Frontenac

Frontenac is a Chicago-based private equity firm specializing in lower middle-market buyout transactions within the consumer, industrial, and services industries. Founded in 1971, the firm partners with established operating leaders through its CEO1ST® approach, aiming to identify, acquire, and build market-leading companies via transformational acquisitions and operational excellence. Over the past five decades, Frontenac has collaborated with over 300 mid-sized business owners to address complex transition issues such as liquidity, management enhancement, and growth planning.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by a thesis-driven, executive-centric approach, combining capital with experienced operating talent and repeatable value creation playbooks. This methodology focuses on pairing skilled operators with deeply researched investment theses to drive growth, professionalization, and value creation in entrepreneurial companies. Frontenac's in-house Portfolio Resources Group provides specialized support across strategy, finance, talent, operations, and technology to assist portfolio companies throughout the deal lifecycle.

Frontenac has demonstrated a strong track record, closing its 13th fund, Frontenac XIII Private Capital L.P., at $900 million in committed capital, significantly surpassing its initial $700 million target. The firm has also been recognized in the HEC Paris-Dow Jones Small Cap Buyout Performance Ranking for four consecutive years, ranking 9th in both 2024 and 2023 among over 600 private equity firms analyzed. Additionally, Frontenac was named to Private Equity CXO’s 2025 list of Top 50 Private Equity Firms for Executives, highlighting its commitment to supportive governance and team engagement.

Frontenac's portfolio includes companies such as Integris, a leading provider of IT services in the United States, and Motion & Control Enterprises, a distributor and services provider of fluid, flow, automation, and air solutions. The firm's approach emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, courage, and candor, aiming to be the most trusted and sought-after private equity partner in the lower middle market.