Founded in 2003, Argonne Capital Group is a closely-held private investment firm that makes equity investments in a diverse range of middle market enterprises. Unlike traditional private equity firms, Argonne independently capitalizes each investment it makes, allowing flexibility in the types of transactions it pursues and an indefinite time horizon for its ownership of any given asset. This flexibility assists Argonne in situations involving closely-held companies or unique deal dynamics.
Argonne has established itself as a long-term investor that is steadfastly focused on growing assets under management by investing in stable and established businesses that maintain relevance despite a constantly changing marketplace. Since the firm’s first acquisition in 2004, Argonne has relied on this principle to build a diversified portfolio of companies and real estate that now generate in excess of $1.8 billion in annual sales and employs over 15,000 people.
Argonne has substantial real estate expertise that it opportunistically employs across its portfolio of companies. Led by Michael Klump, who previously co-founded a private REIT (Equity Investment Group) that ultimately owned 120 retail shopping centers, we believe we are uniquely qualified to acquire companies with significant real estate holdings. Post-acquisition, Argonne further leverages its real estate experience to help companies develop an optimal real estate strategy that is capable of accelerating growth. Argonne’s success in this regard is evidenced by over 100 new locations the firm has internally developed across its portfolio.
In addition to Mr. Klump, Argonne is led by a team of dedicated professionals with deep experience encompassing a variety of sectors, including leveraged finance, private equity, commercial real estate, accounting, business services, manufacturing, restaurants, and Fortune 500® retail. Argonne’s principals are actively involved in the oversight of the firm’s investments but also rely strongly on partnerships with the management teams at each company to ensure that every investment has the resources and direction necessary to prosper.