Marking a significant milestone for Black Bay Partners, the private equity firm has concluded fundraising for its third institutional fund, Black Bay III, securing $425 million in capital commitments. This sum represents the fund's hard cap and coincides with the company's tenth anniversary since its inception in 2016.
Black Bay Partners maintains a focused investment strategy, targeting strategic opportunities within the energy, chemical, and industrial sectors. The firm’s third fund has garnered robust support from its existing limited partner base complemented by fresh commitments from new institutional investors, highlighting continued confidence in Black Bay's sector expertise and investment approach.
Michael LeBourgeois, managing partner of Black Bay Partners, reflected on the fundraising achievement by emphasizing the significance of reaching the fund’s predetermined maximum capital raise on the firm’s ten-year anniversary, underscoring appreciation for the steadfast backing by both returning and new investors.
Supporting Black Bay in the fundraising process, Lazard Frères & Co. LLC served as the exclusive placement advisor, offering their expertise in capital raising and investor relations. On the legal front, the transaction was overseen by Latham & Watkins LLP, with partner Edward D. Nelson leading counsel responsibilities specifically for Black Bay III.
Key team members of Black Bay Partners, including Tom Ambrose, Guy Cook, John Lancaster, and Matt Schovee, expressed optimism about the forthcoming market prospects. They outlined their anticipation for a productive investment pipeline within the energy and industrial ecosystem aligned with Fund III’s mandate. The team articulated their intent to collaborate closely with portfolio company leaders to foster accelerated growth, enhance operational capabilities, and develop lasting, high-performing enterprises.
Since founding in 2016, Black Bay Partners has raised more than $850 million in aggregate capital commitments across three institutional funds. Over the course of its operations, the firm has completed 16 platform investments, with ventures financed through Fund III contributing to this total.
This successful fund closing signals Black Bay’s ongoing commitment to its sector specialization and strategic investment philosophy. The firm’s disciplined approach focusing on segment-specific opportunities seeks to leverage its experience in managing capital efficiently, navigating regulatory requisites, and optimizing shareholder returns.