Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. is an American private equity firm headquartered in Boston. The firm focuses on investing in middle market growth companies across various sectors, including financial technology, services, healthcare, technology, and business solutions.[2]
History
Thomas H. Lee Partners was founded in 1974 by Thomas H. Lee, often referred to as THL.[3] As of 2022, THL had raised approximately $34 billion of equity capital, investmenting in more than 160 companies. The firm's portfolio includes over 500 add-on acquisitions representing an aggregate enterprise value at acquisition of over $210 billion.[4] In 2022, Private Equity International ranked THL Partners 82nd among the top 300 private equity firms based on funds raised in 2021.[5]
The firm's Management Committee consists of Chairman Tony DiNovi, and Managing Director Tom Hagerty.[6] The firm's namesake, Thomas H. Lee, left the company and formed Lee Equity Partners in 2006.[7]
Investments
Throughout its history, Thomas H. Lee Partners has raised over $36 billion. The firm has launched various funds, such as:
In 2004, THL completed a leveraged buyout acquisition of Refco, a financial services company specializing in commodities and futures contracts, which collapsed suddenly in October 2005 only months after its IPO. Refco's collapse cost investors more than $1 billion and sparked multiple suits for negligence against the firm. THL in turn sued Refco's auditors and former executives claiming they hid the fraud which caused Refco's collapse.[26] THL has since settled all claims by Refco’s brokerage customers, bankruptcy trustee and shareholders.[27]
Art Van Bankruptcy
In March 2020, Art Van Furniture, a furniture retailer owned by THL, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.[28] The company's going-out-of-business sales, approved two days before the filing, had to be suspended due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. As a debtor-in-possession, Art Van could not prioritize paying employees over other creditors without a court order. To support the affected employees,[29] THL established a 'Hardship Fund' and contributed an initial donation of $1 million. Additionally, THL pledged to match up to another $1 million in outside donations. In March 2021, THL fulfilled its matching commitment, leading to relief payments of approximately $1,200 per former Art Van employee.[30]
Affiliates
THL's past affiliates include:
THL Credit Advisors acquired in 2020 by First Eagle Investment Managed, provided junior debt to middle-market companies seeking capital for growth, acquisition, recapitalization and/or change of control.[31] In July 2020, THL Credit changed its name to First Eagle Alternative Capital BDC, Inc.[32]
TH Lee Putnam Ventures is a technology-focused private equity firm affiliated with THL and Putnam Investments, a leading global money management firm. TH Lee Putnam Ventures manages $1.1 billion in capital commitments and has invested approximately $850 million in more than 43 companies since the firm's formation in 1999.[33]
