The Sterling Group, a middle-market private equity firm announced the addition of Jim Apple as a senior vice president, Business Development. Apple has worked with Sterling closely for many years in his role in Sponsor Coverage at both Morgan Keegan and Raymond James.

In his new role at Sterling, Apple will lead the firm’s deal sourcing efforts with an immediate focus on family businesses and corporate carve-outs in the sectors of basic manufacturing, distribution and industrial service. Apple has more than 20 years of experience working with industrial businesses in North America.

“Jim’s depth of knowledge of industrial businesses in the middle market will be a great asset to Sterling,” said Greg Elliott, partner of Sterling. “Jim’s addition will help ensure that Sterling continues to identify and partner with exceptional management teams to grow industrial businesses.”

In addition to Apple’s efforts, Sterling’s investment professionals will continue to draw on their networks built over the 30 year life of the firm to seek out new partnership opportunities.

The Sterling Group is a private equity investment firm that targets controlling interests in basic manufacturing, distribution and industrial services companies.