First Atlantic Capital, Ltd. today announced the final closing of its third private equity investment fund, Atlantic Equity Partners III, L.P., (“AEP III” or the “Fund”) with total committed capital of approximately $353 million. AEP III had a stated goal of $350 million and has attracted top U.S. institutional investors, including large corporate and public pension funds, fund of funds and financial institutions. The addition of AEP III brings the total funds currently under management by First Atlantic to approximately $490 million.

First Atlantic’s strategy for the Fund focuses on acquiring and growing leading middle market businesses with enterprise values between $75 and $300 million. While not limited to any specific industry focus, the Company has a strong record and continuing interest in industrial and consumer goods, packaging, food processing, and certain service businesses. AEP III has already invested $72 million in two portfolio companies, Allied Office Products, a leading provider of office products to small and mid-sized businesses, and Peek Ltd., a global provider of hardware, software and services for improving traffic and the traveler environment.

“We are looking forward to building on the success of our first two funds and continuing to provide our investors with excellent financial results,” said Roberto Buaron, Chairman of First Atlantic. “We take an active role in all of our investments, creating value through changes in business strategy, improvements in operating performance and add-on acquisitions. Our investments also benefit from our extensive network of limited partners, which helps us support our portfolio companies and, if needed, acquire larger businesses across a wide range of industries.”

Founded in 1989, First Atlantic’s major investments include Tru-Circle Corporation, a leading aerospace sheet metal and machined parts manufacturer; Otis Spunkmeyer, a leading producer of frozen cookie dough and muffins; Berry Plastics, one of the largest and fastest growing packaging companies in the U.S. and Country Pure Foods, a leading institutional and private label fruit beverage manufacturer. First Atlantic closed its first two funds, Atlantic Equity Partners, L.P. and Atlantic Equity Partners International II, L.P. in 1992 and 1996, respectively.