ClearLight Partners

ClearLight Partners LLC, established in 2000 and headquartered in Newport Beach, California, is a private equity firm focusing on mid-market investments. The firm specializes in management-led industry consolidations, growth capital, and recapitalization, primarily investing in companies based in the United States and Canada. ClearLight Partners targets companies with revenues between $10 million and $250 million, operating income/EBITDA between $3 million and $15 million, and enterprise values between $10 million and $100 million. The firm seeks to take majority stakes in investments, holding them for five to seven years. Since inception, ClearLight Partners has raised over $900 million across three funds and invested in over 15 platform companies. The firm's investment focus spans specialty manufacturing, industrial technology, consumer products and services, healthcare services, business services, and education and training sectors.

William Brenn

Associate

Andrew Brennan

Partner

Kyle Burke

Partner

Dustin Byer

Principal

Patrick Haiz

Partner

Clinton Hooks

Associate

Michael Kaye

Founder and Managing Partner

Joshua Mack

Partner and Board Member

Jeff Manassero

Partner

Joseph Schmidt

Operating Partner

Huy Dang Vu

CFO

26 past transactions

ICS

Private Equity Round in 2020
ICS is a Managed IT services provider. It analyses and maintains technological environment.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Private Equity Round in 2019
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt, founded in 1945 and based in Youngstown, Ohio, operates a chain of ice cream shops across the United States. The company specializes in producing and selling homemade ice cream, made fresh daily on the premises using unique recipes and proprietary methods. Each batch is crafted in specialized freezers designed to achieve a distinctively smooth and creamy texture. Handel's offers a diverse selection of flavors, including cherry vanilla, chunky chocolate chip, strawberry cheesecake, and caramel apple, ensuring that customers enjoy high-quality, freshly made products.

Paul Fredrick

Acquisition in 2018
Paul Fredrick is a company based in Reading, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the design, manufacture, and distribution of men's apparel and accessories. Their product range includes a variety of items such as cufflinks, face masks, hangers, hats, lapel pins, pocket squares, socks, and travel cases. The company offers an online ordering platform, making it convenient for customers to purchase stylish outfits and accessories at everyday prices. Paul Fredrick combines both e-commerce and traditional retail, catering to men looking to enhance their wardrobe with fashionable options.

Moore Landscapes

Venture Round in 2017
Moore Landscapes, LLC is a landscape service provider headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, serving the Chicago area since its founding in 1948. The company specializes in landscape installation, maintenance, and enhancement, catering primarily to commercial and public clients. Its services encompass a wide range of offerings, including landscape design, commercial grounds management, and snow and ice management. Additionally, Moore Landscapes provides interior plant maintenance and seasonal display services, such as holiday lighting and container installations. With a commitment to ensuring accessibility and safety for its clients, Moore Landscapes has established itself as a trusted provider in the environmental services sector within Northern Illinois.

Walker Advertising

Private Equity Round in 2015
Walker Advertising, LLC is an advertising agency based in Torrance, California, specializing in the legal profession. Founded in 1984, the company develops advertising campaigns that encompass various legal fields, including personal injury, workers compensation, mass tort, and criminal defense. It provides a range of services, such as legal marketing research, creative services, media buying, and bilingual call center support. Walker Advertising aims to enhance the accessibility of legal services to communities by utilizing a combination of traditional and digital media strategies, allowing law firms to effectively connect with potential clients.

PepperBall

Private Equity Round in 2014
PepperBall is a manufacturer that specializes in non-lethal weapons designed for use by military, law enforcement, correctional facilities, and private security. The company focuses on creating high-quality irritant-filled projectiles and associated air launchers, which serve as safe and effective tools for crowd control and one-on-one situations. PepperBall products are widely utilized by various law enforcement and military agencies both in the United States and internationally. In addition to its innovative launchers and projectiles, the company provides comprehensive training services to ensure effective deployment and use of its products.

Taymax

Private Equity Round in 2013
Taymax is a multi-unit franchisee of Planet Fitness health clubs located throughout North America. Taymax owns and operates over 30 Planet Fitness clubs in the greater San Antonio, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Toronto, and Ottawa regions. Taymax is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisees within the Planet Fitness system. With more than 1,000 locations, Planet Fitness (NYSE: PLNT) is one of the largest and most popular fitness chains in the world. Planet Fitness possesses a highly recognized brand in the low-cost, high-value segment of the market. Its core mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which it calls the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent franchisees.

Planet Fitness

Venture Round in 2013
Planet Fitness, founded in 1992 in Dover, New Hampshire, is a leading franchisor and operator of fitness centers with over 1,000 locations across the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. The company aims to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming and non-intimidating environment, which it brands as the Judgement Free Zone®. Planet Fitness operates through three main segments: franchising, corporate-owned stores, and equipment sales. The franchising segment encompasses its operations in various countries, while the corporate-owned stores segment focuses on its directly operated locations in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the equipment segment involves selling fitness equipment to franchisee-owned stores. A significant portion of the company's revenue is derived from its corporate-owned stores, and more than 90% of its locations are independently owned and operated.

Intoxalock

Acquisition in 2012
Intoxalock, based in Des Moines, Iowa, specializes in providing reliable alcohol monitoring devices, particularly ignition interlock systems. These devices meet state requirements in over 40 states and are utilized across all 50 states. Intoxalock was developed in collaboration with researchers at Iowa State University, with its ignition interlock device first introduced in 1992 by Consumer Safety Technology LLC (CST), which pioneered the use of alcohol-specific fuel cell technology in the industry. This advanced technology has become a standard in ignition interlock devices. In 2012, CST rebranded and began operating under the Intoxalock name, continuing its commitment to professional service and customer satisfaction.

Intoxalock

Venture Round in 2012
Intoxalock, based in Des Moines, Iowa, specializes in providing reliable alcohol monitoring devices, particularly ignition interlock systems. These devices meet state requirements in over 40 states and are utilized across all 50 states. Intoxalock was developed in collaboration with researchers at Iowa State University, with its ignition interlock device first introduced in 1992 by Consumer Safety Technology LLC (CST), which pioneered the use of alcohol-specific fuel cell technology in the industry. This advanced technology has become a standard in ignition interlock devices. In 2012, CST rebranded and began operating under the Intoxalock name, continuing its commitment to professional service and customer satisfaction.

Pure Health Solutions

Private Equity Round in 2009
Pure Health Solutions, Inc. specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of advanced water purification systems, catering to a variety of settings including homes, offices, hospitals, schools, and manufacturing facilities. The company provides a range of products, such as bottleless water coolers, filtered water coolers, water fill stations, ice makers, and coffee services, all designed to deliver high-quality drinking water while promoting sustainability and cost efficiency. Its multi-stage filtration systems serve as an effective alternative to traditional bottled water solutions. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Pure Health Solutions distributes its products through dealers across the United States, Canada, and Europe. As of December 2018, it operates as a subsidiary of Quench USA, Inc.

Apple & Eve

Private Equity Round in 2007
Apple & Eve, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Port Washington, New York, is the largest privately held producer of 100% fruit juice products in the United States. The company offers over one hundred juice products under its flagship brand, Apple & Eve, and a range of sub-brands including Organics, Fruitables, Quenchers, Waterfruits, and Sesame Street. It also markets juices under the Northland, Seneca, and The Switch brands. Apple & Eve specializes in organic fruit juices made from a variety of fruits, such as apples, berries, grapes, and oranges, among others. Its products are distributed widely across supermarkets, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, natural food stores, schools, and convenience stores nationwide.

Katzkin

Private Equity Round in 2007
Katzkin Leather Interiors, Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of made-to-order leather interiors for automobiles and light trucks, including trucks, cars, and SUVs. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Montebello, California, the company operates additional locations in cities such as Dallas, Los Angeles, and Orlando. Katzkin offers a diverse range of personalized leather seat options crafted from over 100 materials, allowing for configurations that include various colors, perforation styles, piping, stitching, embroidery, and embossing, resulting in millions of unique combinations. In addition to leather interiors, Katzkin also provides seat-heating components, mobile electronics, and other aftermarket accessories, enhancing the luxury, comfort, and style of vehicles at an accessible price point. The company's products are distributed through a network of dealerships and authorized professional installers.

TASI Group

Private Equity Round in 2007
TASI Group is a prominent global provider of engineered test, measurement, inspection, and automation solutions tailored for mission-critical applications across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company is organized into four strategic business segments that emphasize product integrity, package integrity, automation, and flow. TASI Group designs, manufactures, and services a range of advanced test and inspection instruments, flow meters, measurement devices, and automated assembly systems. Its diverse customer base spans various industries, including transportation, life sciences, food and beverage, consumer goods, energy, and industrial sectors. By focusing on enhancing productivity through cost reduction, quality improvement, and expedited time-to-market, TASI Group plays a crucial role in supporting its clients' operational efficiency and reliability.

Richardson Sales Performance

Private Equity Round in 2006
Richardson Sales Performance is a globally recognized company specializing in sales training and performance improvement. It partners with organizations, particularly in the pharmaceutical, medtech, and healthcare sectors, to develop tailored learning solutions that drive behavioral change and enhance sales effectiveness. By identifying sales best practices and evaluating talent, Richardson customizes training programs that build essential skills. The company employs a combination of proprietary intellectual property, modern digital technology, and data-driven methodologies to create impactful training experiences. Through sophisticated performance support tools, Richardson ensures sustained learning and rapid adoption of skills, ultimately enabling clients to achieve their sales objectives and effectively implement their organizational strategies.

Switchcraft

Acquisition in 2005
Switchcraft is a prominent manufacturer of electronic and electromechanical components based in the United States. The company offers a diverse range of over 5,000 standard products, including jacks, plugs, switches, power cords, connectors, and molded cable assemblies, catering to various industries such as audio, video, telecommunications, medical, military, and transportation. Switchcraft specializes in custom-engineered solutions, particularly in harsh environments, utilizing their round, sealed connectors. They possess an on-site toolroom and advanced 3D design capabilities, enabling rapid and efficient responses to custom project requirements. Their products are marketed both domestically and internationally through a network of manufacturers' representatives and independent distributors, ensuring a wide reach in the global market.

Switchcraft

Venture Round in 2005
Switchcraft is a prominent manufacturer of electronic and electromechanical components based in the United States. The company offers a diverse range of over 5,000 standard products, including jacks, plugs, switches, power cords, connectors, and molded cable assemblies, catering to various industries such as audio, video, telecommunications, medical, military, and transportation. Switchcraft specializes in custom-engineered solutions, particularly in harsh environments, utilizing their round, sealed connectors. They possess an on-site toolroom and advanced 3D design capabilities, enabling rapid and efficient responses to custom project requirements. Their products are marketed both domestically and internationally through a network of manufacturers' representatives and independent distributors, ensuring a wide reach in the global market.

SCS Refrigerated Services

Private Equity Round in 2005
SCS Refrigerated Services (“SCS”) is a leading provider of public refrigerated warehouse services in the Pacific Northwest. SCS provides temperature controlled cold storage as well as logistics services, transportation, and handling services for customers in industries ranging from dairy products to seafood. SCS operates three state-of-the-art facilities located in downtown Seattle, Algona and Tacoma and has been serving customers since 1969.

The Outsource Group

Private Equity Round in 2005
The Outsource Group is a prominent provider of receivables management services specifically tailored for the healthcare sector, boasting over 25 years of experience. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with additional call centers in St. Louis, Columbia, and Austin, the company specializes in accounts receivable management, including early-out services, insurance follow-up, and bad debt collections. Its comprehensive offerings encompass healthcare revenue cycle management, addressing various payment sources such as commercial, managed care, Medicare, Medicaid, and workers' compensation, as well as credit balancing auditing and self-pay collections. The Outsource Group has established itself as a trusted partner for hospitals and physician groups, ensuring effective management of their financial operations.

Bocchi Laboratories

Private Equity Round in 2003
Bocchi Laboratories is a full-service contract manufacturer specializing in the cosmetic and healthcare industries. With decades of experience, the company offers a comprehensive range of cutting-edge health, beauty, and personal care products, all developed and produced with a strong emphasis on quality, efficiency, and safety. The company operates a state-of-the-art in-house research and product development lab, enabling it to serve a diverse clientele of beauty and healthcare brands across North America. Bocchi Laboratories is committed to being a proactive vendor partner, helping customers achieve their goals of creating high-quality products in an economical and efficient manner.

U.S. Education Corporation

Private Equity Round in 2003
U.S. Education Corporation was formed in partnership with leading education industry executives to acquire, develop, and grow private career colleges throughout the Western United States. ClearLight Partners provided initial funding for U.S. Education in June 2002 to fund the acquisition of Silicon Valley College, an allied healthcare and information technology school in the San Francisco Bay area. In 2003, ClearLight Partners provided U.S. Education additional capital for, and assistance with, three acquisitions including Western Career College (February 2003), American Institute of Healthcare Technology (October 2003), and Apollo College(December 2003). As a result, U.S. Education grew from a four-campus school in Northern California to a leading career education company with seventeen campuses across the Western U.S. and a dominant position in allied healthcare training. ClearLight Partners has provided active assistance to U.S. Education in evaluating and executing acquisitions, arranging debt financing, strategic planning, and filling key management positions. ClearLight exited its investment in U.S. Education in 2008.

Futurelogic

Acquisition in 2002
Futurelogic is a prominent developer and manufacturer of small-format embedded thermal printing subassemblies, based in Glendale, California. The company tailors its products to meet the specific needs of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across various industries, including casino gaming, point of sale (POS), medical devices, industrial applications, and agricultural markets. In addition to designing specialized thermal printers, Futurelogic offers custom engineering services for any assembly that incorporates a thermal printer. The company's strategic growth has been supported by partners who have helped expand its client base and improve operational efficiency, ensuring its products remain integral to the evolving demands of its diverse clientele.

Tripwire

Series C in 2002
Tripwire is a prominent provider of cybersecurity software tailored for enterprises, industrial organizations, service providers, and government agencies. The company specializes in delivering advanced threat detection, security, and compliance solutions that empower clients to effectively identify, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity threats. Tripwire's offerings include configuration and policy management, file integrity monitoring, vulnerability management, and log intelligence. By leveraging high-fidelity asset visibility and comprehensive endpoint intelligence, Tripwire enhances security automation and facilitates seamless integration within enterprise environments. Through its robust portfolio of enterprise-class security solutions, Tripwire plays a crucial role in safeguarding organizations against evolving cyber threats.

DataDirect Networks

Series A in 2002
DataDirect Networks is a technology company specializing in data storage and management solutions, particularly for AI applications and high-performance computing environments. The company provides a comprehensive Data Intelligence Platform that supports over 500,000 GPUs, allowing organizations to efficiently process and analyze large datasets. DDN offers a variety of tailored solutions designed for data scientists, IT professionals, and researchers, enabling them to unlock insights and foster innovation. Additionally, it provides storage arrays, file systems, and object storage appliances suitable for cloud and data-intensive environments, ensuring secure and effective management of digital files for businesses and industrial clients.

Counterpane Internet Security

Series C in 2000
Counterpane delivers Managed Security Monitoring to some of the best-known corporations in e-commerce, finance, healthcare, hosting, insurance, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and transportation.

Communispace

Series A in 2000
Communispace Corporation specializes in developing and managing private online communities tailored for organizations across various industries, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, healthcare, and technology. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company operates additional offices in major cities such as Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, London, New York, San Francisco, and San Remo, Italy. Communispace's online platforms facilitate direct communication with customers, allowing businesses to gather continuous insights, innovate more rapidly, and enhance revenue generation. By providing a structured environment for consumer feedback, Communispace has established itself as a pioneer in the field of online consumer insight communities, helping brands better understand and respond to their customers' needs.
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