(New York, NY) — Cortec Group (“Cortec”), a New York-based private equity firm which invests in middle-market distribution, consumer, healthcare, and specialty products and services businesses, is pleased to announce three recent team additions and one promotion.
In September 2017, Ajay Chokshi, most recently Group President with Surgical Care Affiliates (an Optum Company), joined Cortec as a Managing Director. In October 2018, William Keesler, formerly a Principal at Paine Schwartz Partners, joined Cortec as a Vice President. In March 2018, Cortec hired Matt Rothstein as an Associate from Cain Brothers, where he was an Analyst. Allison Klazkin, who joined Cortec in 2009, was promoted to Managing Director in March 2019. Ajay comes to Cortec with over twenty years of healthcare experience as a general manager and a management consultant. Managing Partner Jeffrey Lipsitz stated, “Ajay’s extensive leadership managing substantial multi-site healthcare businesses is of great value to Cortec and its portfolio companies. Given our commitment to the healthcare industry, we are excited for him to contribute to the growth of new and existing portfolio investments.”
Will has more than a decade of experience in private equity and investment banking, having worked previously at private equity firms Paine Schwartz Partners and Sun Capital Partners, after beginning his career at Macquarie Capital. During Matt’s tenure at Cain Brothers, he completed numerous healthcare investment banking assignments. Partner Jonathan Stein said, “As Cortec continues to scale, we are fortunate to have added these talented teammates. Both Will and Matt have significant experience in an array of middle-market transactions and a genuine interest in building their business knowledge over time.”
On Allison’s promotion, Managing Partner David Schnadig stated “Allie has been a highly valuable member of Cortec since joining the firm as an Associate over a decade ago. Her promotion to Managing Director recognizes her many contributions to our deal teams and portfolio companies.” He concluded: “Our firm’s leadership is excited by the continuing evolution of our team through the recruitment of top-level talent as well as internal development.”
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.
About Cortec Group
Founded in 1984, Cortec invests in high value-added, middle-market consumer, healthcare, distribution, and specialty products and services businesses in partnership with owners and management teams who want to work with Cortec to drive growth and improve business fundamentals. Additional information about Cortec can be found at www.cortecgroup.com.
