Office address: 65 East 55th Street 32nd Floor New York, NY 10022
Website: www.oakhill.com
Year established: 1986
Company type: private equity firm
Employees: 55+
Expertise: private equity funds, leveraged buyouts, commercial and residential services, transportation, logistics, integrated payments, automotive aftermarket, packaging, industrial services, media and communications, data infrastructure, consumer, DTC, Ecommerce, health and wellness
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Tyler Wolfram, Scott Baker, Brian Cherry, Steven Puccinelli (managing partners); John Monsky (senior partner); Christopher Taylor (CFO, CAO); Jamie Jacobs (CTO); Allan Kahn (CCO)
Financing status:
Oak Hill Capital is a private equity firm based in New York, with over 35 years of experience investing in middle-market companies. They have invested $12 billion across more than 95 transactions, partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams to create value through a systematic, theme-based investment process. With over 55 employees, Oak Hill focuses on maximizing growth across four key sectors: services, industrials, media and communications, and consumer markets.
Oak Hill Capital was founded in 1986 by Robert Bass to generate strong returns while promoting a philosophy of "doing well while doing good." In 2005, the organization drew significant media coverage when prominent investors Bill Gates and Nike founder Phil Knight became involved with the firm. In 2010, Oak Hill formally integrated ESG considerations into its investment process, marking a key milestone in its commitment to responsible investing.
Oak Hill purchased Denver-based data center firm ViaWest for an undisclosed sum, and in the following year, it acquired Intermedia, a business communications SaaS company. In 2017, Oak Hill sold Wave Broadband for over $2.3 billion and later added Safe Fleet and a controlling interest in VetCor Group Holdings to its portfolio. In 2023, Oak Hill Capital joined a $1 billion recapitalization deal aimed at reshaping Mercer Advisors.
Oak Hill applies a thematic investment strategy designed to identify and capitalize on long-term trends. The firm’s offerings include the following:
Oak Hill Capital focuses on building strong partnerships with management teams to create clear strategic and operational plans that drive long-term growth. They work closely with companies to provide the necessary resources for executing value creation strategies.
Oak Hill encourages a culture where employees work hard, embrace change, and take ownership to create value. The firm values well-rounded individuals who bring their skills to every deal, fostering a work environment that promotes long-term success. They are dedicated to supporting its employees through various benefits:
Oak Hill Capital has combined environmental, social, and governance (ESG) into its investment and management processes, ensuring these principles guide every stage of decision-making. ESG analysis is now a formal part of Oak Hill's due diligence, helping identify risks and opportunities for both the firm and its portfolio companies. This approach benefits investors, employees, and the broader community by addressing company-specific and industry-wide ESG impacts:
The firm has implemented a formal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plan to enhance diversity within its firm and portfolio companies. By increasing representation on company boards, they aim to unlock long-term success across their investments. These efforts reflect Oak Hill Capital’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that maximizes human potential:
Oak Hill Capital emphasizes community involvement by actively seeking ways to give back in the areas where they operate. Their team participates in various initiatives, from health-focused events to sustainability projects, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact. Oak Hill encourages employees to engage in meaningful contributions to local communities, reflecting the firm’s core values.
Tyler Wolfram serves as a managing partner at Oak Hill Capital, working for the company since 2001. Before joining the firm, he worked at JH Whitney & Co, Cornerstone Equity Investors, and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Wolfram holds degrees from Brown University and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Scott Baker is a managing partner of the company, overseeing investments for the media and communications group. Before Oak Hill, he worked in mergers and acquisitions at Lazard Frères & Co. Baker earned both his BS and MS degrees from Stanford University.
Brian Cherry serves as a managing partner who handles investments in the industrials and healthcare sectors. Prior to Oak Hill, he worked at JH Whitney & Co and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Cherry holds an AB from Princeton and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Steven Puccinelli, as managing partner, leads investments in the firm’s Services group at Oak Hill Capital. He previously worked at Investcorp International and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Puccinelli earned his BS from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
The leadership team at Oak Hill Capital includes several key individuals who play vital roles in the firm's operations:
Oak Hill Capital completed the sale of Safe Fleet Holdings to Clarience Technologies, ending a six-year partnership focused on enhancing safety and productivity solutions. This successful exit highlights Oak Hill’s strategy of creating value through targeted growth and strategic acquisitions. The sale reinforces the firm’s commitment to building strong platforms and continues its focus on future investment opportunities in similar sectors.
The company recently retained a minority stake in Kestra Holdings, signaling confidence in its growth, as detailed in Kestra’s new Stone Point deal. This choice lets the firm stay involved in the company's growth while still focusing on middle-market investments. By keeping a minority position, Oak Hill Capital provides strategic backing while preserving flexibility to explore other opportunities.
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