A Record-Setting Pace for Trive’s Strategic Investments Under Conner Searcy’s Direction
In an unprecedented move, Dallas-based Trive Capital closed on seven new platform investments between late June and late August 2020, a first in the firm’s history. Conner Searcy, Trive’s Managing Partner, highlights the significance of this achievement, sharing, “We’ve never closed seven platform investments in a year, much less a two-month period. That’s about as busy as we’ve ever been.” This rapid pace of Trive’s strategic investments reflects the firm’s robust strategy and agility in identifying and capitalizing on lucrative opportunities even amid challenging economic conditions.
Navigating the Pandemic: Resilience and Opportunity
Searcy details the firm’s approach to investing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, categorizing the investments into two main types. The first type includes businesses like Rubicon Bakers and Field Aerospace, which were largely unaffected by or benefited from the pandemic. Rubicon Bakers, which sells primarily to grocery stores, saw increased demand as more people shopped for food at home. Field Aerospace’s focus on defense remained stable during the pandemic.
The second type consists of businesses that experienced opportunities due to market dislocations caused by the pandemic. Valor, a healthcare business, exemplifies this category. The firm’s original capital provider faced issues due to the pandemic, creating an opportunity for Trive to step in. This strategic flexibility allowed Trive to leverage market conditions to its advantage, securing valuable assets at opportune moments.
Strategic Outlook: Prudently Aggressive Approach
Looking ahead, Searcy offers Trive’s intent to maintain a “prudently aggressive” acquisition strategy. The firm anticipates a favorable investment environment for value investors over the next 24 to 36 months. Trive remains industry-agnostic but situation-specific, focusing on companies at an inflection point that can benefit from an operationally-focused partner. Key sectors where Trive sees significant opportunities include healthcare, aerospace and defense, manufacturing, distribution, and business services.
Preparing for Challenges: Conservative Forecasting and Strategic Capitalization
Under Searcy’s leadership, Trive has demonstrated remarkable agility and strategic foresight in navigating an uncertain market landscape. The firm’s ability to close multiple significant investments quickly and its balanced approach to risk and opportunity position it well for continued success. As Trive looks to the future, the firm remains committed to identifying and nurturing high-potential businesses across diverse sectors, leveraging its deep operational expertise and strategic vision.
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