ECI Partners

ECI Partners is a private equity firm that has been operational for over four decades, focusing its investment strategy on high-growth businesses. The firm was established in 1976 and is owned by its employees, fostering a culture of direct involvement and shared success. ECI Partners concentrates on the UK mid-market, a segment it has specialized in since its inception.

The firm's business model centers on taking majority or minority stakes in growth companies, typically with an enterprise value ranging from £25 million to £350 million. ECI provides not just capital, but also strategic support to help its portfolio companies scale and achieve their potential. Their investment focus spans across several key sectors, including technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT), business and financial services, and consumer services. Revenue is generated through management fees from its investment funds and, more significantly, from the profitable exit of its portfolio companies through sales or public listings.

ECI Partners offers a partnership approach to the management teams it backs, leveraging its extensive experience and network to drive growth. A key component of their value proposition is their commercial team, which works alongside portfolio companies to support strategic initiatives, international expansion, and digital transformation. The firm is known for its long-term investment horizon and a track record of successfully growing businesses. For instance, they have a history of helping companies more than double their earnings during the investment period. Key individuals driving the firm's strategy include managing partner David Ewing and Tom Wrenn, who co-heads the TMT sector team.

Keywords: private equity, mid-market investment, growth capital, TMT sector, business services, consumer sector, leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, UK finance, portfolio management