BDT & MSD Partners
BDT & MSD Partners is an American merchant bank co-headquartered in Chicago and New York City, specializing in strategic advisory and long-term investment solutions tailored to business owners, family offices, and institutional investors.[1]Formed on January 17, 2023, through the combination of BDT & Company—founded in 2009 by Byron Trott—and MSD Partners, also established in 2009 and originally backed by Michael Dell, the firm leverages decades of experience at the intersection of founders, families, and businesses.[2]
Led by Co-CEOs Byron Trott and Gregg Lemkau, with Michael Dell serving as Chairman of the Advisory Board (as of 2025), BDT & MSD Partners has deployed over $50 billion in capital since 2010 across its platforms.[2] [3] The firm's advisory services encompass mergers and acquisitions, ownership transitions, trust and estate planning, family office management, and philanthropy advisory, drawing on a global network spanning 12 offices including Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, San Francisco, London, and Frankfurt.[2]
Its investment platform focuses on direct investments in family- and founder-led businesses, private credit for recession-resilient companies, real estate in high-quality assets, and growth equity opportunities.[1]
BDT & MSD Partners emphasizes long-term partnerships and customized strategies to support client growth and legacy preservation, with a senior leadership team that includes multiple presidents and a chief operating officer.[2] [4]