Carpathia Financial Services Announces Investment in Leading Philadelphia-based Accounting, Consulting and Staffing Services Provider
Investment Positions Carpathia for Major Expansion in Consulting, Staffing, Recruitment of Senior-level Accounting Pros to Fill Market Need at Right Time
MILWAUKEE, WI - (November 8, 2005) – Carpathia Financial Services, LLC, a new and innovative provider of senior-level accounting consulting, staffing and recruiting services, today announced its investment in RL Corporation, of Philadelphia, the parent of Lordi Consulting, a leading regional provider of accounting, business advisory and internal audit services, and Peopleflex, a leading provider of staffing and search services for accounting professionals.
The RL Corporation investment represents the launch of Carpathia's aggressive strategy to establish a national footprint within the next 12 to 18 months, targeting entry into key markets through the acquisition of consulting and staffing firms, as well as through organic growth. Funding for this growth strategy has been provided by a recent $25.5 million investment led by the partners of CGP (Chicago Growth Partners) Fund VIII, which has positioned Carpathia to complete additional strategic acquisitions. CGP is a Chicago-based private equity firm that focuses on lower middle market growth companies. Other investors in Carpathia include Peppertree Capital, the Private Equity Group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Robert Wilson, a former executive of accounting services firm Jefferson Wells.
Wilson, who founded Carpathia and serves as its President and CEO, originally established the Company to provide a broad range of consulting services, including business strategy, leadership, capital funding, business advisory services, operations and technical accounting and staffing. With its investment in Lordi and Peopleflex, Carpathia will distinguish itself by focusing on the delivery of these core accounting services at all levels of a client's organization. Additionally, Carpathia will offer consultation on matters of governance and financial disclosure including compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley. Carpathia will replicate nationally the proven business model of Lordi/Peopleflex, which offers clients a complete range of complementary accounting services and recruiting through two distinct business units.
"At the same time that Sarbanes-Oxley has created a burgeoning demand for seasoned accounting professionals, the US faces a serious shortage of qualified accountants to fill positions at every level - from analyst to CFO," explained Wilson. "This shortage is pinching the capacities of accounting, treasury and internal audit departments in companies of all sizes. Carpathia offers the financial resources, talent and capabilities necessary to fill this clear market need at just the right time."
Former RL Corporation CEO John Rapchinski will assume the responsibilities of COO of Carpathia and will oversee business development and service delivery. Frank Lordi and Harry Sauer will serve as Managing Principals of Lordi and Peopleflex, respectively.
"Our clients will continue to enjoy the same level of outstanding service that has made Lordi Consulting and Peopleflex the premier consulting and staffing firm in Philadelphia." said Rapchinski. "Carpathia's investment in our companies provides us with the capital we need to scale our services and quickly achieve national reach."
Lordi and Rapchinski founded Lordi Consulting (www.LordiConsulting.com) and Peopleflex (www.Peopleflex.com), respectively in 2001 to provide Philadelphia area firms with premium consulting and staffing options with specialties in accounting, internal audit and enterprise application services. The two companies merged in 2003 under the banner of RL Corporation and have since grown to include more than 100 professionals servicing a broad range of clients from start-ups to global organizations.
About Carpathia Financial Services, LLC
Carpathia Financial Services focuses on driving performance improvements and enhancing operational effectiveness and efficiencies for client companies. Carpathia partners with the client's management team to improve outcomes. Services are delivered through placement of senior-level, full-time, interim, or part-time accountants to meet diverse client needs for accounting assistance in any area of their business. Specializations include assistance in critical areas such as Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, internal audit outsourcing or co-sourcing, budget/forecast preparation, SEC reporting, credit and collections, account reconciliations, cash forecasting, audit preparation, financial due diligence, post-acquisition integration and other special projects. Carpathia also helps client companies with on-going business needs such as financial analysis, identification and measurement of key performance indicators and optimization of financial systems. For more information:
www.carpathiacorporation.com.)
About Chicago Growth Partners
CGP is a Chicago-based private equity investment firm committed both to its investments and its investors in the lower middle market. The firm targets four primary industries: business and consumer services, healthcare, industrial growth and information technology. CGP's partners have specialized in these industries for more than 20 years and their combined experience in each of these four areas totals 100-plus years. CGP distinguishes itself through its experienced team - including in-house marketing, information technology and operations expertise; its approach to the development and execution of strategies designed to build success; its focus on growth as the primary driver of returns and its commitment to partnering with portfolio companies that demonstrate strong management capability and opportunity. CGP moves beyond the delivery of growth capital by lending significant industry experience, knowledge and leadership to each business situation. For more information:
www.cgp.com.)
About Peppertree Capital Management
Peppertree Capital Management, Inc. is a private equity fund manager focused on growth equity, recapitalization and buyout opportunities in the media, telecommunications and business services industries. Typical investments are between $3 million and $10 million. The firm has offices in Cleveland and Dallas. For more information:
http://www.peppertreefund.com.
