Two Rivers Associates (TRA) , the successor firm to Gateway Associates, is a private equity management firm based in St. Louis, Missouri. The principals of TRA, John S. McCarthy and Charles A. Dill, continue the tradition begun in 1984 to support management teams and finance companies in Mid America

TRA is a fundless sponser focusing upon lower middle markey transactions. The firm has access to significant equity and debt resources. The team prefers to work with strong management teams of (a) colsely held private companies seeking full or partial liquidity, or (b) orphaned divisions / subsidiaries of larger public companies.

Since 1984, Messrs, McCarthy and Dill have executed hundreds of transactions in industries ranging from industrial components, systems and automation to business services. In January 2008, TRA sponsered the management buyout of Potter Electric Signal Company, a centuty old manufacturing firm based in St. Louis with the leading market share in fire sprinkler control systems. Subsequently, in March 2008, Potter acquired Elmdene International Ltd., a UK manufacturer of fire and security detection products, as well as comprehensive line of dedicated power supplies. Together with Elmdene, Potter now has annualized revenues approaching $80 million.

TRA sourced and structured the acquisition financing for both transactions.