Following three years as joint managing partner at Leeds-based lower mid market private equity firm Key Capital Partners, James Hall has taken sole charge of the firm.
Previous managing partner Owen Trotter steps away from day-to-day management responsibilities.
Owen was appointed managing partner of the firm in 2011 after founding the partnership with Mike Fell and Peter Armitage in 2007. James was appointed joint managing partner alongside Owen in 2019 in the first part of a structured succession plan that culminates in today’s announcement.
Since James joined the firm in 2015, Key has completed 12 new investments and exited 12 businesses. During that time, the investment team has helped numerous teams successfully grow, resulting in the generation of hundreds of jobs across the UK.
The 5 exits from the most recent fund (of Sparta Global, CMO, Routes and in recent weeks Avantis and YorkTest) have realised an average money multiple of 4.3x. In addition, the Key team has been strengthened with a number of new recruits across both the Leeds and London offices, as well as several promotions across investment, management and finance. Key has also raised two institutionally backed funds, allowing it to continue to focus on its core underserved SME market.
Commenting on the last 7 years, James Hall said: “I would like to thank Owen for his contribution to the firm over the past 11 years. Owen has been an integral part of the team, particularly in the early years. We look forward to Owen continuing to contribute to the firm in his role as a partner.
“I am also extremely proud of what Key and the management teams we have backed have achieved. We have invested in some outstanding businesses and supported their management to grow and thrive despite a multitude of global challenges.
“Significant recognition must go to the management teams who have steadfastly stuck to their beliefs, invested in people, systems and infrastructure and have built robust, exciting and sustainable businesses. We have loved being a part of it!
“I am looking forward to the next period of Key’s development and I am excited about what can be achieved in partnership with like-minded entrepreneurs with whom we share common values and goals for their businesses.”
