JLL Partners

JLL Partners was founded in 1987, originally tracing its roots to the merchant bank Gilliam Joseph & Littlejohn. The firm's founding members included William J. Gilliam, Peter A. Joseph, and Angus C. Littlejohn Jr., who were later joined by Paul S. Levy, a former Drexel Burnham Lambert executive. Over the decades, the firm underwent several leadership changes and name iterations before becoming JLL Partners, raising seven private equity funds and committing billions of dollars in capital.

The firm focuses on middle-market companies, particularly those requiring operational turnarounds. Since its inception, JLL has been active in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and consumer products. Notable milestones include the early successful buyout of Rexene Corp and the acquisition of major aerospace and defense suppliers like Aviation Technical Services and Point Blank Enterprises. The firm maintains a strong presence in the New York investment community, drawing capital from major institutional investors like the University of California Regents and the New Jersey Pension Fund.