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Portfolio Companies


Closed Investments

Algus manufactures thermoformed clamshell and blister packaging and ancillary filling and sealing equipment. Operating two facilities in DeKalb Illinois, Algus provides packaging solutions to leading companies in the consumer products, hand/power tool, healthcare, office supply and personal care industries.

Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists (IFAS) is a platform for acquisitions in the foot & ankle surgery/podiatry sector, focused initially on the greater PA, NJ and DE region. The investment is a joint venture with Avonwood Capital Partners, a healthcare-services focused private equity firm located in Conshohocken, PA.

Luna Labs provides contract research services to the Department of Defense and other agencies, primarily under the federal government’s Small Business Innovation Research program. The Company is one of the five-largest providers of these services. Luna Labs’ research capabilities are focused on advanced materials, biotech and systems & analytics applications. The Company has developed several products from its technologies, including an advanced wound care simulation training kit.

Swish Dental, LLC (Swish) is a Texas-based dental services organization operating clinics across Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Swish is at the leading edge of driving an innovative concept of rethinking and reorienting the dentist experience towards a more comfortable and amenity-centric experience. The Company is well-positioned with young, affluent professionals and has a successful track record of driving expansion through de novo facilities.

MP Design Group (MP) is an award-winning architecture, engineering and surveying firm based in Biloxi, Mississippi. MP delivers multidisciplinary design and consulting services to leading public and private sector organizations throughout the Southeast. The Company differentiates itself through an integrated approach that streamlines execution on complex projects with speed and accountability. MP maintains deep relationships across educational facilities, ports and maritime infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and government end-markets.

Adi Shankar

ADI SHANKAR

ANALYST

Prior to Mereo, Adi interned at Truist Financial Corporation on the Corporate Finance team, where he supported financial analysis, reporting, and accounting. He was also a member of Temple University’s student-managed investment fund, the Owl Fund, where he conducted fundamental equity research and managed a portion of the University’s endowment. Adi grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated cum laude from Temple University in 2026 with a BA in Finance.

Phil Cooke

PHIL COOKE

VICE PRESIDENT

Prior to Mereo, Phil completed his MBA in Finance and Management at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors and was recognized on the Director’s List. Previously, Phil worked at Binnacle Capital Services, a family office, and served as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Elsevier and Director of Corporate Affairs of RELX Group, Elsevier’s parent company. Phil grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with a BA in Philosophy. He interned with Mereo during the summer of 2023.

SCOTTIE MILLER

ASSOCIATE

Prior to Mereo, Scottie was an Investment Banking Analyst in the Global Healthcare Group at Jefferies, where he executed on various mergers and acquisitions and capital raising initiatives. Notably, his deal experience includes the sale of Dental Care Alliance, a leading multi-specialty dental support organization, to Mubadala Investment Company.
Scottie graduated summa cum laude from Bucknell University with his BS in Accounting and Finance.

JOHN MATTHEWS

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

John worked most recently at Hamilton Lane as a Direct Investment Analyst, evaluating equity and credit co-investment opportunities. John previously interned for Susquehanna Private Capital and LMZ Partners. John received his BBA from Temple University.

ADAM BOWIE

PRINCIPAL

Prior to Mereo, Adam worked for L2 Capital Partners executing control investments across a variety of industries in the lower middle-market and supporting portfolio companies on high-impact strategic initiatives. Previously, Adam was an investment banker covering diversified industrial companies in Citigoup’s Global Industrials Group. Before transitioning to a career in finance, Adam served as a Ground Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. Adam earned his MBA in finance and management from NYU Stern and his BBA from Temple University.

GIORGIO BOERO

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Giorgio most recently served as CFO of Silver Star Opportunity Partners and as a consultant for Financial Advisers Partnership. Previously, he worked at Silvermine Capital Management as the firm’s CFO. Prior to Silvermine, Giorgio was the CFO of TCW Advisors, Inc. Private Equity Fund, specializing in Latin American middle-market companies. Giorgio received his Master’s in Professional Accountancy from the University of Buenos Aires.
John O'Hare

JOHN O'HARE

CO-FOUNDER, PARTNER

Prior to Mereo, John was a senior professional at Tortola Advisors, where he provided operational turnaround services to middle-market companies. Previously, John was Co-Portfolio Manager at Saybrook Corporate Opportunity Funds. While at Saybrook, he served on the boards of directors of six portfolio companies. John received his BA from the University of Illinois and his MBA from Vanderbilt University.

RICH KURTH

CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

Rich most recently served as Co-Head of the Man Group’s Leveraged Credit strategy. Rich previously sold Silvermine Capital Management, a credit hedge fund he co-founded, to the Man Group. Prior to founding Silvermine, Rich was founding member, portfolio manager, and head trader of TCW’s Senior Loan and Bank Debt Group. Rich received his BS in Business Administration from The Citidel, The Military College of South Carolina.

LEO HELMERS

CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

Leo is the founder of three investment strategies: Susquehanna Private Capital, a middle-market buyout fund; LMZ Partners, a family office focused on lower middle-market control buyouts; and Carlyle Mezzanine Partners, the mezzanine funds of The Carlyle Group. Previously, he worked at Crescent Capital, the Mezzanine investment platform of TCW. Leo has recently served on the boards of several portfolio companies, including McNally Ind., SPC Dermatology, Sunrise Transportation, LeverPoint Management and Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Also, Leo was recruited to chair the board of Plews, Inc. in a successful turnaround.