Private equity investors, roaring ahead to another prolific year of deals, are increasingly eyeing buys hidden away in the lower middle market: companies valued between $10 million and $100 million. It’s not uncommon these days for these investors to pursue strong founder-led or family-owned companies in the $100 million, $50 million, or even $25 million annual revenue size. According to The National Center for the Middle Market, many are “B2B organizations that operate within the supply chains of other larger businesses” — sturdy bolt-ons or platforms that offer innovative product designs, compelling business models, or a valuable stable of workers. READ MORE