(New York, NY) — Cortec Group (“Cortec” or the “Firm”), a New York based private equity firm which invests in middle-market specialty healthcare, consumer and niche products, service, and distribution businesses, is pleased to announce two new hires and a promotion.

On October 1, Robert Whipple, most recently a Principal at Apax Partners, joined Cortec as a Managing Director. Jack Miner, an Associate with Cortec since 2011, was promoted to Vice President effective on August 1. On July 18, Cortec hired Nick Cooper as an Associate from Piper Jaffray & Co., where he was an Analyst.

Rob Whipple comes to Cortec with more than a decade of private equity experience from Apax and Aurora Capital Group, and with prior experience in investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Managing Partner Dave Schnadig stated, “we are excited to have a Managing Director of Rob’s caliber join the Cortec team. He will immediately enhance our ability to process multiple transactions simultaneously, while helping us build the next generation of Firm leadership.” Managing Partner Jeff Lipsitz said of Jack Miner, “his promotion evidences Jack’s demonstrated success both analytically and from relationship-building standpoints. He is a proven asset to Cortec.” Cortec Managing Partner Mike Najjar added, “Nick Cooper was a top-ranked Analyst at Piper, we expect him to contribute meaningfully over the coming years.”

In the past fifteen months Cortec has hired five new team members, while promoting four executives to more senior roles. Cortec is excited by the expansion of its team, both through the hiring of top-level talent and internal progression. “Having founded Cortec more than 30 years ago, it is gratifying to see the firm continue to grow and add talent at all levels”, said Managing Partner Scott Schafler.

Cortec is investing from Cortec Group Fund VI, L.P., a $1.1 billion fund focused primarily on: i) helping entrepreneurs build the infrastructure necessary to facilitate long-term company growth and ii) managing senior leadership transitions in businesses where an owner wishes to retire or step back from daily operations.

Cortec acquires high value-added, middle market healthcare, consumer and specialty products, service, and distribution businesses with leadership positions in their market niches and the desire to work with Cortec to drive growth and improve business fundamentals.

The Firm currently manages over $2.1 billion in its three active funds and targets platform acquisitions with enterprise values of $40 million to $300 million and smaller follow-on acquisitions. Additional information about Cortec can be found at www.cortecgroup.com.