OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Acorn Growth Companies (“Acorn”), a private equity firm investing exclusively in aerospace, defense, intelligence, and space today announced that, in connection with the retirement of Bob Hinaman, Greg Agnew will assume leadership of the firm’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) group and Washington, DC office. Bob Hinaman, who established the firm’s Washington, DC presence, will continue to serve as an advisor to Acorn through September 2021 to facilitate the transition.
Rick Nagel, Acorn’s Managing Partner, commented “Bob’s contributions to Acorn since he joined the firm in 2007 are innumerable. We cannot express our gratitude and appreciation enough for the leadership and partnership that Bob has provided to Acorn over the last 14 years. We wish Bob all the best in his retirement.”
Greg Agnew joined Acorn in 2018 after spending two decades in various investment banking, advisory, and equity research roles, most recent having established the Washington, DC office and U.S. Aerospace & Defense investment banking practice for Canaccord Genuity. His focus will be further strengthening Acorn’s relationships with intermediaries, directing the outbound calling and sourcing program, leading M&A activity and processes from evaluation through due diligence, financing, and closing, as well as working closely with Acorn’s portfolio companies post-investment.
“Greg has played a key role in Acorn’s M&A activity since joining the firm in 2018. He has the skills, experience, and relationships to provide leadership to our M&A group and DC office,” added Rick Nagel.
Agnew has spent his 20+ year career in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Acorn, Agnew established the U.S. Aerospace, Defense and Government Contracting investment banking group for Canaccord Genuity, working closely with the firm’s international offices and leading its efforts in the sector globally. During this time, Greg gained significant experience advising private companies and public Boards of Directors. Prior to Canaccord, Greg spent 10 years at FBR Capital Markets, eventually leading the firm’s Aerospace & Defense investment banking practice and completing both merger and acquisition and financing transactions for public and private companies. Early in his career, he was at Quarterdeck Investment Partners (now Jefferies), where he focused on mergers and acquisitions in the aerospace, defense, and government contracting markets. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in economics.
This announcement follows several other team growth and expansion initiatives, including former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine joining the firm in January, as well as the recent promotions of Brandon Bradford to Chief Investment Officer and Laura Siegal to Chief Financial Officer, in support of our efforts to deploy capital from our newest investment vehicle, Acorn Aerospace & Defense Fund V.
About Acorn Growth Companies
Acorn Growth Companies is a middle market private equity firm focused exclusively on Aerospace, Defense and Intelligence. Acorn invests solely in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility and protect national interests. Acorn has a formidable reputation in the industry and is recognized for its deep understanding of the Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence markets, with proprietary access to the best companies within these sectors. With operational expertise and its ability to lead and manage investments through variable economic and industry cycles, Acorn works in tandem with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders. More information can be found at AcornGrowthCompanies.com
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