Astara Capital Partners
New York, NY · ~$<1B AUM
Why it invests in the trades
Made Del-Air its first platform investment out of a newly raised fund in November 2022, buying out a roughly 20-year employee stock ownership plan and leaving the company debt-free at close — an unusually conservative capital structure for the sector. Astara installed a new CEO and COO immediately. Managing Partner Michael Ranson and Partner Rob Groberg led the deal.
Platforms in Tampa Bay (1)
Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical
Local brands ultimately backed by Astara Capital Partners (2)
Simpson Air
Gator Air Conditioning
Deals
- Acquisition Gator Air Conditioning → Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical (backed by Astara Capital Partners)
- Acquisition Simpson Air → Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical (backed by Astara Capital Partners)
- Recapitalization Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical (backed by Astara Capital Partners)
People
- Chad Barton — sponsor partner. Chairman of Del-Air's board of directors representing majority owner Astara Capital Partners, quoted on the platform's Tampa-market acquisition strategy.
- Michael Ranson — sponsor partner. Managing Partner of New York-based Astara Capital Partners; described Del-Air as the first platform investment in the firm's newly raised fund.
- Rob Groberg — sponsor partner. Partner at Astara Capital Partners on the Del-Air investment; said the firm was excited to partner with Del-Air's employee owners.
Frequently asked
What does Astara Capital Partners own in Tampa Bay?
Simpson Air, Gator Air Conditioning, through Del-Air Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical.
Is Astara Capital Partners a private-equity firm?
Yes.
How long will Astara Capital Partners hold these companies?
Private-equity funds typically target a 3–7 year hold before a sale, recapitalization or continuation fund. See "Notable exits" for how this investor has behaved before, and Debt, exits and the 5-year clock.
Sources Verified — primary document
- PR Newswire / Astara Capital Partners (2022-11-08) — press release. New York HQ, first platform of new fund, ESOP buyout, debt-free close, Ranson and Groberg
- Astara Capital Partners — press release. Firm media/investments page
- PRWeb (2023-12-01) — press release. Astara as majority owner; Chad Barton as chairman and quoted
- PR Newswire (2025-02-21) — press release. Astara majority ownership restated
Researcher notes: Fund size and AUM not disclosed; band is an estimate for a first-fund manager. | Headquarters reported generally; not stated in the cited releases.
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