Atar Capital is proud to celebrate founder and managing partner Cyrus Nikou’s appearance on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s prestigious LA500 list for the third year.
LABJ celebrates the most influential leaders and impactful executives in the Los Angeles business community with its annual list, published June 2. The recognition reflects Nikou’s notable contributions within private equity and his commitment to driving meaningful progress through sustainable investments at Atar Capital.
“I’m deeply honored to be recognized by LA500 for my leadership, but even more for the meaningful progress that Atar Capital is spearheading in the communities it serves,” said Nikou. “This honor reflects the unwavering dedication of our team as we partner with mission-driven businesses to address significant sustainability challenges affecting our society and create lasting impact. I’m proud of what my team has accomplished and excited for what’s ahead.”
Under Nikou’s leadership, Atar Capital has demonstrated that lower-middle market investment firms can deliver strong returns while making the world better. He founded the firm in 2016, and works directly with leadership at Atar Capital’s affiliate companies to drive sustainable growth, efficiency, and innovation across industries.
Find the complete list of 2025’s LA500 at Los Angeles Business Journal here.
About Atar Capital
Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have collectively completed 90 private equity transactions across 18 countries worldwide.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its portfolio companies. The firm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit https://atarcapital.com/.
Atar Capital is proud to highlight the expansion of phade® paper cups, lids, and Flex straws in more than 4,500 Walmart stores across the US and online.
Developed by Atar Capital affiliate company WinCup, phade® products are made with a revolutionary marine biodegradable polymer that is home and industrially compostable. Now, millions of shoppers at America’s largest retailer can choose their drinkware with confidence, knowing it will fully break down in months, not decades.
“This partnership marks a transformational moment not just for Atar Capital, WinCup, and phade®, but for the entire sustainable packaging industry,” said Atar Capital founder Cyrus Nikou. “We’re excited for even more consumers to replace traditional plastics with innovative alternatives that protect our planet for future generations. This milestone validates our investment thesis that the future belongs to companies solving real-world problems with innovative solutions.”
Since acquiring WinCup in 2020, Atar Capital has provided operational guidance and strategic oversight to a team of world-class leaders. Together, Atar Capital and WinCup expanded the reach of WinCup’s revolutionary phade® technology. Since then, WinCup has achieved remarkable milestones, from winning the 2020 Innovation in Bioplastics Award to partnerships with major sports venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Yankee Stadium.
Read the full press release here. phade® products are available for purchase at Walmart.com here.
About Atar Capital
Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have collectively completed 90 private equity transactions across 18 countries worldwide.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its affiliated companies. The firm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit https://atarcapital.com/.
About WinCup, Inc.
WinCup, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a leading manufacturer of traditional and Eco-Friendly disposable cups, bowls, containers, lids, and straws. The company’s eight manufacturing locations across the U.S. are committed to high-quality products and superior customer service. To learn more, please visit www.wincup.com.
Atar Capital is pleased to highlight the recent feature of founder and managing partner Cyrus Nikou in the Los Angeles Business Journal. The interview by staff reporter Kennedy Zak highlights the principles with which Mr. Nikou founded Atar Capital, and his passion for and focus on impact investing and supporting sustainable companies.
The interview was published on May 12, 2025, and covers Atar Capital’s investment criteria, as well as Mr. Nikou’s belief that long-term sustainable growth and social good can co-exist through innovations that meet today’s customers where they’re at while staying mindful of the needs of the future generation.
“I am a firm believer that companies can innovate in a way that both benefits today’s consumers and builds a better world for future generations,” Mr. Nikou said. “At Atar Capital, we strive to be a source of positive energy. Our ESG (environmental, social and governance) investments are a way to both generate financial returns and do good for humanity. Whether we’re bridging the gap between traditional and electric vehicles, protecting infrastructure for current and future generations, or helping create eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products, we believe there’s sustainable work to be done in every industry.”
The feature was part of a special report highlighting Los Angeles-area investment firms that focus on impact investing.
Read the entire article at Los Angeles Business Journal.
About Atar Capital
Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have collectively completed 90 private equity transactions across 18 countries worldwide.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its affiliated companies. The firm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit https://atarcapital.com/.
Senior Vice President Ammar Misto shares insights on value creation in exclusive one-on-one session at industry-leading event
West Palm Beach, FL, March 25, 2025 – Atar Capital, a global private investment firm based in Los Angeles, California, accepted the Private Equity Firm of the Year award at The M&A Advisor’s 19th Annual Turnaround Awards Gala on March 25, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Ammar Misto, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development at Atar Capital, represented the firm at The M&A Advisor’s Distressed Investing Summit, held between March 24 and 25. Misto, who leads deal origination for the firm, joined industry leaders in discussions about current market dynamics and value-creation strategies in private equity.
“Being named Private Equity Firm of the Year is a testament to our team’s dedication and our distinctive approach to value creation,” said Cyrus Nikou, Founder and Managing Partner of Atar Capital. “Throughout 2024, we’ve demonstrated our ability to execute complex transactions and drive operational excellence across our affiliated companies. This recognition reinforces our commitment to identifying unique opportunities and implementing strategic initiatives that deliver sustainable growth and positive impact.”
This honor recognizes Atar Capital’s exceptional leadership and success in transforming corporate carve-outs and underperforming businesses within the lower middle market. The firm is also showcasing continued momentum in 2025, building on a proven track record of successful acquisitions, affiliate improvements, and value creation in complex turnaround situations.
“Atar Capital exemplifies the excellence and innovation that drives the turnaround and restructuring sectors forward,” said Roger Aguinaldo, Founder and CEO of The M&A Advisor. “Their strategic approach to complex transactions and consistent ability to create value in challenging situations sets them apart in the private equity landscape.”
Looking ahead, Atar Capital continues to focus on identifying opportunities for growth and value creation across its affiliated companies, with particular emphasis on sustainability initiatives and operational excellence. The acquisition of Kendrion’s automotive business by Atar Capital affiliate company Solero Technologies in 2024 and the successful exit of affiliate Microcel exemplifies how Atar Capital’s hands-on investment approach is driving innovation and positive impact in its affiliated companies while delivering strong performance. The firm maintains its commitment to transforming businesses that drive positive change across various sectors, from sustainability to mental health services.
Atar Capital’s presence at the Distressed Investing Summit and the 19th Turnaround Awards Gala highlights the firm’s role as a leader in the private equity community. By accepting the award in person, Atar Capital reaffirms its commitment to excellence in the sector and its dedication to sharing insights and best practices with fellow industry leaders.
The 2025 Distressed Investing Summit brought together more than 200 leading professionals in restructuring, investing, and corporate development. The two-day event serves as the premier gathering for industry leaders to exchange insights and explore emerging opportunities in distressed investing and corporate restructuring.
“The private equity landscape is evolving rapidly, and our focus remains on identifying opportunities where we can apply our operational expertise to create lasting value,” said Ammar Misto. “This recognition validates our approach to complex situations with potential for growth while maintaining our commitment to sustainable growth and best-in-class business practices.”
About Atar Capital
Atar Capital is a global private investment firm that acquires a wide range of lower middle market businesses exhibiting opportunities for growth, revitalization and significant value creation. Atar Capital’s principals have collectively completed 90 private equity transactions across 18 countries worldwide.
Atar Capital’s combination of operational expertise, industry knowledge and investment experience provide a unique edge in creating value and working as a true partner with its affiliated companies. The firm assists in activities ranging from growing the business to improving operations and financial performance, leveraging all available resources and talent within Atar’s leadership team, as well as its bench of seasoned senior advisors with deep sector and functional expertise. For more information, please visit https://atarcapital.com/.
About The M&A Advisor
Now in its 27th year, The M&A Advisor was founded to offer insights and intelligence on mergers and acquisitions, establishing the industry’s leading media outlet in 1998. Today, the firm is recognized as the world’s premier leadership organization for mergers & acquisition, restructuring and corporate finance professionals, delivering a range of integrated services, including the most active online community of M&A professionals called M&A Connects. www.maadvisor.com.