#USA #Cleveland #investment banking #Edgewater Capital #Joel Rathbun

Edgewater Capital Partners Welcomes Joel Rathbun

In a significant move, Edgewater Capital Partners has announced the addition of Joel Rathbun as a Partner. Joel will focus on business development, deal execution, and portfolio management, bringing with him a wealth of experience in corporate development and investment banking, spanning over 26 years.

Background and Experience

Mr. Rathbun's impressive career journey includes notable leadership positions at Avient Corporation, previously known as PolyOne, and Moelis & Company. At Avient, he spent over 13 years, where he played a central role in corporate development during an era marked by strategic acquisitions and divestitures. Among his accomplishments, he notably facilitated the acquisitions of Clariant's masterbatch division and DSM's Dyneema business. These moves, alongside fourteen others, were crucial in transforming Avient into a specialized materials solutions platform. Under his management as General Manager for the Specialty Engineered Materials business in North America, he set records for operational income and profitability.

Prior to his time at Avient, Rathbun dedicated more than 13 years to the field of investment banking. His expertise was honed at Moelis & Company and CIBC World Markets, where he advised clients across various industrial sectors including advanced materials, chemicals, and aerospace defense.

Insight from Leadership

The Managing Partner of Edgewater, Pete Ostergard, expressed enthusiasm about Rathbun's joining, stating, "We’ve known Joel for a number of years and are thrilled to have him join our firm. His deep sector knowledge, operational leadership, and M&A experience directly align with our investment strategy." Ostergard emphasized that Rathbun's collaborative approach would add tremendous value not only to the team but also to the management teams they partner with.

Looking Forward

Edgewater Capital Partners is optimistic about the contributions Rathbun will make as they aim to further the firm’s growth and success. The firm is well-regarded for its strategic focus on lower middle-market performance materials and services businesses, leveraging a wealth of experience to foster the growth of specialty industrials, life sciences, advanced materials, and specialty chemicals businesses.

Through its 25-year history in industry-specific investing, Edgewater has cultivated a keen understanding of the complexities and nuances prevalent within these sectors.

For more information about Edgewater Capital Partners and their initiatives, visit edgewatercapital.com.