LJH Global Investments and John R. Jonge Poerink launch LJH Linley Capital, LLC (Linley Capital) as a new private equity firm that will invest in global mid-sized companies through leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and growth equity investments in a variety of sectors and regions, including consumer products, industrial and manufacturing.
The team also includes a prestigious advisory board, including among others: Robert F. Bernstock, former president and chief operating officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro and current president of the Shipping and Mailing Services division of the United States Postal Service; Brian G. Dyson, former vice chairman and chief operating officer of the Coca Cola Company; Cathy Taylor, chief executive officer of Phoenix Footwear and former chief executive officer of Cole Haan; and David Sutherland, former president and chief executive officer of steel manufacturing company IPSCO Inc.
Advisory board members will work in close partnership with the Linley team throughout the entire buyout process to provide due diligence support and industry expertise, and work with management of portfolio companies on developing and implementing operating and growth strategies.
John R. Jonge Poerink has 16+ years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, management and operations. Prior to co- founding Linley Capital, he was a partner in a New York-based middle market buyout firm where he worked on leveraged buyout transactions with more than $400 million in enterprise value, including the acquisition of Rocket Dog Brands and Luxury Optical Holdings. In addition, he spent 12 years in the management, marketing and operations of consumer goods companies such as Limited Brands Inc. and Benetton Group SpA where he was involved in numerous mergers and acquisitions situations. He earned his Masters in Business Administration in Finance at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Marketing and Communications at the University of Amsterdam.
“Together with LJH we have developed a unique structure for private equity investments, combining a robust source of capital, an experienced transaction team and a world-class board of operating experts,” says Poerink. “It allows us to be flexible and make prudent investments across a wide range of industries and geographies.”
“Over the years, we have developed a strong foundation of trust and respect for John’s investment and management capabilities,” says James R. Hedges, IV, chairman and founder of LJH Global Investments. “Partnering with John to build Linley Capital represents an exciting initiative for LJH and our investors. Moreover, we believe that Linley’s middle market focus is both timely and under-served.”
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