Blackford Capital founder named PE Professional of the Year

Blackford Capital founder named PE Professional of the Year
Blackford Capital’s Martin Stein, left, accepts his award.

Martin Stein, founder and managing director of Grand Rapids-based private equity firm Blackford Capital, was named Private Equity Professional of the Year in the 15th Annual M&A Advisor Awards.

Blackford Capital also was a finalist in nine other categories, including National Private Equity Firm of the Year.

“We are proud to be creating significant value for our limited partners as well as building the legacies for the founders of the companies in which we invest. These honors encourage us to continue the success we’ve had as we look to spur economic growth and job creation in the communities and industries that we serve throughout Michigan and the U.S.,” Stein said in a statement.

M&A Advisor presented its annual awards last week in New York City.

Blackford Capital, which won an M&A Advisor Deal of the Year Award on 2015, acquires and manages family-owned, manufacturing, distribution and service companies in the lower middle market. The firm presently owns 11 portfolio companies across the country closed more than 40 transactions in the last decade.