Pamplona Capital Management, a London based private equity and investment management firm, has appointed Brian K Ratzan as partner and head of US private equity. Ratzan will lead the expansion of the firm’s private equity practice to the United States.
Ratzan, a longtime private equity investor, joins Pamplona Capital Management after 13 years with Vestar Capital where he most recently served as Managing Director. In charge of Vestar’s Consumer Group, Ratzan led the firm’s investment in many branded companies and successfully worked with their management teams to develop these businesses into category leaders. Such investments included Del Monte Food, Sun Products, and Birds Eye Foods. Ratzan started his career in the investment banking group at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.
"We are excited to have someone of Brian’s caliber leading the expansion of our global footprint to the U.S.," says John Halsted, Managing Partner of Pamplona Capital Management. "We believe there are significant opportunities for us in the US, and Brian’s experience will be invaluable in accomplishing this important objective for our firm."
"I was attracted to Pamplona Capital because of its significant potential for growth, its proven track record and a compelling platform from which to build a business," says Ratzan. "I look forward to working with the team to build the firm’s business in the United States. I have the greatest admiration for Vestar and all of my colleagues at the firm."
Ratzan and Pamplona will be hiring a full team of investment professionals dedicated to serving the US market.
