Approach

Launch Build Harvest

Single-minded focus

Keystone is single-mindedly focused on working together with business leaders to create long-term value. Investing patient, long-term capital affords us tremendous flexibility. This aligns risk with management goals, fostering lasting partnerships.

Strong Value Proposition

Creating a strong value proposition for all stakeholders is essential. It goes beyond mere numbers to generate value in various ways.

Partnership Approach

We extend our partnership approach to third-party service providers. Our long-standing banking relationships offer strength, security, and reliable support, even in uncertain times. We commit only to what we can deliver, ensuring quick decisions and certainty for sellers.

The Keystone Difference

OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
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OPERATING PARTNERSHIP

We believe existing management possesses inherent knowledge that is difficult if not impossible to replicate.  We rely on our management partners to run the day-to-day operations. However, as a business evolves, it can often benefit from an experienced partner well-versed in tackling the complexities and challenges of effectively managing a growing business.  Keystone’s ‘roll-up our sleeves’ mentality means that when needed, the firm can provide support to management across operations, finance, strategic planning, and acquisition execution.  Keystone’s professionals bring a wealth of experience in operating and building businesses.

TIMELY AND PROFESSIONAL EXECUTION
TIMELY AND PROFESSIONAL EXECUTION
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TIMELY AND PROFESSIONAL EXECUTION

Because our reputation is paramount, Keystone only commits to doing what we know we can deliver. We have a 30+ year track-record of investing in sectors across the economy, as well as a sterling reputation and deep referral network across the financial markets. Keystone's nimble size and entrepreneurial culture allow us to be a quick and dependable buyer, often closing transactions in 30 days or less.

FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT HORIZON
FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT HORIZON
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FLEXIBLE INVESTMENT HORIZON

As the management team of a middle-market business, you don’t have an artificial time horizon on your business, so why should your financial partner?  Keystone’s commitment of patient capital ensures we and the management team are fully aligned in making the right decisions for the long-term health and success of the business.

What you can expect

Business owners

We are your partners with 100% alignment of interests and a long-term, patient orientation to develop and grow a market-leading business. We value what you have created and do not tell you how to run your business. We want to help you build on the foundation you have established while honoring the reputation and values that have made your company successful thus far. Our approach to the transaction process is not long and drawn out. You should anticipate an efficient and reliable closing at the business valuation to which we commit.

Intermediaries

Keystone's reputation is our most significant asset, and we pride ourselves on delivering on what we say. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we understand the trials and tribulations of running your own business and can relate to your clients who are often family-run and entrepreneur-led business owners. Our management-centered approach and experience patiently working alongside business leaders frequently differentiate us as an owner's partner of choice. Intermediaries should expect to dialogue with a firm whose certainty of closing, at the value to which we commit, is second to none. Our due diligence centers around the key business characteristics critical to long-term success, which when combined with our long-standing financing and service provider relationships, supports an efficient transaction process.

Management

Expect to partner with a firm that believes strong leadership is the single most important factor in determining our collective success. Direct ownership in the business is the ultimate motivator, and we incentivize key management team members with equity as an important ingredient for success. We believe existing management possesses inherent knowledge that is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate. We have the utmost confidence in the management teams in whom we invest, and ultimately, strategic direction is your decision.

Financing partners

Financing partners should expect an equity investor whose commitment of patient capital means we stick with our companies through good times and bad. We take each investment personally and work tirelessly to support our investments with operational support, strategic direction, and additional equity capital when merited.