The New York-based private investment firm Avista Capital Partners was formed in 2005 by a group of industry veterans hailing from DLJ Merchant Banking Partners. The firm makes minority investments in several companies based in the United States. It focuses primarily on companies operating within the energy, media, and healthcare sectors.
The firm usually invests in companies that are capable of generating revenues of not less than $25 million. Avista Capital Partners works to enhance the natural growth as well as the other strategic initiatives of its portfolio companies. The firm typically makes build-ups, leveraged buyouts, and growth financings transactions.
In order to ensure growth, the firm maintains a fixed criterion in making investments. Avista invests in mature companies operating in various industries including Energy services and equipment, digital media, entertainment, publishing, healthcare services and more.
Thompson Dean, former co-managing partner at DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, serves as Avista Capital Partners’ current chief executive officer. While his partner, Steven Webster, a former DLJMB Global Energy Partners chairman, serves as the president of the firm. The team is also composed of other former DLJ executives such as Robert Cabes, OhSang Kwon, David Durkin, and David Burgstahler. Together, the team successfully employed a Global Partnership Strategy at Avista Capital Partners.
