Partners

Andrew Blott co-founded Quantum Capital in 2004 and led the firm’s investments in Don Best Sports, Skyway and RailCrew Express. Prior to founding Quantum, Mr. Blott was financial advisor on behalf of Borealis Capital to value, structure and underwrite Canada’s first and second “Public-to-Private-Partnership (P3)” healthcare initiatives. These two lead equity investments included: (i) a 608 bed new acute care hospital with a capital cost in excess of $400 million (William Osler Health Center), and (ii) a 188 bed new mental health facility with a capital cost in excess of $100 million (Royal Ottawa Health Center). Previously, Mr. Blott spent ten years on Wall Street originating and structuring Leveraged Buyouts, Mergers & Acquisitions and Leverage Finance transactions at firms including Credit Suisse First Boston, Salomon Smith Barney, Banc of America Securities and CIBC World Markets. Mr. Blott has completed over 30 leveraged buyouts and follow-on financings, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures for many large private equity funds including: KKR, Clayton Dubilier & Rice, and Oaktree Capital Management. These transactions included: $13 billion of public and private debt financings, $6 billion of M&A transactions and $800 million of public equity offerings. His transaction experience also involved negotiating with well known large-cap companies, such as, Phillip Morris, Nabisco and United Parcel Service to effect leveraged buyouts.

Mr. Blott is a Director of: Skyway Canada Limited, an industry leading Canadian scaffolding services provider; Lone Start Texas Grill, a Texas themed Canadian restaurant chain; and RailCrew Xpress, an industry leading provider of logistics services to the US Class One railways. Mr. Blott holds officer positions and is Chairman of the Audit Committees of Skyway Canada, RailCrew Xpress and Lone Star Texas Grill. Mr. Blott is also a member of the Global One Chapter and the Ontario Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization.

Lawrence Stuart co-founded Quantum Capital in 2004 and led the firm’s investment in RailCrew Express. Mr. Stuart was previously Managing Partner of Hicks, Muse, Tate, & Furst, Inc, which he joined in September 1995 after serving as a long-time senior advisor to the firm since its founding. At Hicks, Muse, Mr. Stuart was responsible for structuring and executing the firm’s worldwide acquisition, financing and sale of portfolio companies. He led over 100 transactions totaling more than $10 billion, in the U.S., Europe and Latin America, including those resulting in the largest radio company in the world, Clear Channel Communications. Other notable transactions led by Mr. Stuart included International Home Foods, Marcus Cable, Perrier-Jouet Champagne and Triton Energy. At Hicks, Muse, Mr. Stuart’s responsibilities also included management of the firm’s internal operations, the structure and negotiation of the firm’s private equity funds, and managing the firm’s relationships with outside law firms, accounting firms and other service providers. From August 1989 to September 1995, Mr. Stuart was an Attorney with Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, most recently serving as Managing Partner of the Dallas office of that firm. Among his clients were Hicks, Muse and other private equity firms. For these clients, he led the acquisition of more than 500 businesses, including A&W Brands, Dr Pepper Company, Greyhound Lines, Seven-Up Company, Swift Meat Packing Company, and Trident Energy. Mr. Stuart also served as lead Corporate Counsel on a number of restructurings, including Greyhound Lines and Zale Corporation. Mr. Stuart holds a B.A. in Economics and a J.D. from Southern Methodist University. He received his law degree from The Dedman School of Law at SMU, where he graduated third in his class and was Editor-in-Chief of the school’s law review, The Southwestern Law Journal.

Jack Cowin is the Founder, Chairman and owner of Competitive Foods Australia Ltd. (“CFAL”), an owner, operator and franchisor of fast food restaurants in Australia. CFAL founded the Domino’s Pizza business in Australia which went public in May 2005. CFAL also operates manufacturing plants which produce frozen meat products and processed vegetables and is a leading supplier to the Australian supermarket and food service industry as well as exporting food products to 26 countries. Mr. Cowin also owns Torbreck Vinters Ltd., a Barossa based wine producer of ultra premium category wines rated among the highest quality red wines in Australia. Mr. Cowin is a Director and majority shareholder of BridgeClimb, a highly profitable leading tourist attraction in Sydney; Skyway Canada, an industry leading Canadian scaffolding services provider; Lone Star Texas Grill, a Texas themed Canadian restaurant chain; and RailCrew Xpress, an industry leading provider of logistics services to US Class One railways. Mr. Cowin is Chairman of CIBC Australia Ltd.; is a director of the TEN Television Network and a member of its Executive committee and Business Development Committee. Mr. Cowin has been active in Young President's Organization since 1972: serving as Chairman of the Sydney Chapter, member of its International Board of Directors from 1978 to 1988, and International President from 1985-86 for the worldwide organization of 7,000 members. Mr. Cowin is a Graduate of the University of Western Ontario in Canada. In 1992, Mr. Cowin was elected to the UWO Athletic Hall of Fame.

John Drake co-founded Drake Goodwin & Co., a merchant banking company, in 1985 to focus on control leveraged buyout investments. Mr. Drake has invested in manufacturing, distribution and financial services businesses, as well as real estate development. As a financial buyer, he has successfully originated, purchased and subsequently resold companies across North America ranging in revenues from $10 million to $500 million. Mr. Drake served as chairman of Wolverine Tube, Inc. (sold in 1992 for $300 million), and North Atlantic Holdings, Inc. (aka Zig Zag Papers – sold in 1997 for $200 million). Mr. Drake has been chairman of DGM Bank and Trust in Barbados since June 1998; has served as president of Drake Goodwin Corporation, since its inception in September 1985; and is the Co-Founder of Red Tail Golf Club in London, Ontario. Mr. Drake received a B.A. in Biology and an L.L.B. from the University of Western Ontario.