Meritas Equity Partners is a private equity independent sponsor focused on finding interesting alternative investment opportunities to create long-term value through impactful strategic partnership to achieve targeted goals.

Meritas derives its name from Merit and Caritas, representing its dedication to excellence and to creating meaningful change in the communities it invests in.

Meritas donates 5% of annual income to charitable causes in the region.

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MEET OUR TEAM

Shawn Pearce

Shawn is a Partner with more than 15 years of experience in finance and markets, building and operating businesses, and consulting. Before Meritas, Shawn spent 12 years working at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York City and Santiago, Chile. His most recent role was at BofA's Fixed Income, Currencies, and Credit Emerging Markets (FICC EM) business. As Global COO, Shawn played a key role in strategy, technology development, expanding global market access, and interacting with global regulators.

Prior to his time at Bank of America, Shawn's role as Senior Consultant at KPMG focused on strategy and risk management consulting in the energy industry, including stints in Houston, San Francisco, and New Delhi, India. He started his career as a junior interest rate derivatives trader at AIG Trading Company in London, England. Shawn and his wife also own a vineyard in Argentina and produce wines under the Familia Vicente Pearce label.

Shawn is a strong believer in educational opportunities for the underprivileged, is a consistent supporter of the cause in Western New York, and sits on the board of the BISON Children's Scholarship Fund. Shawn received a Masters from Columbia University in International Economic Policy and Latin American Studies. He holds a B.S. in Business and Minor in Economics from Wake Forest University, and a certification in Winemaking from the University of California at Davis.

SPENCER FARRELL

Spencer is an accomplished executive experienced in operating multiple successful high-growth companies playing a key role in operations, strategy, and business development.

Prior to his career in private equity, Spencer served as Chief Revenue Officer for a fast-growing software start-up, where he was responsible for the company's revenue generation, business strategy, and go-to-market approach. During his time as CRO, Spencer helped grow the company's customer base and market share to create a globally recognized service provider.

Additionally, Spencer is an active investor and supporter in early-stage start-ups, as well as multiple real estate projects throughout the Western New York region. He is a passionate advocate for education and economic equality, serving on multiple boards, and currently serves as the President of the Canisius High School Board of Governors. He holds a B.S. in Finance and an MBA from Niagara University.

OUR LATEST DEALS

January 29, 2024Meritas Equity Partners Secures Financing for The Lawrence, Initiating Development of New Buffalo Housing ComplexIn Partnership with Symphony Property Management, Meritas Announces Construction of a 132-unit Apartment Complex Across from the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus

BUFFALO, NEW YORK– Meritas Equity Partners, in partnership with Symphony Property Management, is proud to announce the successful closure of a $39 million financing deal for The Lawrence, a modern 4-story, 132-unit apartment complex located directly across from the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus on Michigan Avenue. This new development is perfectly positioned to cater to the increasing demand for housing in Buffalo's bustling medical corridor.Shawn Pearce and Spencer Farrell, partners at Meritas, highlighted, “The closing of The Lawrence deal is a significant milestone in our journey to provide high-quality housing in strategic locations. Our investment in this project underscores our commitment to our community’s economic development, particularly here in Buffalo's thriving medical hub.”The Lawrence project will undergo a two-year construction period, with the design and engineering completed by LaBella Associates, with BRD Construction serving as general contractor. The project plans for 25 furnished extended-stay client units alongside a core of 107 traditional high-end rentals."We are excited to announce our partnership with Meritas Equity Partners for The Lawrence," stated Tim Leboeuf Principal at Symphony Property Management. "This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the real estate landscape in Buffalo, a rapidly growing market. The Lawrence is more than just a development; it's a project focused on bringing new high quality residences to under-serviced areas of Buffalo.”Recently crowned as the “hottest real-estate market of 2024” by MarketWatch and Zillow, Buffalo, New York, is currently facing a surge in housing demand. This is due to its low vacancy rates and growing job opportunities. In response to these trends, The Lawrence is set to be a valuable new addition to the Buffalo community.About Meritas Equity Partners: Meritas Equity Partners is a private equity independent sponsor focused on finding interesting alternative investment opportunities to create long-term value through impactful strategic partnerships to achieve targeted goals. “Meritas” derives its name from Merit and Caritas representing its dedication to excellence and to creating meaningful change in the communities they invest in. Meritas donates 5% of annual income to charitable causes in the region.About Symphony Property Management: Symphony Property Management is a full-service real estate management and development company with luxury, market-rate rentals across Western New York and Pennsylvania.For more information about Meritas Equity Partners, please contact Spencer Farrell at sfarrell@meritasep.com.