One Equity Partners

Founded in 2001 by Dick Cashin, One Equity Partners (OEP) originally served as the private equity investment arm of Bank One. Following JPMorgan Chase's acquisition of Bank One in 2004, OEP became the exclusive private equity platform for the combined global banking institution, later incorporating the private equity operations of Bear Stearns in 2008. In 2014, JPMorgan Chase announced plans to spin off the unit, leading to its transition toward becoming an independent firm while maintaining a significant relationship with its former parent.

The firm focuses on middle-market companies, providing growth capital and executing leveraged buyouts. Its investment strategy frequently involves complex corporate carve-outs and partnerships with established industrial players. OEP maintains a global presence with offices in New York, Chicago, Frankfurt, Vienna, Hong Kong, and São Paulo, allowing it to execute cross-border transactions across its core sectors.

OEP has been involved in several high-profile deals, including the $4.3 billion buyout of Travelport in partnership with The Blackstone Group and TCV. The firm is also known for its historical investment in Polaroid Corporation, which was sold for a significant gain in 2005. More recently, the firm has remained active in the European industrial market, signing agreements to acquire companies like Montanhydraulik GmbH and expanding its footprint in technology services through investments in VASS and Lutech.