Blackford Capital Recognized for Talented Investment Team

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackford Capital, a national private equity firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan that focuses on the lower middle-market, announced today that James Cook has been selected by The M&A Advisor to receive an Emerging Leaders Award.

Blackford Capital has won numerous awards over the last several years in recognition of its talented team. This award marks the second year in a row that a member of Blackford Capital's team has been selected for this prestigious award. Additionally, Martin Stein was recognized by The M&A Advisor in 2016 as the Private Equity Professional of the Year. 

The M&A Advisor created this award to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the best, young M&A, Financing, and Turnaround professionals. James Cook was selected to receive this award based upon his strong track record of success at Blackford Capital and his service in the Grand Rapids Community. Cook leads the firm's Portfolio Company Operations Team and is responsible for managing the firms value creation, oversight, governance, and cross-portfolio initiatives. Furthermore, Cook manages four platform investments, where he is responsible for deal sourcing, due diligence, and financing activities for add-on acquisitions and recapitalizations.

"James has been integral in driving performance improvement, structured governance, and creating equity value across our portfolio," said Martin Stein, founder and managing director of Blackford Capital. "We're excited that James is being recognized for all of his hard work and the positive impact he has on Blackford, our portfolio companies, and our community. As a firm, we place a heavy focus on attracting and developing top talent; and I believe this award, in conjunction with the other accolades our team has received, is evidence that this focus is paying off."

Cook joined Blackford Capital in 2014 after graduating from business school and is actively involved in the Grand Rapids community, including serving on the Board of Directors of the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan Foundation. James is also involved with the Association for Corporate Growth's Western Michigan Chapter. Cook holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and a BA in Economics from Hobart College.

About Blackford Capital
Home of the 2016 M&A Advisor Private Equity Professional of the Year, Martin Stein, Blackford Capital is a private equity firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that acquires, manages and builds family-owned, lower middle-market manufacturing, distribution, and service companies. Blackford currently has 12 portfolio companies located across the United States and has been recognized as one of America's fastest growing private companies by Inc. 5000. In 2015, Blackford was recognized by The M&A Advisor with the Deal of the Year Award. For more information, visit www.blackfordcapital.com.

Contact:
Eric Kamstra
Blackford Capital
616.233.3160
[email protected]

SOURCE Blackford Capital

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http://www.blackfordcapital.com