WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comvest Partners (“Comvest”), a leading middle-market private equity and credit investment firm, today announced that Eric Shields has rejoined the firm as a Principal in the private equity group, where he is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, executing and monitoring private equity investments. Mr. Shields was previously with Comvest from 2016 to 2021, most recently as a Vice President.
Mr. Shields brings more than a decade of middle-market private equity investment experience across a broad range of industry sectors. He joins Comvest from Datavest Partners, a Fort Lauderdale-based private equity firm.
During his earlier tenure at Comvest, Mr. Shields led market, business, financial underwriting and ongoing portfolio management of consumer and services companies. He played integral roles in a number of key transactions for the firm, including RugsUSA, a leading rugs e-retailer, and Lasko, a leading retailer of portable fans and other home comfort products.
“We are delighted to welcome Eric back to Comvest,” said Maneesh Chawla, a Managing Partner of Comvest and head of the Private Equity strategy. “Eric is an excellent private equity investor who brings considerable management experience along with specialized sector and transaction expertise to our growing private equity team. We look forward to his leadership in developing opportunities and helping our portfolio companies execute strategic and operational initiatives focused on driving business growth and long-term value.”
“I am thrilled to return to Comvest,” Mr. Shields said. “Comvest is a special firm with a well-earned reputation as an outstanding private equity partner that offers committed financial sponsorship, versatile operational resources, and a collaborative approach to building better businesses. I am excited to rejoin my colleagues.”
Mr. Shields’ earlier work in the private equity and investment banking industries also includes roles with H.I.G. Capital and Stephens Inc.
Mr. Shields received a B.S. in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance, from the University of Florida, where he graduated with honors.
About Comvest Partners
Comvest Partners is an operationally focused private investment firm that has provided equity and debt capital to well-positioned middle-market companies throughout North America since 2000. Through its private equity, direct lending and special opportunities investment platforms, Comvest offers tailored investment solutions across the capital structure, deep industry and operating expertise, a collaborative approach, and significant transaction experience as an active investor. Today, Comvest manages $12.3 billion in assets, and has invested over $12.8 billion since inception. Based in West Palm Beach, Comvest also maintains offices in Chicago and New York. For more information, please visit www.comvest.com.
