Pacific Avenue Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based private investment firm focused on special situations in the lower middle market, announced that Allen Schaar and Chris Nealey have joined the firm and Jack Marut has been promoted to Vice President.
Allen Schaar joins the firm as a Managing Director, Operating Partner & Investment Committee Member. In this role, Allen will assist with acquisition due diligence to ensure that an attractive and executable value creation plan is in place for each investment. Additionally, Allen will work with Pacific Avenue's portfolio companies to ensure that the management teams have the appropriate resources to be successful and that the operational strategies and tactics are being effectively implemented. Prior to joining Pacific Avenue, Allen served as CEO of several middle market companies (Eagle Hospitalist Physicians, Endeva, Marietta Corporation and Niteo Products), as an Operating Partner with Highlander Partners, and as a Partner with Bain Consulting and Alix Partners.
Chris Nealey has joined Pacific Avenue as an Associate. Prior to joining Pacific Avenue, Chris Nealey served as an Associate at Fertitta Capital, where his responsibilities included deal evaluation, due diligence, and portfolio maintenance. Prior to Fertitta Capital, Chris was an Investment Banking Analyst in the Technology Group at Wells Fargo. Chris holds a B.A. degree in Finance and Accounting from Boise State University.
Pacific Avenue also announced the promotion of Jack Marut to Vice President from Senior Associate. Jack joined the firm in 2019 and is responsible for evaluating new investment opportunities, completing due diligence, executing transactions, and monitoring the firm's portfolio companies. As a member of the investment team, Jack played an integral role in the firm's recent platform acquisition of Gibraltar Industries' industrial business. Prior to joining Pacific Avenue, Jack served as a Private Equity Associate at KPS Capital Partners. Jack began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst in the Industrials Group at Nomura Securities. Jack graduated with a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from Boston College.
The Pacific Avenue team continues to add M&A and operations experience.