MiddleGround Capital

ESG isn’t just a checkbox at MiddleGround - we've woven it into our company culture, investment process, and portfolio #operations. Our annual #Sustainability Report reveals how our initiatives drive measurable improvements. Here are some of the highlights: ➡️ Established the MiddleGround Charitable Foundation, with $1.5M donated and 1,559 hours volunteered. ➡️ Continued implementation of the "25 by 25" initiative to increase base wages within our portfolio to $25/hour by 2025. ➡️ Achieved 100% portfolio investment carbon footprint calculations (Scope 1 & 2). ➡️ Implemented the "Level Up Safety" program, conducting assessments at 80+ portfolio facilities. A huge thanks to our ESG team and portfolio for working tirelessly to make our goals a reality. Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3yEJ7Fx

Two things run deep in our Kentucky roots: Big hair and giving back to our community. So what better way to knock both out than supporting Bluegrass native and 2023 Miss Kentucky, Madalyne Kinnett's, organization Betty's Brave& Beautiful Hearts Foundation, Inc? As Co-Executive Director of the Foundation, Madalyne supports women in Kentucky battling breast cancer by providing not just standard resources, but HOPE through community-building that connects and uplifts those who need it most. We are happy to help continue this life-changing work. Kentucky proud 💪💙 #philanthropy #community

FED RATE CUTS ARE IN!! 🗞️ Interest rates were lowered for the first time in FOUR years and ripple effects are being felt across the industry. As a firm, we've always prioritized cash over debt (which was a huge help with high rates), but these cuts mean we’ll pay less on the debt we DO carry. This translates to better cash flow, reduced borrowing costs, and potential opportunities to refinance for our portfolio. Lower rates also mean that it’s a favorable time for M&A. Businesses that are wondering what’s next should focus on strategic growth and keep an eye on M&A opportunities. Deal volume is projected to pick up in Q4, and this cut is only the beginning!

🚨 When disaster strikes your facility, what’s your go-to plan for recovery? 1. Run multiple solutions in parallel 2. Transparent customer communications 3. Have a backup plan 4. Rigorous inspection processes That’s what our team did in 2023 when a critical piece of equipment, our galvanizing kettle, failed at one of Attala Steel Industries, LLC facilities. Hear more about how we turned a crisis into a learning opportunity and prevented further setbacks here: https://bit.ly/4gwauT9 #podcast #manufacturing #operations Scot Duncan Ryan McComb Gary Kessinger

"Love" is a strong word - reserved for true affection, care, and fondness... which is EXACTLY why Xtrac Ltd's status as a "Most Loved Workplace" makes perfect sense! This award proves Xtrac's commitment to nurturing a positive and high-performing environment. Not only is their #culture centered on collaboration, continued learning, and transparency, but they also cultivate a team with a shared drive (pun intended) to produce the MOST groundbreaking solutions in motorsports. A huge congratulations to the team at Xtrac! Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3zp3qXS

Dancing, gardening, swimming, or walking, our team was busy moving and grooving for the YMCA Step Up for Kids 100k challenge! Whether it was racking up steps with a brisk walk or everyday chores, every step counted toward raising funds for the YMCA of Central Kentucky’s out-of-school programs, helping kids access safe, engaging spaces beyond the classroom. Sponsoring this event gave us the chance to support our #community, one step (or dance move) at a time! #philanthropy

Buckle up, MiddleGround is heading to the City of Brotherly Love for M&A East 2024! In Philly, our BD matchmakers, Dyana Baurley and Sean Spero, will be searching for deals that are just our type. And talk about home-field advantage - Dyana's not just attending, she's chairing the DealSource Committee and representing her hometown. As a Philly resident, she's the one to ask for local recommendations (don't even get her started on cheesesteaks, it's a hotly contested subject). With $125 billion in capital and 1,300 dealmakers converging in one place, M&A East is where the magic happens in the #middlemarket. If you're attending, keep an eye out for Dyana and Sean – they'd love to connect and explore how MiddleGround can be part of your next big deal! #privateequity

When you're operating machinery, exposed to high temperatures, or handling chemicals—basically, if you're on the shop floor—safety is a very real concern. As true operators, it's always top of mind, and our Level Up Safety Initiative creates safer workplaces in two steps. First, we review each facility's safety performance (using Foundational, Cultural, and Performance-based elements) and provide a single score for overall safety performance from A to C. The second step is simple... we improve that score by completing actionable findings identified from step one! In 2023, Attala Steel Industries, LLC cut its Total Recordable Injury Rate by 50% with the support of EnSafe and Banner Management Consulting! Actions taken include machine guarding, refined processes, improved hand safety, and full employee training. Learn more about our safety initiatives in our latest #Sustainability Report here: https://bit.ly/3THNPtw #ESG #privateequity

Fall... the season of changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and fresh new #interns around the office! #Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience with projects that have a real business impact. From investment to accounting, business development, and human capital, our interns bring unique perspectives that challenge us to think differently. A huge WELCOME to our new interns joining us this season. Don't forget: Ask questions, share your ideas, and make the most of every opportunity. We're excited to see what you accomplish this fall!

Born in the Bluegrass State with a taste for bourbon, we’re not your typical #privateequity firm. We're the ones who work alongside our people on the shop floor, acting as true partners in driving operational excellence. It’s all part of our hands-on approach, inspired by our Founding and Managing Partner, John Stewart, who began his career in #manufacturing on Toyota Motor Corporation's production line. That #operations-focused mentality drives us today! We’re redefining #culture in private equity with casual dress codes and dog-friendly offices, and supporting our people with top-tier benefits like FULLY paid healthcare because investing in our people is just as important as investing in our portfolio companies. So, if you're new here, welcome to MiddleGround! We're all about rolling up our sleeves and getting things done. 💪