Illinois Avenue Partners

Illinois Avenue Partners is a private investment firm with Philadelphia roots, focusing on investing in lower middle market businesses in traditional manufacturing and service industries, typically with up to $3 million of EBITDA. The firm operates under the belief that this market segment—too big for individual buyers, too small for traditional private equity—represents significant opportunity for investors willing to roll up their sleeves. IAP is currently managing a series of investments focused on custom commercial signage manufacturing and related services. The firm focuses on transforming private businesses into middle market companies and drives value through people, process, and technology.

IAP generally seeks opportunities to facilitate liquidity and ownership transitions of family businesses, employing flexible solutions such as complete sales, majority recapitalizations, growth investments, carve-outs, distressed turnarounds, and joint ventures. The firm targets U.S.-headquartered companies, particularly in the southeast, mid-Atlantic, and Texas regions, with revenues up to $30 million and EBITDA up to $3 million.

By focusing on traditional manufacturing and service industries, Illinois Avenue Partners aims to create value by enhancing operational efficiencies and scaling businesses to achieve sustainable growth. Their approach combines strategic investment with hands-on management to unlock the full potential of their portfolio companies.