MiddleGround Capital

2024 pushed us to think bigger, move faster, and execute smarter, and our team rose to the challenge. Despite market headwinds, we closed five acquisitions, expanded our global footprint to 221 operating facilities across 29 countries, and doubled down on operational improvements, driving equity value across our portfolio. As our Founding & Managing Partner, John Stewart, put it: “The real achievers rise to the top in times of difficulty. The successes we had in 2024 called for creativity, tenacity, and grit… and I’m proud to say the MiddleGround team are no strangers to all three.” Read more in our 2024 Year in Review here: https://bit.ly/4iIbMeg #privateequity #manufacturing

From the Bluegrass to the Big Apple… ?? ?? Eighteen incredible sophomores from the University of Kentucky’s Pelissier Scholar program made a pit stop at our New York office! As part of their week-long deep dive into high finance, these #students got behind the scenes with MiddleGround. They toured our office, had a Q&A session with the team, and learned more about how we do things. We LOVE connecting with UK students and watering our Kentucky roots by developing young talent. Go Wildcats!! ?? #education #philanthropy

Making an impact is the real win, but getting recognized for it sure is a nice bonus! We’ve been named a runner-up for Best ESG Investment Fund: #PrivateEquity at the 2025 ESG Investing Awards! This award honors firms driving meaningful change in #ESG. For us, that means embedding #sustainability into our investment strategy, setting tailored ESG targets for our portfolio companies, and regularly monitoring ESG-related data to measure progress across our portfolio. Big thanks to ESG Investing for the recognition and our team for their endless commitment to "leaving the world better than we found it." See the full list of winners & finalists here: https://bit.ly/3E94ImZ

Proven fact: The best business decisions come from diverse perspectives. That’s why #DEI has been central to our firm since day ONE. From utilizing an equitable recruiting process to building internal groups like Women’s Wing, where female excellence at MGC is celebrated, we’re making #privateequity a place where EVERYONE can thrive. Read more about our DEI efforts in our #Sustainability Report: https://bit.ly/41WNTKb

Next in our MiddleGround Made series: IT8, an engineering powerhouse implementing automation solutions in #automotive and warehouse #operations across Europe and North America. Why are their services important? IT8 specializes in PLC and robot programming, mechanical and electrical engineering, and installation and site services. Their expertise in Body in White (BIW) welding lines helps OEMs and #automation partners streamline production with precision and reliability. What sets them apart? With five facilities across five countries, IT8 blends deep technical knowledge with a hands-on approach, delivering cost-effective, high-quality automation solutions. Their ability to integrate cutting-edge #engineering with seamless execution makes them a trusted partner. Learn more about IT8 here: https://bit.ly/4ilkCyE

Purple is a symbol of hope for women in Kentucky. Elizabeth's Village is a philanthropic organization that provides transitional housing, education, and support services for women struggling with homelessness or domestic violence in Scott County. Our team was proud to support its 11th annual Paint the Town Purple Fundraiser, supporting its newest temporary housing facility. We’re always happy to support incredible local organizations and help make a difference in our backyard. Learn more about their impact here: https://bit.ly/3FxaLaE #philanthropy #nonprofit

Marketing isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being remembered. From targeting the right audience to driving web traffic through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), marketing strategies can feel like a black box... but with simple tweaks, it can be a big factor in winning new business. Demystify marketing by listening to our latest #podcast here: https://bit.ly/4kyUzFQ Nathan Wheeler Leanne Walmsley

Another bootcamp in the books! ? Teams from eight portfolio companies and MiddleGround hit the shop floor at Race Winning Brands in Mentor, OH, to tackle operational challenges. Over the week, they identified waste, optimized processes, and implemented solutions that will impact the facility's efficiency and safety. Here are the results: ?? $156K in cost avoidance through error-proofing in shipping ?? $38K in annual labor savings from streamlined workflows ?? 42 safety & ergonomic improvements improving working conditions ?? 1,000 miles/year reduction in process walk time Big thanks to Banner Management Consulting and our team for making it happen! #privateequity #manufacturing #operations

2025 is a year of opportunity for those prepared to take advantage of them. In an article with SS&C Intralinks, our Managing Director and Head of EU Transaction Team, Marty Sjoquist, breaks down the key trends shaping #privateequity today. From trade policies and supply chain shifts to the evolving fundraising landscape, Marty highlights the factors that will define success in industrial and #manufacturing investments. With a focus on advanced manufacturing, reshoring, and #infrastructure, we see major opportunities to create value. Read the full Q&A here: https://bit.ly/4bkPJYm

We LOVE seeing our team pursue their passions — especially when it involves horses in our hometown, Lexington, Kentucky, the Horse Capital of the World! ?? Here’s what Melissa Gee, our Human Capital Associate and resident equestrian, had to say: 1?? What inspired you to pursue horse riding? I’ve loved horses since my dad surprised me with riding lessons as a little girl, but I fell out of practice as life got busy. But horses are everywhere in Lexington, and my love for them never faded. I had my first lesson in over a decade in 2024 and haven’t looked back! 2?? Tell us about your partner in crime! Cornbread (aka Corny or Corn Dog) has incredible potential as an Eventing horse, and I'm lucky to be the one helping him reach it! He teaches me something new every day, and we hope to compete at the Kentucky Horse Park, one of the most famous equestrian competition spaces in America. 3?? How has MGC supported you in pursuing this passion? MiddleGrounders have come to my competitions to cheer me on and snap photos (an equestrian's dream)! They also respect my Thursday morning barn time; I ride at 7:30 AM before work. It’s incredible to feel that kind of support from my team. 4?? What do you think is the value of pursuing passions outside work? We're all dedicated to our careers, but making time for what you love drives you to be a better version of yourself and can make you even better at what you do! #Kentucky #bluegrass