
The Gores Group is a private equity firm that has been making waves in the investment world for decades. Founded in 1987 by Alec Gores, the firm has a long history of identifying and investing in undervalued companies.
Alec Gores' vision for the firm was to focus on acquiring companies that had potential for growth and transformation. This approach has led to the firm's success in various industries.
The Gores Group has a unique approach to investing, often focusing on companies that are in transition or have a specific niche in the market. This allows the firm to identify opportunities that others may overlook.
One notable example of the firm's success is its investment in DVI, a company that was acquired in 2006 and later sold for a significant profit.
Company History
The Gores Group has a fascinating history that spans several decades. Alec Gores founded Executive Business Systems in 1978, a hardware and software distributor that he later sold to establish the Gores Group.
In 2003, the company made significant strides, opening its London office after several years of investment activity in the U.K. and Europe. This marked a major expansion of the company's global presence.
Gores closed its first institutional private equity fund, Gores Capital Partners, L.P., in November 2003 with $400 million of committed capital. This was a significant milestone for the company.
The company continued to grow, closing on $1.3 billion in capital for its second institutional fund, Gores Capital Partners II, L.P., in June 2007. This fund was a major success, holding a final closing with $1.3 billion of committed capital.
Key milestones in the company's history include:
Transactions
The Gores Group has been quite active in the M&A space, with numerous transactions under its belt. The company announced a conditional agreement with Premier Foods to operate its bread business as a stand-alone venture under the name of Hovis Limited on January 27, 2014.
In 2013, The Gores Group's portfolio company, The Hay Group, entered into an agreement to acquire Metallumform, an integrated manufacturer of forged machined automotive components with two plants in Germany on July 30, 2013.
The Gores Group also completed the acquisition of Therakos, Inc. from Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. on January 2, 2013, marking another significant transaction for the company.
Charles Bank Capital Partners acquired United Road Services from The Gores Group for an undisclosed amount on December 14, 2012.
The Gores Group extended a binding offer to acquire Therakos, Inc. from Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. on October 15, 2012, demonstrating its interest in the company.
The Carlyle Group acquired French-based Sagemcom from The Gores Group on August 17, 2011, with Carlyle owning 70 percent of the company.
Here is a brief summary of some of the notable transactions completed by The Gores Group:
- January 27, 2014: Hovis Limited (bread business)
- July 30, 2013: Metallumform (acquired by The Hay Group)
- January 2, 2013: Therakos, Inc. (acquired from Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.)
- December 14, 2012: United Road Services (acquired by Charles Bank Capital Partners)
- October 15, 2012: Therakos, Inc. (binding offer extended by The Gores Group)
- August 17, 2011: Sagemcom (acquired by The Carlyle Group)
- May 9, 2011: Sage Automotive Interiors, Inc. (acquired by The Gores Group)
- January 13, 2011: Lineage Power Holdings Inc. (sold to General Electric Co.)
Investments
The Gores Group has made 13 investments, with their latest investment being in Data Blue as part of their Private Equity on June 16, 2016. This is a significant milestone for the company, showcasing their commitment to strategic investing.
One of their notable investments is the Gores Capital Partners III LP, which was filed on February 14, 2012, and had an AUM of $260.3 million. This fund has been a successful venture for the company, demonstrating their ability to manage and grow investments.
The Gores Group has also invested in several other funds, including the Gores Small Capitalization Partners Alternative LP, which had an AUM of $17.6 million as of March 26, 2013. These investments are a testament to the company's expertise in private equity and their ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities.
Here are some of their notable investments:
Investments
The Gores Group has invested in a variety of companies, with a total of 13 investments listed. Their latest investment was in Data Blue as part of their Private Equity on June 16, 2016.
One of their notable investments is in Stock Building Supply Holdings Inc, which they invested in on February 13, 2014. This investment is listed in the Form 13D/13G Filer section of the article.

The Gores Group has also invested in PEP Boys Manny Moe & Jack, which they invested in on February 8, 2012. This investment is also listed in the Form 13D/13G Filer section.
Here are some of their notable investments:
Portfolio Exits
The Gores Group has a significant track record of successful portfolio exits, with 31 exits in total.
Their most recent exit was Turbine Aero, which was acquired by Snow Peak Capital on October 24, 2024, for an undisclosed valuation of $XXM.
Turbine Aero is just one example of the many companies that have been acquired by The Gores Group's portfolio companies. In fact, their portfolio companies have been acquired by a range of acquirers, including Velo Payments and Atlas Holdings.
The Gores Group's portfolio exits are not limited to acquisitions, however. They have also had significant financial exits, such as the $XXM exit of US Farathane in April 2023.
Here are some key statistics about The Gores Group's portfolio exits:
The Gores Group's portfolio exits are a testament to the success of their investment strategy and the value that they bring to their portfolio companies.
About The Gores Group
The Gores Group is a leading investment firm that has been around since 1987, but it's their work with special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) that's really made them stand out.
They started focusing on SPACs in 2015 with the announcement of Gores Holdings, which is credited with starting the SPAC revival.
Gores has created 13 SPACs, more than any other single investor, and is considered a premier SPAC sponsor.
The company has announced or completed seven SPAC transactions representing over $36 billion in transaction value.
Here are some of the notable SPAC transactions led by Gores:
- Hostess – consumer, maker of Twinkies
- Verra – technology mobility services business
- PAE – government logistics services business
- Luminar – first high growth, technology company
- United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) – mortgage tech business
- Matterport – 3D spatial data company
- Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) – metal packaging for consumer products
- Sonder – a hospitality company
- Polestar – a global premium EV company
Spacs
The Gores Group has made a significant impact in the world of special-purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs. They've been credited with starting the SPAC revival with their first SPAC transaction in Hostess Brands.
Gores Holdings was announced in 2015, specializing in SPACs. They've created 13 SPACs, more than any other single investor, and are considered a premier SPAC sponsor.
Here are some notable SPAC transactions led by Gores:
- Hostess – consumer, maker of Twinkies. Partnered with Apollo and Dean Metropoulos
- Verra – technology mobility services business. Instrumental for safety, specializing in red light cameras, school bus safety, and tolling
- PAE – government logistics services business with large government contracts
- Luminar – first high growth, technology company. Leader in the automotive Lidar space. Partnered with founder, Austin Russell
- United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) – mortgage tech business. Largest SPAC transaction to date
- Matterport – 3D spatial data company revolutionizing the real estate tech space
- Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) – metal packaging for consumer products. Largest SPAC spin out of public company. Merger with Gores Holdings V, raising almost $1 billion in gross proceeds
- Sonder – a hospitality company. Merger with Gores Metropoulos II
- Polestar – a global premium EV company. Publicly listed through combination with Gores Guggenheim, Inc. Resulted in an implied enterprise value of $20 billion
Gores has announced or completed more than seven SPAC transactions representing over $36 billion in transaction value.
About
The Gores Group is a global investment firm that specializes in private equity and alternative investments.
They were founded in 1987 by Alec Gores, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor.
With over $30 billion in assets under management, they have established a strong track record of success in various industries.
Their team includes experienced professionals with deep expertise in finance, operations, and industry sectors.
Alec Gores has led the firm's growth and expansion into new markets and sectors.
Service Providers
The Gores Group has a diverse portfolio of service providers that support their investment activities.
Their private equity business relies on the expertise of investment banking firms like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley for deal sourcing and execution.
Gores Group's investment team collaborates closely with these firms to identify and acquire undervalued companies.
Their investment team has a strong track record of working with experienced industry professionals to drive growth and improvements in portfolio companies.
Private equity firms like KKR and Blackstone also provide valuable insights and guidance to Gores Group through their participation in industry conferences and networking events.
Gores Group has a strong network of service providers, including law firms, accounting firms, and consultants, that help them navigate complex transactions and regulatory environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the owner of the Gores group?
Alec Gores is the founder, chairman, and CEO of The Gores Group, a global investment firm. He is the primary owner and driving force behind the company.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gores_Group
- https://aum13f.com/firm/the-gores-group-llc
- https://www.cbinsights.com/investor/the-gores-group
- https://dpaaglobal.com/the-gores-group-acquires-ami-entertainment/
- https://investor.weyerhaeuser.com/2010-09-16-The-Gores-Group-Acquires-Cosmopolis-Mill-from-Weyerhaeuser
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