About Us
Partnership-First Approach.
Demographic-Driven Investing.®
AUA Private Equity is an operationally-focused lower-middle market investment firm that has deployed over $700 million of capital to date.* The team is led by Andy Unanue, former COO of Goya Foods, Inc. (founded by the Unanue family), the largest and most successful Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, and is complemented by Partners Steven Flyer, David Benyaminy, and Kyce Chihi, who bring over 35 years of proven private equity expertise, deep sector insight, and a wealth of longstanding relationships.
* AUA has committed capital of approximately $750 million as of September 30, 2023, including co-investment capital and recent realizations.
Family-Owned
Businesses
Our real-life perspective developed from a long history of investing in, and operating, family-owned businesses makes us a partner of choice for families seeking liquidity, facing transition, or looking to maximize value.
We offer business owners a combination of growth capital and/or liquidity with customized capital solutions to meet a seller’s goals and objectives while allowing them the opportunity to participate in the growth of their business.
Growth Of The
Hispanic Population
Our heritage and demonstrated success within the U.S. Hispanic market uniquely position us to benefit from the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population and its purchasing power, which was valued at $3.4 trillion in 2023, with continued growth expected.
We seek to partner with companies that currently target – or those that should be targeting – the U.S. Hispanic population, as well as companies that are taking ethnic brands, tastes, and styles to the mainstream population in the U.S.
Targeted Industries
AUA Private Equity seeks control or significant minority investments in U.S.-based lower middle-market companies that are Hispanic-oriented or family-owned within the consumer products and services sectors.
Consumer Products
Specialist firm focused on the consumer segment.
Food and beverage, wellness, pet, and private label offerings.
Consumer Services
Investing in services that support business owners or engage with consumers.
Food and beverage manufacturing, consumer product logistics, co-manufacturing, family entertainment, and active lifestyle.
Investment Criteria
Transaction Size (for Platform Acquisitions):
- EBITDA: > $10 million
- Enterprise value: $75 – $200+ million
- Equity investments: $40 – $75+ million
Transaction Types:
- Leveraged buyouts / management buyouts
- Buy-and-build / roll-up strategies
- Growth equity
- Recapitalizations
Our ESG Initiatives
At AUA Private Equity, we focus on improving returns utilizing ESG initiatives while positively impacting our communities and the environment. We implement ESG methodologies within our portfolio companies and throughout the investment process as a way to enhance returns. We also seek to be socially responsible by empowering minority and women business-owners.
Learn MoreContact Us
You can get in touch with us by phone or by sending us a
detailed message on our Contact Us page.
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Phone/Fax:
Phone: (561) 851-9500
Our Address:
1 N Clematis St, STE 500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
United States