Brynwood Partners has closed its eighth fund, called Brynwood Partners VIII L.P., with $649 million of committed capital. Brynwood is “actively pursuing new platform investments” for the fund, according to the firm. Fund VII is the largest fund raised in the firm’s 34-year history, according to Brynwood CEO Hendrik Hartong III. The fund was raised over two months, and will execute the firm’s existing investment strategy. Brynwood is currently evaluating add-on acquisition opportunities for its three portfolio companies acquired from the firm’s preceding $420 million fund, Brynwood Partners VII L.P., in addition to seeking new platform investments for Fund VIII. Founded in 1984, Brynwood is a middle-market private equity firm with more than $1.1 billion in assets under management. The Greenwich, Connecticut-based firm makes control investments in lower middle-market companies and brands within the consumer sector. Locke Lord LLP acted as legal counsel on the fundraise of the firm's eighth fund. Brynwood has been rather active across the middle market. Brynwood has previously invested in Harvest Hill Beverage Company, Cold Spring Brewing Co., Balance Bar Co., Joseph’s Gourmet Pasta Co., Sunny Delight Beverage Co., and Sun Country Foods Inc. The firm also sold off a group of personal care products to the Village Co. in 2015 through portfolio company High Ridge Brands Co., later selling off the entire company to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice for $415 million. 
