Shipley Associates, a Kays-ville-based business development consulting and training company, has received a majority ownership investment from private equity firm Petra Capital Partners of Nashville, Tennessee, and Patriot Capital, a middle market investment firm with offices in Baltimore; Chicago; Dallas; and Charlotte, North Carolina.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

The transfer of company ownership from its legacy owners to experienced investment partners positions the company to further pursue its domestic and global brand expansion, Shipley said in a release. “The transition allows greater flexibility to meet growth requirements and provides both capital and resources to enable Shipley to expand its global reach,” the company said.

Founded in 1972, Shipley has over 400 employees at offices worldwide.

“We are thrilled to have new investment partners who are focused on facilitating Shipley’s global growth, innovation, and leveraging of technology solutions while continuing our thought leadership role in the business-winning industry,” said Todd Barnett, chairman & CEO of Shipley. “Likewise, we appreciate the tremendous contribution of our previous ownership group and remain dedicated to providing the industry with exceptional talent through our skilled consultants, trainers and employees.” 

“Our operating mantra has always been one of high business ethics with an extreme focus on client success,” said Brad Douglas, executive vice president of global strategy at Shipley. “We will continue our forward-looking approach to global business-winning services to help clients succeed and win more business.”{/mprestriction}