11 Exits in 11 Years

11 Exits in 11 Years

After decades at Arthur Andersen and Grant Thornton, Lou Grabowsky and his son Brian raised capital upfront to stand up the management company of Juniper Capital Manager before chasing the first deal. That meant people, process, credibility, and enough infrastructure to look like a real buyer from day 1.

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The usual model says management fees pay for the firm. Lou wanted the firm built before the deals arrived, with capital behind the GP, professionals around it, and a structure that gave sellers confidence they could execute. This enabled them to walk into founder conversations with a proper platform.

11 years in, Juniper has completed 12 acquisitions across 4 platforms and exited 11 of them. Getting out cleanly, repeatedly, and at the right moment takes discipline, timing, and a willingness to be pragmatic when the market gives you the chance.

The father-son dynamic: Lou brought decades of leadership, governance, relationships, and pattern recognition from professional services. Brian brought the deal experience: transaction services, banking, PE, modelling, diligence, and the day-to-day technical feel.

The latest version of Juniper is more deliberate on sourcing too. They now have a proper business development person, not just someone forwarding teasers. Last year they looked at 1,200-1,400 deals, most of which were rejected fast. But that volume helps if you know what kind of risk you’re willing to underwrite. Lou’s line is clear: no bad actors, no illegal or unethical behaviour. Outside of that, risk isn’t something to hide from. If it can be understood and mitigated, it can be where the opportunity is.

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