the Riverside platform, I believe RVF is positioned with several competitive advantages in the middle market.”

RVF generally invests in businesses undergoing operational transformation, or with complex histories, and seeks businesses with multiple near term value creation levers.” RVF primarily targets control investments in North American businesses that generate revenue between $60 million and $300 million. In certain cases, the businesses may benefit from investment in infrastructure, processes and systems. RVF leverages the depth and breadth of Riverside’s global platform, including its highly experienced 23-person origination team and extensive group of more than 72 operating professionals.