Kristian Whalen Joins Platte River Equity as a Managing Director

DENVER, Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Platte River Equity ("Platte River") today announced that Kris Whalen has joined the Denver-based lower middle-market private equity firm as Managing Director.  Mr. Whalen comes to Platte River following the raising of its $405 million third fund, which closed in late 2012. 

Mr. Whalen brings 15 years of experience as a private equity investor in numerous industrial and service-based operating companies.  He will focus on investments in Platte River's target industrial sectors, which are complementary to Mr. Whalen's prior experience. 

Prior to joining Platte River, Mr. Whalen was a Managing Director and Co-Head of Diversified Industries in the New York office of Vestar Capital Partners.  At Vestar, Mr. Whalen pursued management buyout transactions across a broad spectrum of industrial and service sectors.  His responsibilities included sourcing new investment opportunities, developing new business relationships, structuring transactions, leading diligence and capital markets financings, as well as significant involvement in the operations of Vestar portfolio companies. 

Previously, Mr. Whalen was an analyst with the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Paine Webber.  Originally from Toronto, Canada, Mr. Whalen holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.A., with honors, from Brown University.

About Platte River Equity

Based in Denver, Colorado, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on equity investments from $10 million to $50 million in lower middle market operating companies with enterprise values generally between $20 million and $250 million, as well as strategic add on acquisitions.  The firm invests in sectors where it has deep operating and investing experience, including aerospace and transportation; energy and industrial products and services; and chemicals, metals and industrial minerals.  Platte River Equity manages funds with committed capital in excess of $700 million.

www.platteriverequity.com

SOURCE Platte River Equity