Grant Avenue Capital Invests in CREO: Fuelling Innovation in Life Sciences and Healthcare

In a strategic move to advance innovation and accelerate growth in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, Grant Avenue Capital, LLC ("Grant Avenue"), a healthcare-focused private equity firm, has announced its investment in CREO, Inc. ("CREO"), an award-winning consultancy. The partnership aims to provide holistic solutions to industry challenges and enable life sciences and healthcare organizations to reach their full potential.

Founded in 2015 by Chief Executive Officer Susan Acker-Walsh and President Mike Townley, CREO offers a range of consulting services including strategy, M&A, digital transformation, cybersecurity, IT quality, and regulatory compliance. With a proven track record of business performance and customer growth, CREO has been named on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies for the past four years. The company has also been recognized multiple times on the Triangle Business Journal's Fast 50 list of the fastest-growing companies in the Triangle region.

Grant Avenue's investment in CREO is expected to provide the necessary resources and expertise to drive value for CREO customers and the healthcare industry at large. The partnership will leverage Grant Avenue's significant healthcare investment experience, deep industry network, and flexible capital approaches to strengthen CREO's reach and impact across new geographies, partnerships, service offerings, and M&A activities.

Ms. Acker-Walsh expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, "CREO and Grant Avenue share a vision of making good companies better so that they can create a better, healthier world." She emphasized the alignment of both companies' objectives in driving successful growth and making a meaningful difference in the industry.

Brian Berkin, Managing Director at Grant Avenue Capital, also highlighted CREO's unique blend of value creation services and the company's potential for growth. Grant Avenue aims to provide support in expanding CREO's capabilities and impact on a global scale.

The partnership between Grant Avenue and CREO is not only expected to benefit customers but also employees. Mr. Townley emphasized that the support of Grant Avenue would enable CREO to provide additional growth services, ultimately meeting the demands and expectations of their clients.

The transaction was facilitated by Clearsight Advisors as the financial advisor to CREO and Crosstree Capital Partners as the financial advisor to Grant Avenue.

About Grant Avenue Capital, LLC

Grant Avenue Capital is a healthcare-focused private equity firm specializing in middle-market investments. With a focus on companies generating approximately $5 million to $25 million of EBITDA, Grant Avenue Capital has the flexibility to complete larger transactions through strategic co-investment relationships. The firm engages in control buyouts, buy-and-builds, corporate carve-outs, joint-control partnership investments, and special situations. Additionally, the Grant Avenue Foundation supports healthcare-oriented charitable organizations engaged with Grant Avenue Capital and its portfolio companies.

About CREO

CREO, Inc. is a leading consultancy serving promising companies that seek to improve human health. With expertise in strategy, M&A, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and IT quality and regulatory compliance, CREO supports growing life sciences, healthcare, and private equity portfolio companies across the U.S. and international markets. Headquartered in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, CREO aims to improve business performance today and develop clinical innovations for tomorrow.

In conclusion, Grant Avenue Capital's investment in CREO sets the stage for enhanced growth and innovation in the life sciences and healthcare industries. The partnership represents a strategic move to provide comprehensive solutions to industry challenges and drive meaningful change. With Grant Avenue's support, CREO is well-positioned to expand its capabilities, reach new markets, and continue delivering exceptional value to its customers across the globe.