True North Equity

True North Equity (TNE) is a private equity firm located in Birmingham, MI. Our current investment focus is in acquiring U.S. based companies that perform Utility, Industrial, and Environmental Services. Targeted EBITDA levels range from $5M-$50M, although both smaller and larger opportunities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Investment from TNE brings business owners liquidity, as well as capital for growth - whether it be organic or through acquisitions. We look to partner with strong management teams focused on the continued growth of the business. Members of management are encouraged to invest alongside TNE, providing the team an opportunity to participate in equity gains during our holding period.

We understand the unique challenges that can be involved in the sale of a company. With this in mind, creative transaction structures can be developed with the flexibility to best fit the financial, legal, and tax needs of the shareholders.

If you are a business owner looking to sell your company, or an intermediary representing a seller, please review our Acquisition Criteria to see if your business fits our focus

Our Acquisition Criteria

Acquisition Criteria

Size

EBITDA of $5M-$50M, although smaller and larger opportunities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Industry

Companies involved in the maintenance, repair, and construction of underground utility lines, with a primary focus on natural gas distribution infrastructure. Also currently considering companies that are in industrial and environmental services.

Type of Ownership

Only majority equity ownership opportunities will be pursued.

Location

Continental U.S.

Performance

Primarily healthy companies, although underperforming businesses with the opportunity for operational improvement will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Turnarounds will not be considered.

Management Team

TNE strongly prefers situations where the management team continues to run the day-to-day operations, but may also invest in businesses where the management team wishes to leave the company post-acquisition.

Our Team

Team

Managing Partner
Jeff Wigginton founded True North Equity in 2008. At TNE, he is responsible for all phases of the investment process, from deal sourcing and evaluation, to due diligence, negotiations, and securing acquisition financing. He is also involved in the operations of portfolio investments, typically holding both an executive and board level position with the companies.
Jeff received his MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and BBA from Eastern Michigan University. His interests include golf, reading, and travel - with highlights including scuba diving in Belize, bungee jumping from a bridge in New Zealand, skydiving in Hawaii, visiting the Great Wall of China, traveling the Amazon river basin, and reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Managing Partner
Jim joined TNE in 2010. In addition to his role with TNE, Jim is a Board Member of Inland Pipe Rehabilitation, LLC. He is formerly the CEO and Board Member of TNE portfolio company PowerTeam Services, LLC.
Over a career spanning 50 years, Jim has assisted more than 100 under-performing companies and companies in turnaround situations in a wide variety of industries. He served as the CEO of The Ronin Group, a consulting firm focused on turnaround situations. Before that, Jim acquired, improved and sold a dozen operating companies in the automotive, packaging, industrial service and technology industries. He also spent a decade with Omnicare, Inc. (a $2.5 billion NYSE health care company) in various positions, culminating as Chief Operating Officer and Director of the company.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and a Masters of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing from Eastern Michigan University. He has also completed the Executive Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business and attended The Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management.
Jim was actively involved with the U.S. Olympic program from 1972 to 1995, representing the United States as a coach/ trainer of the U.S. National Taekwondo team. Dedicated to community involvement, he was with the Red Cross in New York City immediately after the September 11th tragedy in 2001.
Brent joined TNE in 2024. Previously Brent was at BlueWater Equity Partners where he started in 2015 as an associate and became a partner in Fund II in 2019. His responsibilities included analyzing mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, overseeing operations of portfolio companies, financial projections, strategic planning, conducting in-depth due diligence, sitting in various board positions, performing industry and company specific research, maintaining investor relations, and securing financing for acquisitions.
Brent earned his BS with a focus on Economics from Rider University while playing four years on the golf team. In his spare time he enjoys golfing, boating, fishing and spending time with family and friends.