Investor profile

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Sterling Investment Partners

PE

USEnterpriseB2B SaaSOther

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Investment thesis

Sterling Investment Partners is a leading middle market private equity firm focused on control investments in value-added distribution and business services companies. The firm concentrates on recession-resistant segments characterized by secular growth tailwinds, significant fragmentation, and recurring demand dynamics — specifically after-market and MRO parts, consumable products, building and facilities services, and essential and outsourced services. Sterling targets businesses with revenues of $50–$500M, EBITDA of $15–$50M, and enterprise values of $150–$500M, deploying $100–$450M of equity per transaction. Sterling employs an operationally intensive investment approach, working in close partnership with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams to execute a shared investment thesis — identifying and executing growth and strategic initiatives including add-on acquisitions, geographic expansion, operational best practices, and technology investment. The firm seeks market leaders with sustainable competitive advantages, strong free cash flow generation, and GDP-plus growth end markets. Over its 35+ year history, Sterling has completed 280+ transactions representing over $34 billion in gross transaction value.

Notable quotes

We feel our firm has never been better positioned. We are humbled by the support of our investors and are enthusiastic about the opportunities for Fund V which has already completed its first platform investment. As Sterling has grown over our more than 30-year history, we have built on our strong culture and continuity and we have scaled our capabilities and committed capital base in an effort to continue to generate value for our limited partners.

Charles Santoro, James Soldano, and Mike Barr (Managing Partners) · PR Newswire – Sterling Investment Partners Closes Over $1.6 Billion in Oversubscribed Fifth Fund · 2025-11-20

We appreciate the strong support of numerous existing investors and are excited to partner with a number of new investors in SIP IV.

Charles Santoro · PR Newswire – Sterling Investment Partners Closes Fund IV Above Target · 2023-01-23

We have continued to grow by investing in our people and adding talented professionals, and plan to continue to do so with the successful closing of SIP IV.

Bill Macey · PR Newswire – Sterling Investment Partners Closes Fund IV Above Target · 2023-01-23

Team

Charles W. Santoro

Co-Founder & Managing Partner

EnterpriseOther

Michael A. Barr

Managing Partner

EnterpriseOther

James W. Soldano

Managing Partner

EnterpriseOther

Bill Macey

Co-Founder & Senior Partner

EnterpriseOther

Joseph J. Gault

Senior Partner

EnterpriseOther

Dan Yu

Partner

EnterpriseOther

Recent investments

CompanyRoundSizeDate
Cyber AdvisorsBuyout2026-03-19
PROtectBuyout2024-11-12
VerdantasBuyout2024-05-07
Markon SolutionsSpinout/Buyout2023-08-07
Xylem Kendall (XKIG)Continuation Vehicle2025-10-28
Anser AdvisoryBuyout2021-03-01
Camp Facility ServicesBuyout2021-11-16
Service LogicBuyout2014-01-01
Interline BrandsBuyout2001-01-01
Lipari FoodsBuyout2014-10-01

Frequent co-investors

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