Thompson Street Capital Partners (“Thompson Street”) and Wafra Inc. (“Wafra”) jointly announced today that funds managed by Wafra have acquired a strategic minority ownership interest in Thompson Street. Thompson Street is a leading middle-market private equity firm based in St. Louis focused on investing in founder-led businesses in the life sciences & healthcare, software & technology, and business & consumer services sectors.
Wafra’s minority investment will support the continued scaling of the Thompson Street platform and the achievement of key strategic initiatives. Control of Thompson Street’s investment processes, management and day-to-day operations will not be affected by this transaction. The terms have not been disclosed.
“We are delighted to partner with Wafra, a firm whose likeminded approach to partnership will support this new chapter as we seek to maximize value for our investors,” said Jim Cooper, Founder and Managing Partner of Thompson Street.
Bob Dunn, Managing Partner of Thompson Street, added, “Thompson Street’s unique position as a leader in the middle market outside of coastal financial hubs will benefit from cross-pollination among Wafra’s network of global institutional investors. We believe there are significant potential areas of collaboration, and we look forward to a fruitful, long-term partnership with the Wafra team.”
“We are pleased to partner with Thompson Street on its next phase of growth. This partnership continues Wafra’s strategy of investing in leading alternative asset management teams to enhance value and create long-term alignment,” said Fawaz Al-Mubaraki, Chief Executive Officer of Wafra.
“Driven by a talented team of investment professionals, Thompson Street deploys a differentiated investment approach that has provided strong and consistent returns to investors for over two decades. We are excited to partner with them on this next chapter,” said Lauren Rich, a Managing Director at Wafra.
Thompson Street was advised by Evercore as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis as legal counsel. Wafra was advised by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP as legal counsel.