Ardent Investors

Ardent invests exclusively in lower middle-market companies with enduring prospects. Candidates have between $10 and $100 million of revenues. Founders, their descendants, or corporations are typical owners. Each business presents unique challenges and opportunities. Mid-sized businesses demand a different approach compared to larger businesses – from structuring and executing an initial transaction to realizing their full potential over time. Ardent collaborates with owners and managers to develop a deep understanding of the business and its needs. We take pride in developing creative and unique structuring solutions that fit the needs of all stakeholders. Investment Criteria -Revenues Revenues are generally $10 to $100 million. The minimum revenue base serves as a proxy for a company’s level of development. Candidates have some level of systems, processes, and management depth above that of a sole proprietorship. Smaller and larger candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be ideal fits for our investment approach. -Profitability Candidates have $2 million or more of operating profitability or profit potential. Recent profitability may not be indicative of potential. We will take the time to understand a company’s history and develop our own view of profit potential that may be very different from historically reported results. -Industry Ardent is industry agnostic. A candidate’s niche focus and plans for the future are more relevant. Candidates have a meaningful position in a well-defined niche. We avoid highly capital-intensive businesses. Past industry experience includes consumer products, food/agricultural, business services, healthcare services, energy services, distribution, aerospace and defense, building products, packaging, and multi-unit retail. -Geography Headquarters and management team must reside in the United States or Canada. Candidates may have significant international sales or operating footprint.