Partnering with Oakridge was a game-changer for our business. They never tried to run the show but were true partners – supportive, strategic, and practical. With their help, we rolled out software that gave our team better real-time visibility and improved how we worked day-to-day. They helped us fill key leadership gaps, invest smartly in operations, and even backed us in launching new business lines. When the time came to sell, the decision was mine, and I felt fully supported throughout. It was a great run, and I’m proud of what we built together.
CATHERINE R. LEWIS
DBA, CPA, P. ENG.
Retired CFO, Dependable HomeTech (DHT)
Partnering with Oakridge Capital Partners (OCP) in 2015 truly reversed our company’s fortunes. Prior to their involvement, our medium-sized telecom service company faced an uncertain future, aging infrastructure and declining staff morale. Enter OCP. OCP’s analytical rigor, which was notable throughout the due diligence process, was important in driving positive change at the outset. A defining aspect of this new partnership and transition was the collaborative attitude fostered by the OCP team. An inclusive process built trust and ensured that perspectives from all levels of the organization were taken into account. The executive management team remained in place with OCP oversight throughout the investment process and beyond.
Within two years of OCP’s initial investment, the firm’s outlook improved considerably. OCP diligently managed capital structure and adeptly refinanced the firm with positive results. The OCP principals were a joy to work with – professional, ethical, experienced yet collaborative. I retired as CFO of the firm six years after OCP’s investment, but decided to remain invested as I have no doubt the company is in great hands and will continue to thrive.
OCP’s partnership in 2015 was not merely transactional, but rather a catalyst for enduring change. I would recommend working with Oakridge Capital Partners unconditionally.
Actively
Seeking
New Partners
If you’re an owner of a business looking to partner with Oakridge, or if you’re a broker representing a company that you think would be a good fit with Oakridge, we’d like to hear from you.
Ideally, we are looking to partner with strong management teams, provide partial liquidity upfront and work cooperatively to grow the business over a transitional period (allowing exiting owners to participate during this time).
If the situation warrants, we can also provide complete liquidity on closing. Ultimately, every situation is different, and we pride ourselves on being a nimble, flexible team that will work collaboratively with business owners to find solutions that work for all parties.
Situations where Oakridge’s principals can step in to bolster an existing management team. In recent history, this has involved introducing a true business development function, as well as change agent for improving systems, policies and procedures.
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Financials & Structure
History of profitability and positive cash flow.
Minimum annual EBITDA of $2.0 million for any platform investment, with operating margins greater than 10%. No minimum EBITDA requirement for bolt-on acquisitions.
Transaction value up to $40 million.
Ability to acquire a controlling interest, either upfront or over time.
Ability to support a modest amount of debt, though debt will not be the primary “lever” we’ll rely on to drive returns for our investors.
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Business & Operations
Strong management team with a passion for the business.
Niche and/or fragmented market with positive fundamentals.
Stable regulatory environment.
Low technological risk.
Manageable working capital requirements.
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Christopher Palmer
Christopher co-founded Oakridge Capital Partners in 2015, and draws on more than 20 years of experience in the finance industry. He has completed six acquisitions and one divestiture with Oakridge and is known for his practical, collaborative approach, working closely with management teams and investors to unlock value and foster enduring partnerships.
Before Oakridge, Christopher worked in Merrill Lynch Canada’s investment banking division where he executed large M&A transactions, capital raisings, defense advisory assignments and, importantly, played a key role in mentoring and coaching junior team members.
Christopher graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business (class of 2006) at the University of Western Ontario with an Honours Business Administration Degree, with distinction.
Christopher resides in Toronto with his wife and three children. They enjoy staying active together, specifically hiking the Bruce Peninsula and enjoying the shores of Lake Huron.
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Daniel Palmer
Daniel Palmer is Co-Founder and Managing Director at Oakridge Capital Partners, an investment firm he helped establish in 2015. Oakridge is industry-agnostic, with a focus on traditional, “bricks-and-mortar” businesses and management buyout opportunities. Since inception, the firm has acquired four platform companies and completed two bolt-on acquisitions, partnering closely with management teams to streamline administrative burdens and empower them to focus on creating value and serving customers.
Daniel began his career at CIBC World Markets, working in investment banking in both Toronto and the United Kingdom. He later joined Magna International, where he supported global acquisition initiatives across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. These experiences shaped his collaborative approach to investing and his ability to navigate complex transactions and operational challenges.
A graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University (HBA with Distinction, 2006), Daniel is also a CFA charterholder. At Oakridge, he is involved in all aspects of the investment process—from deal sourcing and due diligence to negotiating definitive agreements and driving post-close initiatives—bringing a hands-on, partnership-driven philosophy to every engagement
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Nathan Snowie
Nathan joined Oakridge Capital Partners in 2025 and brings over 15 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, valuation, and corporate finance advisory. He is known for his thoughtful, hands-on approach, working closely with management teams, entrepreneurs, and investors to navigate complex situations and deliver practical, value-driven outcomes.
Before joining Oakridge, Nathan spent 15 years with an international financial services firm providing M&A services to both lower mid-market business owners and large, professionally managed businesses, where he successfully completed more than 40 transactions.
Nathan graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island (class of 2010) with a Bachelor of Business Administration (with distinction), and was an Academic All-Canadian and CIS All-Star as a member of the varsity soccer team. He later earned his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 2012 and Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designation in 2015, credentials he regularly draws upon in his work.
After 12 years in Toronto, Nathan now lives on Prince Edward Island with his wife and two children. When not at work, he can usually be found at the rink, the soccer field, or the golf course.