Rainier Partners Announces Platform Investment in WPAS

Deal News | Dec 19, 2024 | Rainier Partners

Rainier Partners Announces Platform Investment in WPAS

Rainier Partners, a private equity firm based in Seattle, has announced a strategic investment in Welfare & Pension Administration Service (WPAS), a third-party administration firm based in Mercer Island, Washington. WPAS, established in 1953, specializes in the administration of multi-employer benefit plans, notably Taft-Hartley trust plans. The investment by Rainier Partners is expected to foster WPAS’s growth and its ability to serve more multi-employer trusts across the U.S., capitalizing on the growing complexity in the benefits administration sector. This partnership represents a key milestone for WPAS, which currently serves over 450,000 members nationwide. Jon Altman, Co-Founder of Rainier Partners, emphasizes the firm's commitment to aiding WPAS in its expansion through strategic partnerships and operational resources. Rainier Partners focuses on lower middle-market service businesses, possessing assets exceeding $375 million. They engage in industries where they have significant expertise, with a goal of supporting management teams and business owners through growth capital and strategic alignments.

Sectors

  • Financial Services
  • Business Services

Geography

  • United States – The companies and services involved are based in the United States, with Rainier Partners in Seattle, WA and WPAS in Mercer Island, WA.

Industry

  • Financial Services – The article involves Rainier Partners investing in a company that provides benefit plan administration services, which falls under the broad category of financial services.
  • Business Services – WPAS provides third-party administration services, which are an integral part of business services, focusing on multi-employer benefit plans.

Financials

  • $375 million – Rainier Partners' assets under management.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Rainier PartnersBidding CompanyCompanyA private equity firm based in Seattle, focused on investments in lower middle-market services businesses.
Welfare & Pension Administration Service (WPAS)Target CompanyCompanyA third-party administration firm specializing in multi-employer benefit plan administration.
Adam KeckWPAS CEOPeopleChief Executive Officer of WPAS, managing the company through strategic growth.
Jon AltmanRainier Co-Founder and Managing PartnerPeopleCo-Founder and Managing Partner at Rainier Partners, leading the firm's investment and growth strategy.
Henry AndersonRainier Vice PresidentPeopleVice President at Rainier Partners, contributing to investment and strategic planning decisions.