CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Capitala Group, a leading provider of capital to lower and traditional middle-market companies, today announced its recent hiring and promotion of investment professionals in its Charlotte-based headquarters. Capitala Group has added two analysts, three associates, and one vice president to support their continued growth.

Jack Vander Leeuw joins the Capitala investment team as Vice President. Previously, Mr. Vander Leeuw worked as a Principal on the corporate development team at Neustar, Inc. where he focused on executing mergers and acquisitions, debt financings, divestitures, equity investments, joint ventures and other partnership-related transactions, both domestically and globally, in the information technology industry. Prior to joining Neustar, Mr. Vander Leeuw was an Associate at Gladstone Investment Corporation. Mr. Vander Leeuw began his career as an investment banking analyst at BB&T Capital Markets. Mr. Vander Leeuw graduated from Georgetown University with a BS/BA in Business Management.

Peter McArthur joins the Capitala investment team as an Associate. Previously, Mr. McArthur was an Analyst in the Technology & Defense group at Regions Securities where he was engaged in cash flow based lending to corporate and sponsor-backed clients. Mr. McArthur graduated with a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Joe Gaskins joins the Capitala business development team as an Associate. Prior to joining Capitala, Mr. Gaskins worked at DHG Corporate Finance, 7 Mile Advisors, and Red Ventures. Mr. Gaskins graduated from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce, where he received a B.S. degree in Commerce with concentrations in Finance and Information Technology.

Kevin Roberts joins the Capitala investment team as an Associate. Previously, Mr. Roberts was an Assistant Vice President at WEDGE Capital Management, where he focused on equity trading and compliance. Prior to WEDGE, Mr. Roberts was an Audit Senior at Ernst & Young, primarily serving asset management clients. Mr. Roberts graduated magna cum laude from Boston College with a B.S. in Business Administration and concentrations in Finance and Accounting. Mr. Roberts is a Certified Public Accountant.

Jack Linker joins the Capitala investment team as an Analyst. Prior to joining Capitala, Mr. Linker was an Analyst at Tobin & Company Investment Banking Group where he worked on executing lower middle market mergers and acquisitions, private capital raises and valuation assignments. Mr. Linker graduated with a B.S.B.A. in Business Administration from High Point University.

Alex Pruitt joins the investment team as an Analyst. Mr. Pruitt graduated magna cum laude from Wofford College with a B.A. degree in both Accounting and Finance.

Kevin Koonts has been promoted to Vice President. Mr. Koonts joined Capitala Group in 2013 as the controller for Capitala Finance Corp. His primary responsibilities include financial controls and reporting. Prior to joining Capitala Finance in 2013, Mr. Koonts was an audit manager at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, primarily serving southeastern Financial Institutions. Mr. Koonts graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters in Accounting. Mr. Koonts is a Certified Public Accountant.

Capitala Group currently has invested $1.3 billion to date and has significant dry powder available. The firm is actively seeking new investment opportunities and the deal team can be reached at [email protected].

About Capitala Group

Capitala Group is a leading provider of capital to lower and traditional middle market companies, through its family of credit focused funds. Since 1998, Capitala Group's managed funds have participated in over 139 transactions, representing over $1.3 billion of investments in a variety of industries throughout North America. Capitala Group manages both public capital (Capitala Finance Corp.) (Nasdaq:CPTA) and private capital (Capitala Private Credit Fund V, L.P. and CapitalSouth SBIC Fund IV, L.P.) for institutional and individual investors, and seeks to partner with strong management teams to create value and serve as long term partners. For more information, please visit www.CapitalaGroup.com.

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