#United States #New York #Behrman Capital #Eric Smith #BHC

Eric Smith Appointed as Operating Partner at Behrman Capital

On March 18, 2026, Behrman Capital, a private equity firm located in New York, announced a pivotal addition to its leadership team: Eric Smith has been appointed as the new Operating Partner. In this capacity, Smith will provide crucial advisory support to both the Behrman investment team and executives of its portfolio companies, enhancing their management and operational effectiveness.

A Remarkable Record of Achievement

Smith brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has a long-standing history with Behrman, having previously served as the CEO of BECO Holding Company, Inc. (BHC), which was once a part of Behrman's portfolio. His tenure at BHC was marked by significant accomplishments, including spearheading the organization’s growth into a leading distributor of industrial fire protection equipment.

Grant G. Behrman, the Managing Partner of Behrman Capital, commented on Smith's extensive qualifications, stating, "Eric is an exceptional executive whose deep management and operational expertise, along with his understanding of our strategy, will be an asset to Behrman Capital and our portfolio companies." These accolades reflect Smith's ability to navigate complex business landscapes and drive substantial advancements within his organizations.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Smith's association with Behrman began as early as 1998 when they acquired BHC, then branded as Brooks Equipment Company. His journey within BHC saw him initially assuming the role of CFO for two years before elevating to President for a decade. After that period, from 2014 to 2021, he took the helm as CEO during Behrman's fourth and fifth flagship fund investments. Under his leadership, BHC witnessed numerous strategic initiatives, acquisitions, and financings that solidified its status as an industry leader in fire and life safety solutions.

Notably, Smith played an instrumental role in developing BHC's innovative distribution platform and robust business information system, reaffirming his dedication to operational excellence and efficiency.

Prior Experience Enriching Current Role

Before joining Behrman Capital, Smith cultivated a decade of experience with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he honed his financial acumen and strategic thinking. Furthermore, he held the prestigious position of President at the Fire Equipment Manufacturer's Association (FEMA), a major trade association that advocates for fire protection equipment suppliers. This diverse background equips him with unique insights beneficial for guiding Behrman's varied portfolio.

Looking Ahead

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new position, Smith stated, "I'm delighted to continue my relationship with the Behrman Capital team. I've had the privilege of working with Behrman for many years, and I look forward to taking on this new challenge as Operating Partner and contributing to the ongoing success of Behrman and its portfolio companies." This forward-thinking attitude aligns perfectly with Behrman Capital's commitment to driving growth and success through strategic partnerships.

About Behrman Capital

Founded in 1991 by Grant G. and Darryl G. Behrman, Behrman Capital specializes in management buyouts, leveraged buildups, and recapitalizations of established growth businesses. The firm focuses its investments on three key sectors: Defense and Aerospace, Healthcare, and Specialty Industrials. Over the years, Behrman has raised around $4.3 billion and is presently deploying its seventh primary fund. For additional information about Behrman Capital’s vision and portfolio, visit www.behrmancap.com.