A fair, well-reasoned price
We know how to value a business and can do it quickly. We would rather pay a fair price for a great company than a low price for a decent one, and we explain how we reached our number.
For business owners
Why sell to Oak Stream Partners
A private investment firm with operating depth, multiple interested capital partners and the flexibility to structure a transaction around what matters to you.
What we offer
Six reasons owners talk to us
More than one source of capital
Several experienced investors have already expressed interest in backing our acquisitions. Signing a letter of intent with Oak Stream gives your deal access to more than one potential source of equity, rather than tying it to a single firm.
Strategy and operating improvements
We bring a strategic plan, operating fixes and, where it fits, complementary add-on opportunities. That work can strengthen the investment thesis and the outlook for the business after closing.
Flexible structures
Full exit, majority recapitalization with retained equity, management buyout or a phased transition. Structure can reflect your goals, timing and tax planning.
Alignment after closing
Our results depend on how the company performs after the deal. Many owners keep a stake so we grow value together.
Respect for your legacy
We value the team, customers and reputation you built and plan for continuity, not a quick flip.
Capital partners
How our capital works
For each company, Oak Stream leads the transaction, invests alongside its capital partners and matches the equity to the company’s size: search fund investors for smaller companies and private equity firms for larger ones. Senior debt, where appropriate, comes from lenders we bring in early.
Several investors have already expressed interest in backing our acquisitions, so an LOI with Oak Stream is not tied to a single firm’s approval. We involve capital partners early, before an LOI where possible, so you can see how the transaction is expected to be funded.
How we’re structured: Oak Stream does not manage a committed fund. It invests deal by deal alongside capital partners, a structure often called an independent sponsor model.
Tier 1 Search fund investors
~$1–5M
Tier 2 Private equity firms
~$3–15M
Company EBITDA, approximate. Where the ranges overlap, around $3–5M, either type of capital can fit, and some deals may draw on both.
Tier 1 · Search fund investors
~$1–5M EBITDA
For lower-middle-market companies, we invest alongside an established network of search fund investors and operators: founders and executives behind companies such as Asurion and Oracle, and funds dedicated to the search fund model.
Meet the investor networkTier 2 · Private equity firms
~$3–15M EBITDA
For larger companies, we invest alongside institutional private equity firms, which gives us the capacity for larger transactions and follow-on acquisitions.
How our capital worksComparing buyers
How Oak Stream compares
Every buyer type has strengths. Here is a balanced view to help you weigh them.
| Oak Stream Partners | Traditional PE fund | Strategic acquirer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital behind the offer | Several interested investors, matched to the company’s size, with Oak Stream investing alongside | A single committed fund | Corporate balance sheet |
| After closing | Strategy, operating improvements and, where it fits, add-on acquisitions | Varies by fund | Integration into the acquirer |
| Structure flexibility | High: tailored to the company and the owner | Moderate: fund guidelines | Often full acquisition |
| Holding period | Set by the business plan, not a fund clock | Shaped by fund life | Indefinite |
| Your brand and team | Continuity is the plan | Usually retained | Often integrated |
| Retained equity | Common and encouraged | Common | Rare |
Process
What working with us looks like
Confidential conversation
We learn about your company and what you want from a transaction, under an NDA if you prefer.
Preliminary review
We review summary financials and confirm interest from the right capital partners.
Letter of intent
Price, structure, timing and how the deal will be funded, in plain language.
Focused diligence
Financial, legal and operational review, coordinated so your team can keep running the business.
Close and build
A planned transition and a value-creation plan we build with your team.
Situations
Where we can help
- Retirement or succession planning
- Partial liquidity while staying on to grow
- Partner buyouts and shareholder transitions
- Management buyouts
- Corporate carve-outs of non-core divisions
- Owners who want growth capital and an operating partner
Not ready yet?
Prepare first, on your timeline
If you are a year or more from a transaction, our transaction-readiness consulting can help you strengthen the business and the story before you go to market.
Transaction readiness checklistConfidential conversation
Considering a sale, recapitalization or succession?
Every conversation is confidential, and you will speak directly with the person who leads the deal. If your company is close to our criteria, call us. We can usually tell you quickly whether there is a fit.
- Call(478) 276-4431
- Emailacquisitions
@oakstreampartners.com - Office hoursMonday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Central