Willis Stein & Partners

Willis Stein & Partners, established in 1994, is a Chicago-based private equity firm that invests in middle-market companies across the United States, with a focus on the Midwest. The company specializes in the consumer services, education, and specialized business services sectors. It employs a disciplined investment process, leveraging its industry knowledge, strategic and financial expertise, and reputation for integrity to create value for investors. Willis Stein & Partners typically acquires controlling interests in companies, aiming to accelerate growth through capital investment and strategic guidance. Since its inception, the firm has invested nearly $3 billion across 50 portfolio companies, facilitating over 200 add-on acquisitions and raising over $4 billion in debt capital.

Alexander Gart

Vice President

Larson CPA, Christopher F.

Managing Director of Equity Group

5 past transactions

CompuPay

Venture Round in 2009
BenefitMall (formerly CompuPay) is a payroll, tax filing and human resource-related service. Utilizing internet and PC-based tools it allows for customers to preform the needed taks with ease.

Jays Foods

Acquisition in 2004
Jays Foods, based in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent producer of snacks, particularly known for its signature Jays Potato Chips. The company has a rich history that began in 1927 with Leonard Japp, Sr., who initially started by delivering pretzels and later expanded into the potato chip market. After renaming the company to avoid negative connotations during World War II, Jays Foods solidified its position as a leading snack manufacturer in the Midwest. Over the years, the company diversified its product line to include not only potato chips but also tortilla chips, pretzels, and popcorn under various brands such as O-KE-DOKE and Krunchers!. After a period of family ownership, the Japp family reacquired Jays Foods in 1994, continuing its legacy of producing quality snacks. Today, Jays Foods remains committed to delivering a wide range of delicious, high-quality snacks to consumers.

Lincoln Snacks

Acquisition in 2004
Lincoln Snacks Company is the manufacturers of premium caramelized pre-popped popcorn. Their primary product lines are sold under the brand names POPPYCOCK®, FIDDLE FADDLE®, and Screaming Yellow ZONKERS®.

Baker & Taylor

Acquisition in 2003
Founded in 1828, Baker & Taylor is a leading global distributor of books, digital content, and entertainment products. Serving libraries, schools, retailers, and institutions worldwide, the company offers a wide range of services including print-on-demand programs, collection performance improvement solutions, and digital media library systems. With over 36,000 customers across 120 countries, Baker & Taylor maintains one of the largest in-stock inventories globally.

Protocol Communications

Acquisition in 1999
Protocol Communications is a provider of structured cabling services, specializing in the design and implementation of telecommunications networks for small businesses. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including cabling audits, voice and data solutions, wireless LAN setups, and IP video surveillance systems. Additionally, it provides infrastructure for campus and backbone fiber networks, as well as inside and outside plant cabling. Protocol Communications also delivers paging systems and point-to-point wireless services, addressing various communication needs for its clients.
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