AGR Partners

AGR Partners is a specialist private equity and growth equity investment firm focused exclusively on the food and agribusiness sector. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the firm was established by principals with deep roots in family farming and agribusiness operations, bringing an operator's perspective to its investment approach. AGR Partners provides long-term, patient capital to food and agribusiness companies at various stages of development and ownership transition, positioning itself as a true strategic partner rather than a purely financial investor.

The firm deploys capital across three primary investment strategies. Its growth equity focus supports companies seeking funding for mergers and acquisitions as well as capital expenditures aimed at expanding operations and market position. Its ownership transition strategy provides liquidity solutions for shareholders and facilitates management buyouts, enabling business continuity and leadership succession. Its special situations capability addresses more complex financing needs, including debt reduction initiatives and corporate carve-outs from larger organizations.

AGR Partners targets middle-market food and agribusiness companies, with portfolio investments spanning the broader food supply chain — from agricultural production and ingredients to food processing and distribution. A notable portfolio company highlighted on the firm's website is Prime Time, a produce supply chain manager, illustrating the firm's interest in fresh produce logistics and supply chain infrastructure.

The investment team brings a uniquely hands-on background to agribusiness investing. The founding managing partner previously served as executive vice president of Western Milling, a grain and feed milling operation that grew to over one billion dollars in annual sales and became the largest animal feed company in the western United States. Additional team members bring experience from Rabobank, McKinsey & Company, Koch Industries, Prudential Capital Group, National Australia Bank, and leading investment banks including Baird and BMO Capital Markets, with sector coverage spanning agriculture, food, beverage, and pet industries.

Several team members hold CFA designations and advanced degrees from institutions including Cornell University, Oxford University, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. The firm's leadership team members were personally raised on family farms across the United States and Australia, giving AGR Partners an authentic connection to the agricultural sector it serves. The firm serves on the boards of multiple portfolio companies, providing active governance and operational guidance beyond capital deployment.