Search Fund  ·  Toronto, Ontario

Acquiring & operating a great Canadian business

Acernus Capital seeks to partner with business owners planning a succession or full sale — bringing operational expertise, data-driven leadership, and long-term commitment.

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Overview

About Acernus Capital

Acernus Capital seeks to acquire a manufacturing, distribution, or healthcare/trade/B2B services business based within 180km of the GTA region that requires enhanced commercial capability, digital transformation, and operational excellence. The target business is enduringly profitable, established, and growing steadily with a base of recurring, loyal customers.

Acernus Capital is not a private equity firm — it is a founder-operator model. Lanson will join the acquired business as an owner-operator, working alongside the existing team to preserve the company's culture and build on its success.

Integration

Lanson will join the business as its operator and partner with the existing management team, preserving culture while driving sustainable growth.

Aspiration

Acernus Capital aspires to build on the value that owners have created — ensuring customers continue to be served with excellence and employees are protected.

Personal Investment

Lanson has assembled a syndicate of investors and will make a meaningful personal financial commitment to fund the acquisition or succession plan.

Investment Criteria & Seller Attributes

What We Are Looking For

Businesses should satisfy a number of the following financial, business, and industry criteria:

Financial Criteria

  • Revenue$3M – $30M
  • Competitive advantagesProven & sustainable
  • CustomersRecurring & loyal

Business Criteria

  • LocationWithin 180km of GTA
  • SalesRecurring / repeat
  • Customer concentrationLow
  • CapExLow to moderate

Industry Criteria

  • Market growthModerate to high
  • CompetitionFragmented
  • CyclicalityLimited
  • Tech disruption riskLow

Seller Attributes

  • Owner seeks to divest 80%+ of the business
  • Owner seeks to sell a non-core division
  • Succession plan — gradual management transition
  • Owner may consider seller financing

Sample Industries

Speciality Niche Manufacturing Healthcare Services Waste Management Services Logistics & Distribution

If you are aware of an opportunity, please contact us. We would be delighted to connect with you.

Our Value to Business Owners

A Unique Opportunity for Sellers

Acernus Capital provides business owners with a distinctive partnership model, built on transparency, flexibility, and a genuine long-term commitment.

Flexible Transaction Structures

Acernus Capital will structure transactions to satisfy a business owner's financial objectives (e.g., enabling tax plans) and personal objectives (e.g., offering an ongoing advisory or operating role).

Customer & Employee Continuity

Acernus Capital will collaborate with business owners to ensure continuity for customers and employees throughout and following the transition.

Long-Term, Committed Partner

Acernus Capital is not a short-term turnaround fund — we are a committed partner with an indefinite, long-term plan to grow and operate the business.

Operational Expertise & Network

Lanson brings a proven track record in strategic finance, data infrastructure, and cross-functional leadership — backed by a network of investors and advisors.

Principal

Lanson Van Dyke

Lanson Van Dyke
University of Toronto Bell Canada TELUS Toastmasters

Lanson David Van Dyke

Principal, Acernus Capital  |  Toronto, Ontario

Senior Strategy Workforce Management Business Analyst Project Manager Field Operations Manager

Lanson's entrepreneurial drive was shaped by watching his father pursue business ownership, leaving a deep impression on what's possible when you commit fully to building something of your own. That same philosophy of deliberate discomfort has defined his path: moving to Beijing at 10, and becoming fluent in Mandarin, then convincing his parents at 15 to send him to Canada alone to pursue competitive swimming. The Olympic dream didn't materialize. When something matters, he shows up and pushes through.

He joined Bell Canada as a technician while working through a double major in Math and Economics at the University of Toronto. Rather than jumping around, he moved deliberately up through the ranks where he developed operational leadership, financial acumen in budgeting and business cases, analytical thinking, project discipline, and learned to communicate and influence at every level.

Lanson left his previous role at TELUS Health to go all in on his long-term goal: to own and operate a business. He's currently training for an Ironman this summer. Lanson is an active member of Toastmasters International, where he serves as Area Director. He lives in Toronto with his long-term partner, Erin.

Skills & Tools: Python · SQL · Tableau · GCP (BigQuery, Looker) · Salesforce · Financial Modelling · Strategic Finance · Mandarin Chinese

Contact

Get in Touch

If you are a business owner considering a sale or succession, or an intermediary representing such an opportunity, we would be pleased to speak with you. All conversations are strictly confidential.

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All enquiries are treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Principal
Lanson Van Dyke
Telephone
647.970.2886
Email
lanson@acernuscapital.com
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/lanson
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada