Mark Cooper, Formerly of Wells Capital Management, Launches Pacific Ridge Capital Partners

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- President Mark Cooper, formerly of Wells Capital Management, Inc. and Benson Associates, LLC, announced the formation of Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC (http://www.PacRidgeCap.com), an investment management firm located in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

The firm reunites three investment industry veterans into an employee-owned boutique serving institutional and high net worth clients. Led by Mark Cooper, a senior portfolio manager with nearly two decades of small-cap value investment experience, the portfolio management team is rounded out by Dominic Marshall and Ryan Curdy. Their participation reconstitutes the investment trio that worked together at Wells Capital Management and Benson Associates. They are joined by Peter Trumbo, a finance and operations executive with progressive leadership across diverse industries, including investment banking.

"I am looking forward to managing the direction of this exciting company," said Cooper. "Our investment team's experience and accomplishments uniquely position us to serve our clientele with a focused, mission-driven perspective."

Cooper formed Pacific Ridge Capital Partners because of an opportunity he saw in the industry. Given current consolidation trends, clients recognize the value of a focused effort that small employee-owned boutiques can offer. By tapping two of his seasoned colleagues, Cooper was able to create a firm that is aligned with client goals and focused on providing excellent customer service.

"I am very excited to be working with Mark and Ryan again," commented Dominic Marshall, Senior Portfolio Manager. "Our investment philosophies and customer service styles align perfectly, and each partner is richly talented and experienced."

With more than 50 years of investment experience between the founders, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners is starting its tenure with a solid reputation. "Though the firm's name is new, our key personnel are well known in the industry," Cooper explained. "We are already a known entity to those whom we serve."

ABOUT PACIFIC RIDGE CAPITAL PARTNERS

In an industry where large investment firms sometimes present the "investment manager du jour," Pacific Ridge Capital Partners serves its clients with a disciplined and focused portfolio construction process. Led by Mark Cooper, the research team has over 50 years of investment industry experience. Pacific Ridge Capital Partners employs fundamental research, economic analysis and demographic trends to find good companies trading at inexpensive prices. Pacific Ridge Capital Partners is headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon and online at http://www.PacRidgeCap.com.

SOURCE Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC