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
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Investment Size
$10 – $40M+
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Enterprise Value
$10M – $100M
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Average Term
1 – 3 YEARS
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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 140+ transactions over 14 years.
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PROJECT MSP
Roll up of IT-managed service providers serving small to mid-sized businesses
- 2022
- $30m
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PROJECT SPIRIT
Company that purchases, ages and sells young-aged bourbon and rye barrels in KY & IN
- 2019
- $23m
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PROJECT TERMINAL MBE
Professional engineering and project manager servicing airports and transportation agencies
- 2022
- $15m
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PROJECT GLOBAL
Provider of canine explosives detection services to the air cargo industry
- 2020
- $15m
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PROJECT SOUNDTRACK
Aggregator of music royalty streams from compositions used in film & TV productions
- 2021
- $50m
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PROJECT BRIGHT
Substance abuse treatment centers platform roll-up
- 2022
- $40m
Testimonials
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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
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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
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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 and Sector 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
- Research
- Board roles (observer)
- Interim operating roles (when needed)
350+ Operating Experts have opportunities to work with Metropolitan either 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:
- Agriculture & Related
- Business Services
- Financial Services
- Industrials
- Media
- Real Estate
- Specialty Finance
- Technology
- Other Sectors
Why We Built an Operating & Expert Network
Gain Time
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.
Gain Bench Strength
Operating & Sector Experts are attractive to the management teams we work with who have never experienced 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 many roles, wear many hats
Trusted Voice
A resource with direct relationships
Passion
Extremely enthusiastic about his/her sector, ability to draw on 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