Smith Whiley & Company
Smith Whiley & Company was formed through a strategic relationship with Aetna, Inc., one of the first such alliances in the investment management industry. The alliance was established in 1994 to offer private equity and mezzanine partnerships specializing in providing mezzanine debt and private equity to small and middle market companies nationwide. The Firm is 100% owned by three seasoned and nationally recognized women who are also supported by five additional investment professionals. Black Enterprise Magazine ranks Smith Whiley among the largest African-American owned private equity firms in the country.
Smith Whiley specializes in providing mezzanine debt and private equity to small and middle market companies nationwide. The Firm has solid infrastructure and strong fund operations and client service experience. The Firm has managed in excess of $500 million in alternative investments since its formation. Collectively, its Principals have a track record in the asset class spanning almost 80 years, and includes $14 billion in managed assets and $5 billion in new investments. The Firm is headquartered in New England in Hartford, Connecticut and has a regional office in Evanston, Illinois. Smith Whiley currently manages three private equity and mezzanine partnerships, Fund I, Fund II and its current offering, Fund III.
Smith Whiley’s reputation and market coverage has led to robust deal flow from which exceptional investment selection has been achieved. The Firm has invested in over 30 portfolio companies on behalf of its funds. The investment prowess and acumen of the investment team has been recognized with industry awards and nominations. In 2005, a Smith Whiley portfolio company, The Holland Group, received nominations for “Financing of the Year” and “Woman Dealmaker of the Year” by The M&A Advisor. Notably in June 2006, another Smith Whiley portfolio company, Aquion Water Treatment Products, was awarded “Consumer Financing Deal of the Year” by The M&A Advisor. In 2007, Smith Whiley and a Smith Whiley portfolio company, Mid-West Dental Holding Company, received four nominations for “Financing Deal of the Year”, “Financing Provider of the Year”, “Financing Professional of the Year”, and Healthcare and Biotech Deal of the Year by The M&A Advisor. The investments referenced above were singled out because of their quick harvesting and absolute level of returns.
