CIVC Partners logo

CIVC Partners

North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago

Description

CIVC Partners is a well-established Chicago-based private equity firm with a significant track record spanning several decades. The firm primarily focuses on making control equity investments in middle-market companies within the business services and financial services sectors. Their strategy revolves around partnering with experienced management teams to accelerate growth, often targeting founder-owned businesses, management buyouts, and corporate divestitures.

Since its inception in 1989, CIVC Partners has demonstrated a robust investment history, having invested over $2.1 billion across 79 platform companies and an additional 170 add-on acquisitions. This extensive experience underscores their deep understanding of the operational and strategic needs of growing businesses. They are known for their collaborative approach, working closely with portfolio companies to implement strategic initiatives, enhance operational efficiencies, and pursue both organic growth and synergistic add-on acquisitions.

CIVC Partners typically seeks companies with an EBITDA ranging from $5 million to $25 million and an enterprise value between $50 million and $250 million. Their typical equity investment in a platform company ranges from $25 million to $100 million. This specific investment criteria allows them to target businesses that are mature enough to have proven profitability but still possess significant growth potential, aligning with their strategy of value creation through active partnership and strategic development.

Investor Profile

CIVC Partners has backed more than 35 startups, with 1 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 16 rounds, about 46% of its total and boasts 16 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Private Equity, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, China, Canada.
  • Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, Information Technology, Consulting.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $25M – $100M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (46%)
  • Private Equity (43%)
  • Series A (6%)
  • Series B (3%)
  • Post Ipo Debt (3%)

Country Focus

  • United States (80%)
  • China (11%)
  • Canada (9%)

Industry Focus

  • Financial Services
  • Information Technology
  • Consulting
  • Software
  • Construction
  • Health Care
  • Enterprise Software
  • Finance
  • Fintech
  • Manufacturing
circle-line
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does CIVC Partners frequently co-invest with?

MidOcean Partners
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 1
Seidler Equity Partners
North America, California, United States, Marina Del Rey
Co-Investments: 1
NorthStar Capital
North America, Minnesota, United States, Minneapolis
Co-Investments: 1
Orchid Asia Group Management
Asia, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Co-Investments: 1
Madison Dearborn Partners
North America, Illinois, United States, Chicago
Co-Investments: 1
Pitango VC
Asia, Tel Aviv, Israel, Herzliya
Co-Investments: 1
Beyond Capital
Asia, Sichuan, China, Chengdu
Co-Investments: 1
O
North America, Georgia, United States, Roswell
Co-Investments: 1
Shenzhen Capital Group
Asia, Hunan, China, Nanshan
Co-Investments: 3

What are some of recent deals done by CIVC Partners?

Cary Street Partners

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Cary Street Partners is a venture capital firm that specializes in wealth and asset management services.

Asset ManagementVenture CapitalWealth Management
Private EquityApr 7, 2025
Highstreet IT Solutions

Denver, Colorado, United States

We are a new style IT services company. We are led by a Team that should be running an IT Services Company.

Data CenterEnterprise SoftwareInformation Technology
Private EquityFeb 20, 2024
Industrial Networking

Richardson, Texas, United States

Industrial Networking Solutions (INS) offers sector wired and wireless machine networking products.

Consumer ElectronicsElectronicsHardwareVirtual Reality
Private EquityJan 23, 2023
Signers National

New York, New York, United States

Signers National is a technology-enabled insurance brokerage and managing general agent focused on commercial insurance.

Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsFinanceInsurance
Private EquityNov 21, 2022
Continuum Companies

Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, United States

Continuum Companies is an integrated platform of residential real estates services.

Financial ServicesProperty ManagementReal EstateResidential
Private EquityOct 12, 2022
OTR Transportation

Chicago, Illinois, United States

OTR Transportation is a freight brokerage with deep-rooted industry experience.

Freight ServiceLogisticsService IndustryTransportation
Private EquityAug 31, 2022
InnovateMR

Calabasas, California, United States

InnovateMR is a research technology firm that delivers faster answers to corporations around the world.

InternetMarket ResearchMarketing
Private EquityJan 24, 2022
829 Studios

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

829 Studios is a digital marketing agency that offers branding, design, email marketing, SEO, and web development services.

AdvertisingConsultingDigital MarketingEmail Marketing
Private EquitySep 1, 2021
YOUNG & Associates

Henderson, Nevada, United States

YOUNG is a leading nationwide property damage consulting firm, providing damage assessments and construction project management services

ConstructionProject Management
Private EquityAug 2, 2021
KeyData

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Keydata Is A Recognized Leader In Cybersecurity Advisory And Professional Services.

Information Technology
Private EquityJul 21, 2021