Black Bay Partners, a prominent private equity firm specializing in growth investments within the lower-middle-market energy and related industrial and specialty chemicals sectors, is excited to announce the addition of N. John Lancaster, Jr. as a Partner. The firm is also pleased to promote Matt Schovee to Partner and Sam Scofield to Principal.
Michael LeBourgeois, Managing Partner of Black Bay, remarked, “We are thrilled to elevate Matt to Partner and Sam to Principal. Matt has been an integral part of Black Bay since its founding in 2016, while Sam has contributed significantly since joining as an Associate in 2019. Their efforts have been crucial in driving the firm’s growth, managing our portfolio, and identifying new investment opportunities.”
In addition, LeBourgeois expressed enthusiasm about Lancaster’s arrival, stating, “We are excited to broaden our leadership team with John’s expertise, particularly as we establish a presence in New York. His extensive investment knowledge, strong network, and esteemed reputation will be invaluable as we pursue our strategic objectives. John has been an investor and advisor to Black Bay since our inception, collaborating on multiple co-investments. He shares our vision and commitment to partnering with talented teams to develop leading companies, all aimed at delivering favorable and consistent returns for our investors.”
John Lancaster joins Black Bay from Oyster Creek, LLC, a private investment firm he founded in 2020, where he managed growth investments in the energy sector and related industrials. Before that, he spent 20 years at Riverstone Holdings, LLC, playing a key role since its establishment in 2000. Throughout his extensive career in private equity, John has executed numerous transactions across the energy value chain, from upstream to downstream, with a focus on energy-related manufactured equipment, products, and services.
I am excited to join Black Bay at such a dynamic time for both the firm and the energy and specialty chemicals markets,” said Mr. Lancaster. “I have known Michael since the early days of our careers and have collaborated with the broader Black Bay team since the firm’s inception. Their investment strategy effectively addresses the opportunities to support growth-oriented entrepreneurs delivering economically superior, reliable, and sustainable products and services to the energy and industrial sectors. I look forward to working with a team that prioritizes a true ‘partnership culture,’ as I believe this is essential for lasting investment success.
