Henniges Automotive

Littlejohn is in the big-money business. It makes equity investments in midsized companies that are underperforming or otherwise facing operational and financial struggles. The firm, which takes a controlling stake or an active minority role in its portfolio companies, provides strategic, operational, and financial expertise and support to rejuvenate its portfolio of some 10 companies. Littlejohn's typical investment ranges between $50 million and $100 million in US-based enterprises with annual revenues between $150 million and $800 million. The investment firm targets such industries as industrial equipment, manufacturing, technical services, and consumer products.  

Holdings include CTI Foods, pool accessories maker Latham International,  container ship operator Soundview Maritime, and Clean Earth, which processes contaminated soil and provides waste logistics services. Littlejohn announced in 2012 plans to sell its aircraft parts company Synchronous Aerospace Group to Precision Castparts Corp. by the end of the year.

In 2010 Littlejohn bought Henniges Automotive, which manufactures sealing and anti-vibration systems. Also that year, it sold coffee purveyor Van Houtte to Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and fuel transporter Kenan Advantage Group to Goldman Sachs Private Equity. In 2011 Littlejohn acquired fluid power distribution firm SunSource Holdings; it plans to help SunSource grow through its own acquisitions. The following year Littlejohn acquired Direct ChassisLink, which rents and leases chassis to drayage companies and steamship lines in the US.

The company was founded in 1996 by chairman and CEO Angus C. Littlejohn, Jr. Currently investing its fourth fund, Littlejohn oversees some $2.8 billion of capital commitments.