Finance Partners Appoint Industry Specialist

Terry Kelly, formerly President of TA Instruments, has joined private equity firm SFW Capital Partners as an Operating Partner. Mr. Kelly will support SFW’s strategy to build leading Industrial and Healthcare Technology companies with a particular emphasis on providers of instrumentation, life sciences tools, sensors and measurement devices, laboratory equipment and consumables. SFW’s principals have supported the growth and development of some of the most well-regarded companies in the sector, including Essen Bioscience, Filtec, Spectro Scientific, Metter Toledo and Waters Corporation. SFW is investing out of Fund II with approximately $350 million of equity commitments and is actively seeking platform investments in profitable companies with $20 million to $250 million in revenue.

“We are excited to partner with Terry,” said Ahmad Sheikh, a Partner at SFW.  “He has an exceptional track record in the sector, including his leadership of TA Instruments, where he transformed the business through growth-oriented investments and acquisitions that enabled the business to triple in revenue. We have worked with and known Terry over the last 15 years and have admired his leadership style, strategic vision and approach to business building, making him an ideal partner for us.”

During Terry’s leadership, TA Instruments, a Waters Corporation subsidiary, grew from $100 million to $280 million in revenue, completing 13 strategic acquisitions in the US and Europe and expanding its presence into new and adjacent end-markets and applications.

“I am excited to team up with SFW in the pursuit and support of new investments,” said Mr. Kelly. “Their patient approach to business building, deep sector-focused resources, and long history of success make them ideal partners for founders, owners and management teams of businesses in our sector.”