Houlihan Lokey Advises Benford Capital Partners

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce the placement of equity capital to support Benford Capital Partners (“Benford” or “BCP”) in its minority recapitalization of a regional food retailer. Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor to Benford. The transaction closed on April 27, 2026.

Founded in 2004, Benford is a Chicago-based, operationally oriented private equity investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations of lower-middle-market companies. BCP partners with family- and founder-owned businesses to help scale operations while preserving culture and legacy, taking a collaborative approach to strategy, execution, and value creation. BCP brings deep sector experience and a demonstrated track record of supporting growth, particularly in food and beverage, through organic initiatives and add-on acquisitions.

Houlihan Lokey advised Benford on its direct co-investment capital raise, securing the equity capital necessary to support its minority recapitalization of a regional food retailer. As part of the process, Houlihan Lokey identified and approached a targeted group of strategic direct co-investors well positioned to invest alongside a leading sponsor.

Houlihan Lokey successfully completed this transaction via an efficient and competitive, oversubscribed process, achieving BCP’s objectives of securing high-quality, long-term capital aligned with its value-creation strategy for the business.

In addition to the capital raised by Houlihan Lokey, Benford invested from its recently raised Fund III. The regional food retailer’s management team also rolled over meaningful equity and will retain control of the business, demonstrating strong alignment and confidence in the company’s continued growth alongside BCP.

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