Jeffrey C. Gerdes, CFA

Astara, formed in 2020, is an integrated team of investors and operators whose individual members have worked together for years. With over 100 years of cumulative experience in the middle market, the individual members of the Astara team have participated in control equity investments in over 20 companies and held C-level positions in 12 companies through every phase of the business cycle. We will target a range of sectors where we have deep experience including building products, business & industrial services, forest products, packaging & converting, food processing & distribution, aerospace & defense, and niche manufacturing. As a value-oriented and special-situations investor, Astara seeks to invest in sectors experiencing dislocation or in companies that are undergoing, or need to undergo, significant transformation. Many of our investments will leverage a catalyst that allows us to invest with a margin of safety. These transactions may include carve outs, restructurings, or buyouts of companies experiencing operational challenges where our investment creates the opportunity to improve the business.

Astara, formed in 2020, is an integrated team of investors and operators whose individual members have worked together for years. With over 100 years of cumulative experience in the middle market, the individual members of the Astara team have participated in control equity investments in over 20 companies and held C-level positions in 12 companies through every phase of the business cycle. We will target a range of sectors where we have deep experience including building products, business & industrial services, forest products, packaging & converting, food processing & distribution, aerospace & defense, and niche manufacturing. As a value-oriented and special-situations investor, Astara seeks to invest in sectors experiencing dislocation or in companies that are undergoing, or need to undergo, significant transformation. Many of our investments will leverage a catalyst that allows us to invest with a margin of safety. These transactions may include carve outs, restructurings, or buyouts of companies experiencing operational challenges where our investment creates the opportunity to improve the business.

Drum Capital Management is a specialized investment management firm dedicated to deep value lower middle market investment opportunities, including special situations, turnaround and restructuring strategies. Our core objective is to identify global investment opportunities in our target market capable of generating attractive returns while providing downside protection and risk diversification to institutional investors and high net worth individuals. Drum Capital has invested over $1.3B in an array of direct equity positions, co-investments in operating businesses, and fund investments in high quality, sector-focused private equity funds. Our approach is designed to capitalize on our niche focus and deep experience in the lower middle market to create value for our partners throughout market cycles. As a private partnership, whose sole business is investment management, Drum Capital’s long-term views and interests are highly aligned with our clients. Drum Capital is a Registered Investment Adviser founded in 2005 and headquartered in Stamford, CT.

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