CHAMP I

CHAMP I was a buyout fund established in 2000 and managed by CPE Capital, a private equity firm based in Sydney, Australia. The fund focused on investments in Australia and New Zealand, specifically targeting the commercial product and manufacturing sectors. CPE Capital specializes in growth and buyout investments in mid-market companies within the Asia-Pacific region, emphasizing management buyouts and cross-border deals. The firm aims to support businesses with an enterprise value ranging from A$150 million to A$750 million, leveraging its expertise to foster growth and operational improvements in its portfolio companies.

Jim Anderson

Managing Director and Operating Partner

Graham Brooke

Managing Director, Investments

Steve Duncan

Associate Director, Investments

Shane Gong

Director, Investments

Adam Gordon

Director of Investments

Richard Hanney

Investor Relations

Fiona Lock

Managing Director

Aja Manu

Associate Director of Research and Data Science

Joseph Skrzynski

Co-Founder & Managing Director

Barry Zuckerman

Consultant

30 past transactions

Saturnbird Coffee

Series B in 2021
Saturnbird Coffee is a ground coffee brand. Santurnbird’s products feature its unique brewing technology, which is claimed to be able to preserve the original flavor and scent of coffee beans. Its instant coffee powder product using this technology can be dissolved at any temperature is not just water, but milk and oat milk.

Plus

Series B in 2021
PlusAI, Inc. develops self- driving trucks to enable commercialization of autonomous transport. The company operates a fleet of autonomous trucks in pilot programs in collaboration with freight shipping companies. PlusAI, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Cupertino, California.

MGI Tech

Series B in 2020
MGI Tech is committed to enabling effective and affordable healthcare solutions for all. MGI produces sequencing devices, equipment, consumables and reagents to support life science research, medicine and healthcare. MGI’s multi-omics platforms include genetic sequencing, mass spectrometry and medical imaging. Providing real-time, comprehensive, life-long solutions, its mission is to advance life science tools and lead digital health innovation.

Levett Engineering

Acquisition in 2019
Levett Engineering is a world leading precision component manufacturer with an Australian and International client base that includes the Defence, Aerospace, Medical, Electronics and Commercial Engineering sectors. Levett Engineering conforms to international Quality Standards for all aerospace, defence and commercially manufactured components and is ITAR compliant*. In addition to its exacting operational benchmarks, the Levett name is renowned throughout the engineering industry for its product quality, integrity and value. With its reputation as a preferred employer, Levett Engineering employs the highest skilled craftsmen with an unwavering commitment to product quality and on-time delivery. The team uses state-of-the-art high-performance equipment from the world’s leading suppliers to produce machined components. Component manufacturing for defence aviation, aerospace, aeronautical and electrical engineering is considered the pinnacle of advanced manufacturing and an industry of the future. As a leader and key investor in this field, Levett Engineering is committed to helping transform and diversify South Australia into an export focused advanced manufacturing state. Levett Engineering conforms to the AS9100 Rev C Quality Standard for aerospace and defence manufactured components with ITAR compliance. The company also conforms to ISO 9001 2008 Quality Standards as a minimum for all customer requirements.

Marand

Acquisition in 2019
Marand Precision Engineering Pty. Ltd. designs and manufactures high-quality precision tooling, machine tools, and automated production solutions. The company's manufacturing solutions encompass project management, design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, ongoing maintenance, and spare parts support for any precision machine or product that the company manufactures. Marand Precision Engineering Pty. Ltd. caters to the automotive sector, rail sector, energy sector, engineering sector, and defense sector. Marand Precision Engineering Pty. Ltd. was founded in 1969 and is based in Moorabbin, Australia.

Cell Care

Acquisition in 2018
Cell Care Australia Pty Limited is a licensed cord blood and tissue bank based in Moorabbin, Victoria. Founded in 2004, the company specializes in the collection, processing, and storage of cord stem cells, including autologous and directed allogeneic stem cells. It also conducts ABO blood group testing. Cell Care is fully compliant with regulations set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for its operations. The company provides services to Australian families, including access to clinical trials, and does not charge for the release and transportation of cord blood for approved therapeutic uses. Additionally, it offers a refund if cord blood or tissue is not successfully collected or stored.

Dutton

Acquisition in 2017
Dutton Group is a prominent Australian company specializing in the wholesale and retail of used cars, particularly focusing on luxury, prestige, and vintage vehicles. Based in Richmond, the group operates through three main divisions: Dutton Garage, Dutton Garage Wholesale, and Sell. Dutton Garage is recognized for supplying rare and collectible cars globally, while Dutton Garage Wholesale serves as the largest national wholesaler in the used car market. The company prides itself on offering tailored services that emphasize design, engineering, and performance, ensuring clients access high-quality vehicles at competitive prices.

Freight Lines

Acquisition in 2016
Freight Lines Ltd provides transport solutions for line haul, general, and bulk freight transportation in New Zealand. The company’s fleet and services include curtain siders, flat decks, drop-side tippers, refrigerated units, tipping curtain siders, and quad units, as well as storage/warehousing services. It transports freight between the North and South Islands. The company was founded in 1993 and is based in Otorohanga, New Zealand.

Streamline Freight

Acquisition in 2016
Streamline Freight Ltd provides freight forwarding and transportation of general goods, consumable, and fragile products for commercial and industrial clients. It offers parcels and distribution services in New Zealand. The company was founded in 1989 and is based in Auckland, New Zealand. It has branches in Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand; and agencies in New Zealand.

Strait Shipping

Acquisition in 2016
Strait Shipping is New Zealand’s leading shipping business – operating Cook Strait ferry services since 1992. With around 30 return sailings across Cook Strait each week, we transport hundreds of thousands of tonnes of freight and livestock between the North and South Island all year round. Between them, our ships offer just under 10,000 metres of ro-ro space every day, with a capacity for most over sized loads.

ContainerChain

Acquisition in 2016
Containerchain provides SaaS solutions which enhance connectivity, visibility and efficiency for depots, transport operators, terminals, freight forwarders and importers / exporters across the landside container logistics sector. It has operations in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong.

Pepperstone

Venture Round in 2016
Pepperstone is a global provider of online trading services, specializing in foreign exchange (forex or FX). Successful traders and investors understand that superior technology and low trading costs hold the key to greater returns. Pepperstone provides access to fair, competitive and transparent pricing across all major currency pairs by equipping traders with best-in-class trading technology and customer service. The company is based in Melbourne, Australia.

Miclyn Express Offshore

Private Equity Round in 2012
Miclyn Express Offshore is a prominent provider of offshore support vessels and related services, primarily serving the oil and gas industry in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The company owns, charters, and markets a diverse fleet that includes offshore support vessels, crew and utility vessels, tugs, barges, and coastal survey vessels. Its operations encompass various segments: the Offshore Support Vessels segment facilitates transportation and support throughout the offshore oil and gas cycle, while the Crew/Utility Vessels segment focuses on transporting personnel and supplies to production platforms. The Tugs segment is dedicated to the movement of barges, and the Barges segment handles the transportation of oilfield equipment and heavy structures. Additionally, Miclyn Express Offshore offers coastal survey services and engages in vessel chartering, upgradation, and management. Founded in 2005 and based in Singapore, the company was previously known as Express Offshore Transport Pte Ltd until its rebranding in 2007. Miclyn Express Offshore operates under the ownership of Manta Holdings Limited.

Gerard Lighting Group

Acquisition in 2012
Gerard Lighting Group is an Australian lighting manufacturer and distributor.

oOh!Media

Acquisition in 2011
oOh! specialises in providing clients with Unmissable creative media solutions that connect with more consumers while they are away from home. oOh!media is a pioneering media company changing the face of the Out of Home industry in Australia and New Zealand. It enhance public spaces by creating engaging environments, helping advertisers, landlords, leaseholders, community organisations, local councils and governments reach large and diverse public audiences.

Accolade Wines

Acquisition in 2011
Accolade Wines is a global wine business with headquarters in South Australia. Accolade Wines is the number one wine company in Australia and the UK by volume, and the fifth largest wine company in the world. Drawing on a proud heritage with one of the first wineries established in Australia, and since treading its first grapes in 1853, Accolade Wines has evolved into a global wine company, producing some of the world’s best-known brands.

ATF Services

Acquisition in 2010
ATF Services provides temporary fencing and height safety equipment for hire to residential, commercial, industrial, and events sectors in Australia and New Zealand. The company offers various temporary fencing panels, crowd control barriers, hoarding panels, and other fencing systems; and domestic edge protection products, commercial edge protection products, working platforms, void protection systems, gantry systems, and access tower solutions.

Centric Wealth

Acquisition in 2009
Centric Wealth, part of Findex, is awealth management firm, providing our clients with personalized advice and solutions for their complete financial well-being.

Alleasing

Acquisition in 2008
Alleasing Pty Ltd. provides asset finance and leasing solutions. It offers solutions in the areas of operating lease, rental, sale and rent back, finance lease, OCM, asset, and vendor service aspects. The company provides finance to agriculture, forestry, fishing, healthcare, manufacturing and construction, information technology, telecommunication, and mining assets. It serves large and medium corporate markets, small businesses, government entities, associations, clubs, medical professionals, private schools, and other industries in Australia and New Zealand. The company was incorporated in 1989 and is based in Sydney, Australia.

LCR Group

Acquisition in 2008
LCR Group Pty Ltd is an industrial and mining services company based in Hendra, Australia, offering a range of lift and shift services to clients both domestically and internationally. The company specializes in bulk materials handling, transport, and mining services, which encompass resource haulage, crushing and screening, road maintenance, and stockpile management. Additionally, LCR Group provides mobile cranes for hire, labor hire, and lift planning and supervision. The company also focuses on the specialized transport of heavy machinery, over-dimensional equipment, and precast concrete products. Incorporated in 2001, LCR Group has established itself in the industrial logistics sector and operates a well-invested fleet of equipment sourced from leading manufacturers. As of 2019, LCR Group functions as a subsidiary of Qube Holdings Limited.

Golding Contractors

Acquisition in 2008
Golding delivers safe, flexible and cost-effective project solutions in urban, regional and remote locations for the resources, utilities, property and transport sectors.

Blue Star Group Pty

Acquisition in 2006
Blue Star offer a complete range of communication services, including commercial and general print, digital print, web printing, print management, creative and design, warehousing and logistics, direct mail and fulfilment, full colour digital variable printing, and labels.

Manassen Foods

Acquisition in 2006
Manassen Foods Australia Pty Ltd. is an independent grocery importer based in Eastern Creek, Australia, established in 1953. The company specializes in sourcing and importing a diverse range of food products for brand owners worldwide, catering to both retail and foodservice sectors. Its extensive portfolio includes dry groceries, confectionery, cheese, dried fruits, health foods, biscuits, cakes, perishables, and frozen foods. Manassen Foods serves a variety of customers, including retail, wholesale, and food service operators, through a dedicated team of sales representatives across Australia. In July 1994, the company changed its name from Manassen Fine Foods Pty Ltd. to its current name and has since become a subsidiary of Bright Food (Group) Co., LTD. With a workforce of over 350 employees, Manassen Foods is committed to delivering quality products and services while maintaining strong corporate values.

International Energy Services

Acquisition in 2005
International Energy Services (IES) is the leading provider of transport logistics services to the petroleum, LPG, aviation and chemicals industries in Australia and Singapore and is a leading provider of transport logistics services to the resources sector in Australia. IES is also a leading supplier of fluid handling equipment to the global petroleum, LPG, aviation and resources sectors. IES has a proven track record of providing these services at the highest level of compliance with international occupational health, safety and environmental standards. IES is based in Melbourne, Australia and has operations across all Australian States and Territories as well as in Singapore and the USA

Austar United Communications

Acquisition in 2003
AUSTAR's television subscriber base has grown to over 740,000 (at June 30, 2010), the largest subscription television operator in regional and rural Australia. AUSTAR provides subscription television services in a service area of approximately 2.4m homes, one-third of Australia's total homes, primarily using digital satellite technology. AUSTAR also operates a digital cable network in Darwin.

New Price Retail

Acquisition in 2003
New Price Retail is a provider of goods and services to clusters of store brands in Australia. New Price Retail was a provider of goods and services to clusters of store brands, which include franchised, joint venture and directly-owned stores. Through specialised and centralised support services, high levels of skill and expertise were provided to New Price Retail's retail brands
DSG Pty Ltd, trading as Australian Pacific Paper Products (APPP) is an Australian manufacturing company supplying disposable absorbent products to local and overseas markets.

Sheridan

Acquisition in 2002
Sheridan is an Australian producer and marketer of premium bed linen and towels with about a 60% market share of branded bed linen products in Australia. The company had meaningful operations in the US and UK and a growing presence in Asia and Europe. Sheridan products were sold in 40 countries around the globe. In November 2005, Sheridan was acquired by Pacific Brands, Australia’s leading manager of consumer brands. Pacific Brands markets some of the most recognised brands including Berlei, Bonds, Holeproof, King Gee, Slazenger, Sleepmaker, Tontine and now Sheridan.

Bradken

Private Equity Round in 2001
Bradken is an Australian manufacturer specializing in steel consumables and capital equipment, providing maintenance services for various industries including mining, mineral processing, industrial, and rail sectors. The company produces a range of cast and fabricated iron and steel products, specifically designed for the mining and resources sector, as well as rail, energy, and defense markets. Its offerings include ground engagement tools, wear solutions for fixed plants and crawlers, transport solutions, mill liners, spare parts, and rail trucks. By utilizing advanced techniques in product development, Bradken aids clients in optimizing their manufacturing facilities, ensuring efficiency and reliability in their operations.

Penrice Soda Holdings

Acquisition in 2001
Penrice Soda Holdings Limited manufactures, distributes, and sells sodium bicarbonate primarily in Australia. The company operates in chemicals and quarry and mineral segments. Its sodium bicarbonate is used in various products and applications, such as pharmaceuticals, food, stock feed, medical, and personal care, as well as industrial applications consisting of detergents, cleaning products, and flue gas treatment.