Our Strategy

Our Strategy

Capital Focused on Unlocking Opportunity

As a firm focused on the deeply underserved and less competitive lower-middle market, we have the underwriting and structuring expertise to invest in complex and special situations that cannot be addressed by banks and other conventional financial institutions.

One Relationship at a Time

Metropolitan Partners Group provides debt financing for growing lower-middle market companies. We are unconstrained by industry or financing asset and welcome complex situations. We are known for our flexibility, empathy and creativity in structuring non-dilutive debt financings. Together let’s create lasting value.

We Tend To Look For
  • Businesses with annual revenues of <$100 million and no controlling institutional investors
  • Asset-rich businesses with significant hard assets or recurring/contractual revenues
  • Strong management teams with conviction
  • Businesses facing a specific growth event or at an inflection point
What We Provide

We typically provide senior-secured debt financings from 12-36 months in duration. We will structure the best bespoke solution to meet the needs of the borrower that can also include Unitranche loans, Bridge loans, Delay-Draw loans, Asset-Backed loans, Second lien loans.

Transaction Criteria

  • Investment Size

    $10 – $50M+

  • Enterprise Value

    $10M – $100M

  • Average Term

    1 – 3 YEARS

  • Geography

    U.S.–BASED

Case Studies

We Grow by Growing Others

By staying true to our values, solving complex challenges and enabling our borrowers to achieve their full potential, Metropolitan has achieved differentiated success across 155+ transactions over 15 years.

  • PROJECT MSP

    Roll up of IT-managed service providers serving small to mid-sized businesses

    • 2022
    • $30m
    Read More
  • PROJECT SPIRIT

    Company that purchases, ages and sells young-aged bourbon and rye barrels in KY & IN

    • 2019
    • $23m
    Read More
  • PROJECT TERMINAL MBE

    Professional engineering and project manager servicing airports and transportation agencies

    • 2022
    • $15m
    Read More
  • PROJECT GLOBAL

    Provider of canine explosives detection services to the air cargo industry

    • 2020
    • $15m
    Read More
  • PROJECT SOUNDTRACK

    Aggregator of music royalty streams from compositions used in film & TV productions

    • 2021
    • $50m
    Read More
  • PROJECT BRIGHT

    Substance abuse treatment centers platform roll-up

    • 2022
    • $40m
    Read More

Testimonials

  • Flexible & Creative

    “It’s very important to have alignment with a capital provider particularly when at an inflection point. Banks can’t do it. You don’t want a sharp elbowed lender. You want a team like Metropolitan – smart, flexible and value add. Metropolitan understands that one size does not fit all — tailoring the investment to the needs of the business. We know this takes a lot more effort by Metropolitan than most would think. They are very differentiated.”

    DARWIN CX Founder

  • Deep Understanding

    “After speaking with several prospective partners, Metropolitan stood apart as our comfort level with their team was different from the rest. They took the time to understand our business, and our needs, which reinforced our belief that they could help us grow our business further.”

    UPSTACK CFO

  • Partners

    “Metropolitan’s approach was focused on crafting a solution that accommodated the needs of all involved. They applied an original thinking lens to identify how their abilities could create value rather than be constrained by formulaic, one size fits all recipes. Metropolitan’s team brings together intellectual thoroughness, speed and a focus on partnership in spirit and in substance. I enthusiastically recommend Metropolitan.”

    Entrepreneur and Investor

Our Operating Expert Network

We have developed a strong ecosystem of operators and industry experts distributed globally. Download for More Information

Metropolitan engages Operating & Sector Experts for:
  • Deal diligence
  • Deal sourcing
  • Sector research
  • Board roles (observer)
  • Interim operating roles (when needed)
400+ Operating Experts in Metropolitan’s Network. Engagements with Metropolitan can be as:
  • Ongoing advisor
  • Project-based advisor
We have successfully worked with Operating Experts across a diversified spectrum of industries and continue to seek out expertise to deepen our knowledge and grow our network in:
  • Healthcare
  • Business Services
  • Financial Services
  • Industrial
  • Media & Telecom
  • Real Estate
  • Specialty Finance
  • Other Sectors
Why We Built an Operating Expert Network
Gain Speed

Metropolitan attracts quality borrowers by demonstrating respect for management’s time through an accelerated process

Gain Perspective

Operating/Sector Experts empathetically connect with management and gain new understanding of operational risks and opportunities

Gain Edge

Deep understanding of sector headwinds / operational challenges are addressed from the start of the diligence process, not as a surprise after financial diligence, thus reducing “re-trades”

Gain Bench Strength

Operating & Sector Experts are attractive to the management teams we work with who seek the benefit of a lending partner who is knowledgeable, willing to help and adds value

What we look for in Operating & Sector Experts:
Direct & relevant experience

A senior executive with deep directly relevant knowledge in the sector/sub-sector

Multi-dimensional value

Well-connected in the sector with the ability to play multiple roles, wear many hats

Trusted Voice

A resource with direct relationships

Passion

Extremely enthusiastic about his/her sector, ability to draw in opportunities or have a positive impact on potential investments or portfolio companies as a Metropolitan brand ambassador

Availability

We understand that talented Operating/Sector Experts may not be available when the Metropolitan need arises, but we seek people who want to be a part of the Metropolitan ecosystem

The information and services provided on this Website are for your informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any interest in any investment vehicle managed by Metropolitan or any company in which Metropolitan or its affiliates have invested. An offer or solicitation will be made only through a final private placement memorandum, subscription agreement and other related documents with respect to a particular investment opportunity and will be subject to the terms and conditions contained in such documents, including the qualifications necessary to become an investor. Metropolitan is not utilizing the Website to provide investment or other advice, and nothing contained herein constitutes a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. Information provided reflects Metropolitan’s views as of a particular time and are subject to change without notice. While Metropolitan uses reasonable efforts to obtain information from sources believed to be reliable, Metropolitan makes no representation that the information or opinions contained in the Website are accurate, reliable or complete. You are solely responsible for evaluating the risks and merits regarding use of the Website and should obtain relevant and specific professional advice before making any investment decision.

CEO Testimonials are for illustrative purposes, designed to attract business development contacts, and should not be construed as a client or investor testimonial of Metropolitan’s investment advisory services. All such endorsements are from current or former borrowers about Metropolitan’s ability to provide financing to their companies. Certain executives are also investors in Metropolitan’s investment vehicle(s), and as such, there is an inherent conflict in that those executives have an incentive to provide favorable reviews of Metropolitan’s business practices for the benefit of the investment vehicles that they hold a personal ownership interest in. Metropolitan has not, directly or indirectly, paid any compensation to such individuals for their endorsements.

The Case Studies described on the Website are included as representative transactions to demonstrate the breadth of industries and financing assets to which Metropolitan provides debt capital, however, due to such extensive variety, are not representative of all Metropolitan investments and are not necessarily reflective of overall results of any of Metropolitan’s businesses. Investments in other businesses may have materially different results. Not all Metropolitan investments had or will have similar characteristics or experiences as those included herein. The market analysis, estimates and similar information, including all statements of opinion and/or belief, contained in the documents accessible through this Website are subject to inherent uncertainties and qualifications and are based on a number of assumptions. You should carefully review the information provided regarding such analysis and assumptions.

Certain information on this Website may contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date on which they are made. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “optimistic”, “intend”, “aim”, “will” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Metropolitan undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Past performance is not indicative of future results; no representation is being made that any investment or transaction will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those achieved in the past, or that significant losses will be avoided.