Black Bay Partners, a prominent private equity firm specializing in growth investments within the lower-middle-market energy, industrial, and specialty chemicals sectors, is pleased to announce key additions and promotions to its leadership team. N. John Lancaster, Jr. has joined the firm as a Partner, while Matt Schovee and Sam Scofield have been promoted to Partner and Principal, respectively.
Managing Partner Michael LeBourgeois commented, “We are delighted to promote Matt to Partner and Sam to Principal. Both have been vital to Black Bay’s growth since Matt’s involvement from the firm’s inception in 2016 and Sam’s joining as an Associate in 2019. Their contributions have greatly enhanced our portfolio management and investment opportunities.”
LeBourgeois added, “We are also excited to welcome John Lancaster to the firm, expanding our leadership team and establishing a presence in New York. John’s investment expertise and experience with Black Bay, including multiple co-investments since the firm’s inception, will be instrumental in executing our strategy. His reputation and alignment with our vision of partnering with top teams to build leading companies will support our goal of delivering consistent returns for our investors.”
John Lancaster brings a wealth of experience to Black Bay, having previously founded Oyster Creek, LLC, a private investment firm managing growth investments in energy and industrial sectors. Prior to that, he spent two decades at Riverstone Holdings, LLC, where he played a significant role in private equity transactions across the energy value chain, with a focus on energy-related equipment, products, and services.
Lancaster shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled to join Black Bay during this dynamic period for the firm and the broader markets. Having worked closely with Michael and the Black Bay team since the firm’s founding, I share their commitment to supporting growth-oriented entrepreneurs who provide sustainable and economically superior solutions to the energy and industrial sectors. I look forward to contributing to a firm where true partnership culture is fundamental to achieving long-term investment success.”
About Black Bay Partners
Black Bay Partners is a private equity firm investing in partnership with entrepreneurial management teams to build high-growth companies in the energy and chemical sectors. The firm targets businesses that offer innovative solutions to reduce costs, improve operations, and support sustainability initiatives. Black Bay is currently investing from its second fund, with over $500 million in assets under management.
