Asset manager Eric Sturdza Investments has launched a long-only version of its Strategic Long Short Fund in partnership with Crawford Fund Management.
The fund focuses on US owner-operated companies, building on its long-short strategy launched in November 2022. According to the firms, owner-operated firms make up 10-15% of publicly traded equities in the US, mostly within small and mid-cap segments – often overlooked by Wall Street analysts. These companies are led by management teams who earn primarily through equity value creation, not just salaries and bonuses.
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Before investing, the fund team said that it ensures each company meets their ‘owner operator’ criteria through proprietary analysis. Crawford’s team also evaluates the company’s market positioning, potential for free cash flow, balance sheet quality, fundamental valuation and management quality. The Strategic US Opportunities Fund’s portfolio typically holds 20 to 50 positions.
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“We’re looking for the ‘crème de la crème’ of US small and mid caps,” said Christopher Crawford, chief information officer at Crawford Fund Management. “We are continually seeking companies with the right business model at the right price and run by the right people.”
Andreas Söderholm, head of Eric Sturdza Investments, added: “The Fund offers a unique way to invest in stellar companies in the US. Our goal is to continue to outperform the US market, as Crawford has done over the last 15 years.”
