Connectors, Collaborators, and Catalysts
We believe transformation begins with perspective, and at Riverspan Partners, we activate our decades of experience in the Industrial sectors to catalyze sustainable business growth. We believe our long-term strategic approach creates unique and differentiated opportunities.
Riverspan Partners, a Chicago-based private equity group, seeks to help businesses successfully accelerate revenue and earnings growth by offering guidance, operational expertise, and capital. Like the thirty-seven bridges creating connections and gateways through the urban Chicago landscape, our mission is to open new pathways to prosperity for our partners.
Our firm was founded by John Gilligan and Dave Thomas, whose shared history in consulting and investing sparked a long-lasting relationship as colleagues and peers with a passion for helping businesses transform to achieve their potential.
From the outset, our goal was to build a strong team with a robust skillset as well as dedication to our partners and commitment to our values. We appreciate that it takes more than business acumen to build strong personal relationships with those we serve.
Culture
At Riverspan, we are building a differentiated culture that embraces an entrepreneurial spirit in its employees and in the businesses with which it partners.
Our value system aligns with our Midwestern roots, emphasizing the critical attributes of hard work, respect, creativity, and meaningful collaboration. We believe providing an inclusive, educational, and supportive environment is not only the right thing to do, but also results in exceptional outcomes.
Environmental, Social, & Governance
We acknowledge that ESG considerations can impact the financial performance of investments as well as the communities in which Riverspan Partners and its companies conduct business. We take seriously our commitment to corporate responsibility and transparency on all relevant issues.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We aim to foster, cultivate, and preserve a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of our firm. Creating an open and welcoming environment for all is integral for the health, productivity, and growth of our employees and partners.
The Wells Street Bridge is a double-decker bascule bridge over the Chicago River that provides passage for cars, trains, bicycles, and pedestrians. The bridge, originally built in 1922, was completely rebuilt from 2012-2013.
The Clark Street Bridge, built in 1929, has a long history of renewal beginning with the original bridge collapsing into the river after being struck by a steamer in 1953. Pulitzer Prize winner Carl Sandburg wrote a poem about the bridge symbolizing the city’s transition.
The DuSable Bridge, designated a Chicago Landmark, was originally named the Michigan Avenue Bridge. It opened in 1920 as part of a plan to link Chicago’s south and north side and is part of the Michigan-Wacker Historic District.
The Dearborn Street Bridge was built in 1962 and recognized a year later as “Most Beautiful Steel Bridge” in its category. Dearborn Street was home to the city’s first moveable bridge constructed in 1834 when the city had a population of only 350 people and was a primary crossing point over the Chicago River.
The BP Pedestrian Bridge is a 950-foot-long, architecturally acclaimed pedestrian bridge designed by Frank Gehry in Grant Park. The bridge, built in 2004, is a work of art praised for its aesthetics, and acts as a functional sound barrier to traffic.