Independent Sponsor

Operator-led control buyouts in the lower middle market.

We acquire and operate essential, non-discretionary businesses with hands-on leadership and institutional discipline.

$XXM+
Capital Deployed
20+
LMM Transactions
8
Portfolio Companies
$34-65M
Revenue Range

Operator-Led

Hands-on from day one

AI-Augmented

Built-in, not bolted on

Why Corefour

What Makes Us Different

We operate the businesses we acquire. This is not a typical independent sponsor model.

Operator-Led Execution

We step into leadership where continuity requires it. No search firm delays, no interim management gaps, no transition risk. Value creation begins on day one.

Institutional Discipline

Underwriting, structuring, and portfolio monitoring informed by decades of experience across 150+ transactions at institutional scale.

Deal-by-Deal Flexibility

No blind pool. No deployment clock. Capital partners evaluate each opportunity on its own merits. Your commitment signals intent, not obligation.

AI-Augmented Operations

We underwrite AI impact before close and implement it after. Proprietary diligence methodology and deployment playbook built for lower middle market operations.

Our Framework

The Corefour Operating System

A proven framework for building value in owner-operated businesses. Not consulting. This is how we operate our own companies.

People

Right leaders in the right seats. Management assessment, gap filling, accountability structures that scale.

Strategy

Core customer, brand promise, 3-5 year thesis. Organic and inorganic levers aligned to one objective.

Execution

Weekly and quarterly rhythm. KPI accountability, meeting cadence, visible priorities, measurable progress.

Capital

Disciplined capital allocation, working capital optimization, and institutional-grade financial reporting from day one.

This system is installed post-close. It is not optional. It is how risk is reduced and value is created.

Technology

AI as a Force Multiplier

We underwrite AI before capital is committed. We implement it after close. This is not a roadmap.

Pre-Close Diligence

  • Assess AI headwinds and tailwinds for the target industry
  • Score systems readiness, data maturity, management appetite
  • Size margin impact and flag risks before capital is committed
  • Deliver go/no-go recommendation with quantified upside

Post-Close Implementation

  • Deploy targeted automation: AP, reporting, quoting, month-end close
  • Buy-vs-build framework matched to company archetype
  • Agentic systems that encode institutional knowledge
  • Decision velocity and workflow automation at SMB scale
Focus

Investment Criteria

Control buyouts of essential, non-discretionary service businesses.

  • Enterprise Value $10M – $48M
  • EBITDA $2M – $8M+
  • Entry Multiple 3.5x – 6x EBITDA
  • Revenue Model Recurring, contractual, or mandate-driven
  • Geography U.S. — regional density preferred
  • Seller Profile Founder retirements, family transitions, carve-outs

What We Avoid

  • Early-stage or venture-backed companies
  • Project-based or lumpy revenue models
  • Distressed situations or turnarounds
  • Businesses dependent on a single customer or contract
  • Industries requiring specialized technical expertise we do not have
Partnership

How We Engage

Hands-on involvement from acquisition through exit.

Leadership Continuity

Where there is no CEO or successor in place, we are prepared to step in directly. No search firm, no interim management, no transition risk. Continuity is guaranteed from day one.

Board-Level Governance

Institutional governance practices installed immediately. Regular board meetings, clear reporting cadence, strategic oversight combined with operational involvement.

Active Value Creation

We do not delegate value creation to consultants. Our operating system is installed and managed by us, working alongside existing management to execute the plan.

Long-Term Orientation

No fund clock. No pressure to exit prematurely. Investment horizons are driven by value creation, not arbitrary timelines or fund life constraints.

For You

Who This Is For

Founder-Owners

  • Succession & Continuity Ready to transition but want the business to endure beyond your involvement
  • Professionalization Seeking institutional capabilities without losing company culture or identity
  • Respect for Legacy A partner who understands what you built and will protect it
  • Long-Term Stewardship Not a quick flip—a genuine commitment to the business and its people

Capital Partners

  • Deal-by-Deal Discretion Review each opportunity on its merits—your commitment signals intent, not obligation
  • Institutional Rigor Underwriting and structuring informed by decades of experience at scale
  • Alignment Meaningful co-investment alongside LPs on the same terms
  • Access, Not Obligation Pre-negotiated terms, no blind pool, transparent governance

Partner With Us

We are building a portfolio of essential, non-discretionary businesses with institutional discipline behind the capital.

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