Cardinal Equity Partners

Cardinal Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 1993. The firm focuses on acquiring controlling interests in a select number of middle-market businesses primarily located in the eastern United States. With over 20 years of experience, Cardinal Equity Partners leverages its collective expertise in operations, marketing, and finance to assist management teams in enhancing company value. The firm invests in a diverse range of sectors, including consumer packaged goods, recreational vehicles, marine products, horticulture distribution, specialty pharmacy distribution, publishing, healthcare services, outdoor furniture, water treatment, durable goods distribution, financial services, audio products, home improvement, pet products, glass fabrication, and subscription-based businesses. As a multi-family owned entity using its own capital, Cardinal Equity Partners is not subject to the liquidity pressures that often affect fund-based investors, allowing for a long-term commitment to building profitable businesses.

John F. Ackerman

Managing Director

Peter Munson

Managing Director

James L. Smeltzer

Managing Director

12 past transactions

Wild Sports

Acquisition in 2017
Wild Sports is a leading manufacturer and provider of licensed tailgating and outdoor games, as well as home and office products, established in 2004. The company holds licenses with major sports leagues including the NFL, MLB, and NHL, which allows it to create a diverse range of products catering to sports enthusiasts, students, and families. Wild Sports specializes in designing, sourcing, and distributing branded tailgate games, lawn games, and tabletop games through various channels, including sporting goods stores and e-commerce platforms. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Wild Sports ensures efficient order processing and timely delivery through its dedicated warehouse and fulfillment center, focusing on excellence in service and product quality.

Corporate Imaging Concepts

Acquisition in 2013
Corporate Imaging Concepts operates a technology-enabled platform that offers a comprehensive solution for the distribution of branded merchandise. Catering to both corporate and non-profit organizations, the company provides brand management software that automates promotional functions through online company stores. This enables clients to enhance their brand visibility, reduce costs, and improve supply chain management. By streamlining the distribution process, Corporate Imaging Concepts helps organizations effectively manage their promotional products and strengthen their brand presence in the market.

Essco

Acquisition in 2012
Essco is a distributor of floor care products in the United States, serving a variety of business-to-business clients. The company supplies independent dealers, specialty retailers, and e-commerce platforms with a range of products, including vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and various accessories such as hoses and attachments. By offering competitive pricing and a diverse product lineup, Essco aims to meet the evolving needs of its customers in the floor care market.

Essco

Acquisition in 2012
Essco is a distributor of floor care products in the United States, serving a variety of business-to-business clients. The company supplies independent dealers, specialty retailers, and e-commerce platforms with a range of products, including vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and various accessories such as hoses and attachments. By offering competitive pricing and a diverse product lineup, Essco aims to meet the evolving needs of its customers in the floor care market.

Williams Sound

Acquisition in 2011
Williams Sound, LLC is a privately held company based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, specializing in wireless communication products for both personal and professional use. Founded in 1976, the company designs and manufactures a range of listening technologies, including digital, FM, and infrared systems, as well as personal amplifiers and communication solutions. Their product offerings also include various accessories like antennas, batteries, microphones, and headphones, which enhance user experience. In addition to manufacturing, Williams Sound provides repair, training, and technical support services to its clients. The company serves a diverse array of markets, including corporate, education, government, healthcare, entertainment, and houses of worship, and it combines in-house production with local subcontractors and international partners for certain products and accessories.

Contour Industries

Acquisition in 2011
Contour Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of specialty glass products based in Surgoinsville, Tennessee. Established in 1985, the company offers a diverse range of glass solutions, including appliance and interior glass, commercial lighting and display glass, building products glass such as windows and doors, and solar glass for photovoltaic and thin film applications. In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, Contour Industries provides various services, including glass design consulting, graphic design, silk screen printing, tempering, and heat soak testing. The company serves multiple markets, including appliance, solar, lighting, aquarium, millwork, display, and building products, catering to a wide array of customer needs within these sectors.

Motion Tech Automation

Acquisition in 2010
Motion Tech Automation provides motion control services to solve your most complex challenges and accelerate your growth.Using world-class processes and best-in-class technology, we help you reduce your costs, shorten lead times, and bring more innovative products to market. When your organization is stuck, we have the solutions to put you in motion.

Advanced Physical Therapy

Venture Round in 2009
Advanced Physical Therapy is the largest privately held provider of outpatient allied health services in the state of Indiana, with 17 clinics and 150 employees. Locally owned and operated by a physical therapist, this company has steadily grown and developed since 1985. The cornerstone for success has always been exceptional people providing excellent care.

FURminator

Acquisition in 2008
Furminator as the producer of deShedding products for the pet industry.FURminator’s top-selling product is a patented deShedding comb that safely removes loose hair from an animal’s undercoat, reducing shedding. The company has a complete animal coat product line, which includes shampoos, conditioners, and treats that promote a healthy coat and limit shedding.

Guardian Pharmacy Services

Acquisition in 2003
Guardian Pharmacy is a prominent pharmacy services provider that focuses on the needs of long-term care communities, including assisted living facilities, skilled nursing homes, group homes, behavioral health centers, and organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The company offers a comprehensive range of technology-enabled services aimed at enhancing medication management and adherence among residents. By emphasizing personalized clinical support and tailored drug dispensing, Guardian Pharmacy seeks to improve clinical outcomes and reduce overall care costs in lower acuity long-term care facilities. Their consultative approach ensures that the pharmacy administration process is efficient and aligned with the specific needs of each community they serve.

Aqua Systems

Acquisition in 1997
Aqua Systems is a retail company specializing in water treatment services. It focuses on providing solutions for water quality improvement, which may include filtration systems and related products. The company is dedicated to ensuring clean and safe water for its customers, addressing various water treatment needs effectively.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.