Carlin Capital Partners - Private Investment Firm in Encino, CA

Carlin Capital Partners is a private investment firm that acquires mature manufacturing, industrial services and equipment rental businesses generating up to $5M in annual cash flow

About Us

Founded in 2009, Carlin Capital Partners brings an approach to private equity investing that is particularly well suited to the acquisition of small businesses. We recognize that small businesses often possess characteristics that make them challenging acquisitions for many institutional acquirers. These include a lack of robust infrastructure, less formalized processes and procedures, inconsistent financial records or accounting policies, a concentration of responsibility or knowledge in a select few individuals or various other limitations. Such characteristics are not disqualifying to us and we seek to work collaboratively and creatively with sellers to address any potential concerns or limitations in a manner that works for all parties involved.

At Carlin Capital Partners, we invest permanent capital on behalf of our founding family rather than managing money for third-party investors that require shorter-term returns. Accordingly, we focus on long-term sustainability and consistency rather than having a “buy and flip” mentality. We also possess significant flexibility and a willingness to structure transactions to help bridge gaps and solve problems. The principals of Carlin Capital Partners conduct due diligence and negotiate transactions themselves, providing business owners and their advisors with clarity and transparency throughout the process.

Investment Criteria

Carlin Capital Partners focuses on businesses within the Manufacturing, Industrial Services, and Equipment Rental industries

Business Characteristics

10 years or more in continuous operation
Participates in a large, fragmented mature market
Demanding customer service requirements
Reasonably predictable revenue streams
Demonstrable opportunity to improve profitability
Operations and customers primarily in the United States

Exclusions

We are unlikely to be the best partner for investment opportunities possessing the following characteristics:

Investment Type

Early stage/venture capital
Non-controlling minority interests

Business Model/Industry

Highly scientific or technology-driven (biotechnology, energy, etc.)
Retail or direct-to-consumer
Real estate
Short product life cycle

Representative Investments

Team

Jason Farber

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Jason co-founded Carlin Capital Partners in 2009 having spent his entire career in investment banking and private equity. After working as an investment banker in NYC exclusively on mergers and acquisitions in the technology sector, Jason became a Vice President at the mid-market private equity firm Platinum Equity in Beverly Hills, California.

During his tenure with Platinum Equity, Jason developed a focus on manufacturing and distribution businesses having worked on transactions across North America, Europe and Asia. He spent time living in Paris, France helping Platinum launch its dedicated European private equity arm before returning to Los Angeles and leading the acquisition of several Platinum portfolio companies.

Jason received a BS in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Paul Stals

Managing Director, Portfolio Operations

Paul has held executive management positions in businesses ranging from $5M to $200M in revenue and 500+ employees within the automotive, semiconductor, printing and waste management industries.

Prior to joining Carlin Capital Partners, Paul worked with several private equity groups on turning around troubled acquisitions and transitioning family run businesses.

Paul has a particular expertise in supply chain management, logistics, low cost country sourcing, ERP and CRM systems and the application of lean manufacturing principles. He originates from the UK and received a BS in Production Engineering from Aston University in Birmingham, England.

In Loving Memory

Skip Farber

Co-Founder and Senior Advisor

Skip co-founded Carlin Capital Partners in 2009 after a successful career in the tradeshow and trade publishing industries, culminating with the sale of WSA Global Holdings, the worlds largest tradeshow and marketing services provider to the footwear and accessories industry, to a portfolio company of private equity firm Forstmann Little & Co.

Prior to acquiring and serving as Chairman & CEO of WSA, Skip was an Executive Vice President at Advanstar, a diversified media company backed by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman, where he led dozens of acquisitions totaling nearly $600M in aggregate value. He also held senior-level operating roles at Reed Publishing USA, Reed Exhibitions Worldwide and Cahners Publishing.

Earlier in his career, Skip was a small business owner and entrepreneur and has been an active member of American Business Media (ABM), the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and the International Association of Exposition & Events (IAEE) organizations, where he was a frequent speaker.

A core member of the Carlin Capital Partners team, Skip will be deeply missed.