Midwest Growth Partners (MGP) is pleased to announce that Brandon Kuhn has joined the team as an Analyst in its West Des Moines office. Brandon was most recently employed as an Investment Banking Analyst with Barclays in Chicago. Brandon is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Iowa and is originally from Waukee, Iowa. Brandon will play an integral role in evaluating new MGP investment opportunities and helping existing portfolio companies achieve success.
With Brandon officially onboarded, MGP will re-open its search for an Analyst or an Associate in either of its West Des Moines or Omaha locations. See below for more details.
MGP Job Description – Analyst
Investment Opportunity Processing, Diligence, Review, and Recommendations (80%) – conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis to screen investment opportunities and develop written and verbal recommendations to senior investment professionals, Investment Committee members, and other relevant stakeholders based on:
Process incoming opportunities, including executing NDA’s, establishing communication with sell-side advisors, registering appropriate credentials for data room access, documenting each new opportunity in CRM, etc.
Analytical Financial Modeling for existing and potential portfolio companies – contribute to the development of, and decision-making for, quantitative models and analyses including intrinsic and relative valuation
Provide initial review of prospective investments and track firm’s investment pipeline
Industry Analysis – utilize mosaic theory to determine macroeconomic forces behind industries and their effects on investment opportunities
Company Level Diligence – rigorously analyze companies (including business model, financial performance, culture, etc.) to determine fit with MGP’s investment philosophy and criteria
Structuring Support – work with senior MGP team members to determine best structure for potential investments
Drafting of Deal Documents – prepare investment presentations and materials (both internal and external) including management presentations, Investment Committee materials, and investment offers (indication of interest, letters of intent, etc.)
Negotiation of Terms – participate in discussions with senior MGP team members and counterparties related to potential investments by the Fund with business owners, intermediaries, and other advisors
Portfolio Company Monitoring and Strategic Involvement (15%) – monitor performance of existing portfolio companies and update internal tracking in support of quarterly reports to investors and/or monthly board meetings for Partners; participate in strategic discussions with MGP team and management of portfolio companies.
Deal Sourcing and Marketing (5%) – the Analyst will initially play a supporting role in helping build and maintain MGP’s deal and investor network by helping senior MGP team members sustain its reputation among the deal community, business owners, limited partners, and influencers. Activities will include:
Maintenance and upkeep of MGP’s CRM
Support in planning and executing and intermittent participation in senior MGP team led marketing trips to designated target areas
Analyst participation in trips will be designed with the intent of building their network and comfort level in such situations so that the Analyst may eventually be able to lead their own trips with appropriate professional progression
Support in identifying and intermittent participation in trade groups, conferences, and organizations that help MGP’s mission
Identification of and execution on in-office marketing initiatives such as e-marketing, tombstones, print ads, and marketing events
Requirements:
Strong academic credentials - Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics with 0-3 years relevant industry work experience
Strong analytical skills including the ability to perform company valuations, prepare investment reports, and compile data
Experience in private equity is a positive, but not required
Possess a basic understanding of the tenants of food & agriculture
Investment and/or Commercial Banking experience is important
Investing Experience, personal and/or professional is a positive
Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Results-oriented with ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, track responsibilities, and meet deadlines
Detail-oriented, responsible, and conscientious
Strong team player
An inquiring mind and an interest in continuous learning
Ability to enjoy and contribute to a collegial, small-firm culture
A requirement to physically work in either the West Des Moines, Iowa or Omaha, Nebraska offices
The desire and ability to travel for business development and transaction related work as needed
Administrative Items:
Reporting structure: support for entire team with direct line of reporting to Managing Partner
Compensation: commensurate with experience
Next steps if interested:
As part of our process, please complete this brief survey found here.
Submit resume and cover letter with location preference, required salary, and relevant experience to info@mgpfund.com.
MGP Job Description – Associate
Investment Opportunity Processing, Diligence, Review, and Recommendations (50%) – support senior members of the deal team by conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis to screen investment opportunities and develop written recommendations to senior investment professionals, Investment Committee members and other relevant stakeholders based on:
Process incoming opportunities, including executing NDA’s, establishing communication with sell-side advisors, registering appropriate credentials for data room access, documenting each new opportunity in CRM, etc.
Analytical Financial Modeling for existing and potential portfolio companies – prepare complex financial models and drive financial analysis of potential investment opportunities
Industry Analysis – determine attractiveness of macroeconomic environment by conducting detailed industry due diligence
Company Level Diligence – rigorously analyze companies (including business model, financial performance, culture, etc.) to determine fit with MGP’s investment philosophy and criteria including working with investment banks, lenders, and third-party advisors
Structuring Support – interact with senior MGP team members to determine best structure for potential investment
Drafting of Deal Documents – prepare investment presentations and materials (both internal and external) including management presentations, Investment Committee materials, investment offers (indication of interest, letters of intent, etc.), and assist in final deal documentation in conjunction with senior MGP team members and outside counsel
Negotiation of Terms – participate in discussions with senior MGP team members and counter-parties related to potential investments by the Fund with business owners, intermediaries, and other advisors
Develop and mentor Analysts as well as seasonal interns
Portfolio Company Monitoring and Strategic Involvement (25%) – monitor performance of existing portfolio companies and update internal tracking in support of quarterly reports to investors and/or monthly board meetings for Partners; participate in strategic discussions with MGP team and management of portfolio companies. Assist in developing strategies to increase portfolio company revenue, improve operations, and increase shareholder value. Provide ongoing monitoring of investments including review of monthly operating results and reporting to Partners. When appropriate, take active portfolio company role as board member or board observer.
Deal Sourcing and Marketing (25%) – the Associate will play a growing role in helping build and maintain MGP’s recognition and, drastically more important, its reputation in the marketplace among the deal-community, business owners, and influencers. Activities will include:
Development of own lower middle-market deal referral sources in markets, influence circles, and industries that the Associate is uniquely qualified to pursue
Support in planning, executing, and intermittent participation in senior MGP team led marketing trips to designated target areas
Identification of and participation with trade groups, conferences, and organizations that help MGP’s mission
Identification of and execution on in-office marketing initiatives such as e-marketing, tombstones, print ads, and marketing events
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics with 2-6 years relevant industry work experience
Additional industry relevant certifications such as CPA, CFA, MBA are a plus
Strong analytical skills including the ability to independently perform company valuations, prepare investment reports, and compile data
Demonstration of a lower middle-market industry network amongst other funds, investment banks, and service providers
Ability to represent MGP in the deal-making community in a professional manner
Experience in private equity is a positive, but not required
Investment Banking and/or Commercial Banking experience is required
Possess a basic understanding of the tenants of food & agriculture
Investing Experience, personal and/or professional is a positive
Mastery of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Results-oriented with ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, track responsibilities, and meet deadlines
Detail-oriented, responsible, and conscientious
Strong team player
An inquiring mind and an interest in continuous learning
Ability to enjoy and contribute to a collegial, small-firm culture
A requirement to physically work in either the West Des Moines, Iowa or Omaha, Nebraska offices
The desire and ability to travel for business development and transaction related work as needed
Administrative Items:
Reporting structure: support for entire team with direct line of reporting to Managing Partner
Compensation: commensurate with experience
Next steps if interested:
As part of our process, please complete this brief survey found here.
Submit resume and cover letter with location preference, required salary, and relevant experience to info@mgpfund.com.
About MGP
MGP was founded in Des Moines, Iowa in 2013 and manages two private equity funds, totaling $154 million. MGP seeks to make succession planning or growth capital investments in companies that operate in food & agriculture, manufacturing, and distribution industries. MGP’s second investment vehicle is a Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC), a designation awarded and regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).