Erik Carlson

Managing Director, Financial Sponsors

212.351.8940
ecarlson@joelefrank.com
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New York

With a deep understanding of the private markets landscape, Erik has provided real estate investment firms, financial sponsors and their portfolio companies with strategic communications counsel for nearly a decade. He takes a thoughtful, objective-driven approach to each engagement, and brings a measured demeanor to fast-moving, high-stakes matters. Clients turn to Erik for guidance and tactical execution in support of ongoing reputation management, corporate positioning and media relations efforts, as well as complex special situations such as transformational M&A, fundraising developments and crises.

Recent Highlights

Advised leading private investment firm around the take-private of a prominent Quebec-based company
Supported a consortium of leading sponsors with external and stakeholder communications around a simultaneous acquisition and leadership transition of a consumer-focused hospitality company
Advised global real estate investment firm on media strategy and rollout around the close of a multi-billion-dollar single asset continuation vehicle for a high-profile portfolio company
Supported multiple financial sponsors in response to GP-level cyber incidents
Following a carve-out transaction, counseled portfolio company of a leading, publicly traded alternative asset manager to help establish corporate brand, positioning and communications program

Select Experience

Financial Sponsors

As a leader in the firm’s dedicated Financial Sponsors practice, Erik counsels financial sponsors, portfolio companies and real estate investment firms on strategic communications related to investment activity, fundraising, corporate developments and investor and media relations. Current clients include Amulet, Apollo, Bansk, Blackstone, CC Capital, Cerberus, Cinven, Cornell Capital, First Reserve, Gemspring, GreenPoint Partners, Gridiron, Knox Lane, KSL, L Catterton, NexPhase, Percheron, Platinum Equity, Quantum Capital Group and Rockpoint.

Corporate Positioning

Erik partners with clients to build out corporate communications programs tailored to near- and long-term business objectives. He takes a leading role in executing ongoing executive and firm visibility programs, developing and refining differentiated messaging, enhancing connectivity with media and sourcing opportunities for participation in conferences, awards and notable events.

Transactions

Erik provides tailored support to clients around a variety of transaction types – including transformational M&A, add-ons, realizations, refinancings and secondary transactions. Recent assignments include advising CC Capital on its pending acquisition of Insignia (ASX: IFL), its strategic investment in Westaim (TSXV: WED); GIC on its pending acquisition of InterRent, and acquisition of STORE Capital; Bernhard Capital on the sale of its stake in Brown & Root Industrial Services; First Reserve on its sale of Intero, GridTek Utility Services and USA DeBusk, and acquisition of Island Energy Services; KSL on its sale of Village Hotels; Quantum Capital Group on its acquisition of Cogentrix and the sale of Rockcliff Energy; Bansk Group on its acquisition of PetIQ and BYOMA; Oaktree and Centerbridge on their acquisition of OTG; Apollo on its acquisition of Brightspeed; Cinven on the sale of Jaggaer and Nitel; and L Catterton on its acquisitions of Kodiak Cakes and Del Frisco’s, and sale of Cholula.

Crisis Communications

Sponsors and portfolio companies turn to Erik for tactical support and strategic guidance in preparing for a variety of potential crisis situations, as well as managing fast-moving, complex issues, such as litigation, unplanned leadership changes, regulatory action or investigations, social activism, employee or executive misconduct, workforce reductions, cybersecurity incidents and labor issues.

Fundraising

Erik advises private equity, credit and real estate sponsors throughout the fundraising lifecycle – from pre-launch positioning and message development to incremental capital raises and final fund closes. He supports firms at every stage of the capital formation lifecycle and partners with clients to develop and execute on targeted strategies for communicating with investor audiences.

In Conversation

What draws you to working with financial sponsors?

Having the chance to work with some of the smartest people in the financial and investment industry on a daily basis is something I never take for granted. From my perspective, the most rewarding part of how we work with sponsors is our long-term view and partnership orientation. We want to grow with our clients and we take a holistic approach to supporting their milestones, vision and evolution each step of the way. As the private markets continue to evolve rapidly, being able to be a true long-term partner across investment horizons and fund cycles allows us to anticipate opportunities – and challenges – and be truly effective advisors.

What draws you to working with financial sponsors?

Having the chance to work with some of the smartest people in the financial and investment industry on a daily basis is something I never take for granted. From my perspective, the most rewarding part of how we work with sponsors is our long-term view and partnership orientation. We want to grow with our clients and we take a holistic approach to supporting their milestones, vision and evolution each step of the way. As the private markets continue to evolve rapidly, being able to be a true long-term partner across investment horizons and fund cycles allows us to anticipate opportunities – and challenges – and be truly effective advisors.

Personal Side

Erik Carlson
Managing Director, Financial Sponsors

In the News

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Credentials

Erik received a BA in English from the University of Connecticut.