Protecting Your Legacy

Who we are

The right partner for what’s next

Oaktree Investment Group is an investment firm searching to buy a small business to own, operate, and grow.

Your company represents much more than just another Mom-and-Pop shop; it is a testament to your hard work and dedication over many years. Unlike large private equity firms we are not interested in taking over to cut costs. Unlike strategic buyers we are not interested in absorbing your company into a larger brand. Oaktree is looking to buy your business because of its strong foundation and is committed to retaining the people, the culture, and the brand that have made your company so successful. We want to make your transition as seamless and efficient as possible to allow you to reap the financial rewards of your hard-earned success.

As you evaluate your next move, rest assured that Oaktree Investment Group is here to safeguard your legacy, honor your customers, and care for your team.

Investment Focus

Business Characteristics

Located in Texas
Industry agnostic (excluding restaurants and e-commerce)
Preference towards B2B Services, Household Services, Light Manufacturing
Non-seasonal & recession resistant
Long standing customers

Financial Profile

$750K-$3M of EBITDA/SDE
EBITDA margin of 20%+
Profitable for at least each of the last 3 years
Recurring and/or reoccurring revenue streams
Low CapEx burden

Buyer / Seller Alignment

A motivated seller (e.g., retiring, starting a new business)
Limited owner involvement in day-to-day business activities
Looking for a buyer to grow the business and honor the owner’s legacy
Seeking an efficient and transparent sale

Why Oaktree

Owner / Operator

We work closely with the owner and key management personnel to align with the owner's top priorities. After the sale, a member of Oaktree’s ownership team will step into the CEO position of the company that is purchased, guaranteeing a seamless transition and a commitment to success.

Blue-Collar Experience

We have experience working on the ground as operators, spending long hours working with our hands. We understand hard work and are committed to doing whatever it takes to get the job done.

Legacy Builder

We value small business owners and their employees. We respect the legacy the management team has developed over years. We are not interested in cost cutting or turnarounds - we focus on investing in the long-term growth of companies with strong foundations.

Ability to Close

Our experience transacting with small and midsized businesses means that we can anticipate next steps and create a smooth experience to get from initial inquiry to closing the sale as efficiently as possible. This helps the owner recognize the financial benefits of their hard work sooner.

Integrity is who we are.

Ensure your business continues on with a trusted partner who shares your vision and values.

Our Approach

We have the flexibility to structure the sale of the business using an approach that aligns with the owner’s financial goals

Full Sale

If you're ready to transition out of the business, we can structure a complete buyout of your business. You can step away with a lump-sum payment and peace of mind, knowing that your employees and customers are in capable hands.

Seller Financing

If you are interested in using a portion of the transaction to provide yourself with stable, passive income and a known return with more confidence than putting money in the stock market, we can structure a portion of the deal to include regular reoccurring payments to you over time.

Future Upside

For owners eager to see some of their recent investments in the business come to fruition, we can structure a deal that allows you to retain a financial interest in the success of the business to share in its continued growth. This arrangement enables you to benefit in the upside from value created after you sell the business.

Our Team

Christian Bowers

FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER
Christian is originally from Durham, North Carolina and currently lives in Austin, Texas.
Professionally, Christian’s work has spanned industries and functions, from working with Fortune 500 executives to develop long-term business strategies as a Management Consultant to leading multi-million dollar construction projects in warehouses across North America as a Program Manager. He isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty with his team, spending long hours to get the job done. Growing up the son of a single mother, he was taught the values of hard work, integrity, and grit at a young age. Christian has also started his own entrepreneurial ventures and is a real estate investor.
Christian serves as the Founder & Managing Partner at Oaktree Investment Group, responsible for ensuring the organization remains committed to its vision and blue-collar values. Christian is seeking to acquire a small business to provide a good life for his family while ensuring the long-term sustainability of a community business.
Christian received a Master of Business Administration from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina and a B.A. in Economics from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Joel Van Essen

INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Joel is originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico and currently lives in Austin, Texas.
Professionally, Joel has worked in various functions across the finance industry including wealth management, financial research, and private equity. Joel currently works as the Director of Private Investments at City Different Investments, a Private Equity group based out of Sante Fe, providing him the knowledge and experience to identify and evaluate businesses.
Joel serves as an Investment Advisor at Oaktree Investment Group, reviewing and providing opinions on potential investment opportunities. Joel’s work advising Oaktree Investment Group is not a related to his work at City Different Investments.
Joel received a Master of Business Administration from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina and a B.S. in International Business & Marketing from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.
Patrick Sheehy

TRANSACTION ADVISOR
Patrick is originally from Houston, Texas and currently lives in Austin, Texas.
Professionally, Patrick has worked in various functions across the finance industry from commercial lending to strategic pricing. Patrick currently works as the Pricing Lead for Dell’s Displays division. Patrick’s experience analyzing financial statements, evaluating loans, and assessing global pricing strategies, provides him the skills and experience to structure win-win transactions for buyers and sellers.
Patrick serves as a Transaction Advisor at Oaktree Investment Group, supporting financial due diligence and providing guidance on business acquisitions.
Patrick received a Master of Business Administration from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina and a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business in Austin, Texas.