Michael Meekins Saskatchewan

Michael Meekins Saskatchewan is the co-founder, current President, and CEO of Westbridge Capital Ltd., a private equity firm established in 2007. The firm specializes in acquiring mature, operationally strong companies with effective leadership teams, providing investors with consistent monthly income through the Westbridge Capital Partners Income Trust. His experience and leadership have been central to the firm’s ongoing success and stability. With over three decades of experience, he has become a respected figure in the telecommunications and private equity industries. He is known for his strategic foresight, negotiation skills, and effective management.

Education

Michael’s educational journey began in his home province of Saskatchewan, where he attended Luther College in Regina. After completing his high school education, he furthered his studies by pursuing a commerce degree at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. During his time at Concordia, he was also a member of the national wrestling team, which enhanced his physical discipline and strengthened his leadership and teamwork abilities. These experiences helped shape his professional approach in the years to come, giving him a solid foundation for his future business career.

Professional Biodata

With over 30 years of experience in telecommunications and finance, Meekins has held numerous leadership roles in various companies. His expertise spans business management, executive leadership, strategic planning, and operations, making him a versatile professional capable of handling complex organizational challenges. He has consistently demonstrated a knack for navigating business environments and fostering growth in leading companies.

ACC TelEnterprises Ltd.

Michael’s professional career began in 1995 when he joined ACC TelEnterprises Ltd., a Canadian telecommunications company that offered long-distance voice, local services, paging, and other communication solutions. He entered the company as Director of Agent Development, where his responsibilities included creating a positive environment for the company’s agents and ensuring that they received the necessary support and feedback to perform at their best. He held this position until 1997, during which he played a crucial role in shaping the company’s culture and assisting in its operational success.

WorldxChange Corporation

After his tenure at ACC TelEnterprises, Meekins transitioned to WorldxChange Corporation, a multinational telecommunications company. As vice president, he oversaw various aspects of the company’s operations. His time at WorldxChange further honed his leadership and management skills, allowing him to influence key decisions that contributed to the company’s expansion and success. During his two-year stay, he oversaw the company's strategic direction, positioning it as a significant player in the telecommunications industry.

Modern Digital Communications Inc.

In 2000, Michael took on a more prominent leadership role as President and CEO of Modern Digital Communications Inc., a telecommunications company in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. For eight years, he led the company through various stages of growth, including overseeing operations, managing teams, and making key strategic decisions that positioned the company as a leading service provider in the region. His ability to drive business performance, manage complex projects, and adapt to changes in the telecommunications landscape was essential to the company’s long-term success.

Westbridge Capital Limited

In 2007, after more than a decade of successful leadership in the telecommunications sector, he transitioned into the private equity world by co-founding Westbridge Capital Ltd. Based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Westbridge is a private equity firm focused on acquiring financially stable, mature businesses with robust management teams. As President and CEO, he has directed the firm’s operations and growth strategies, ensuring it remains a key player in the private equity market.

Under Michael’s leadership, Westbridge Capital specializes in acquiring companies with a history of stable operations and strong leadership teams. The firm focuses on companies with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) ranging from $2 million to $20 million. The firm’s strategic approach allows it to identify companies with long-term potential and provide reliable returns for its investors.

Predictable Returns for Investors

A central aspect of Westbridge Capital’s investment strategy is its focus on delivering predictable returns to investors. Meekins strongly believes in the value of private equity as a more stable alternative to public equity markets. Because private equity investments are grounded in the fundamental financial performance of the companies they invest in, they are less subject to the whims of market trends and fluctuations.

The firm’s portfolio is diversified across various industries, which helps reduce the risk associated with any single investment. This diversification, combined with a focus on acquiring businesses with a strong track record of operational success, has consistently allowed Westbridge Capital to provide its investors with reliable returns. Over the past seven years, the firm has averaged an annual return of 10.58% (as of December 2023), a testament to its effective investment strategies.

Company’s Honors

Westbridge Capital’s consistent track record of delivering high returns has earned the firm several prestigious accolades. The firm has been recognized at the Canadian Hedge Fund Awards for its outstanding performance in private debt investments. In 2024, Westbridge secured second place for Best 5-Year Returns, further solidifying its reputation for financial excellence. Other notable awards include:

• 2020: Best 1-Year Return in Private Debt
• 2021: Best 3-Year Return in Private Debt
• 2022: Best 5-Year Return, Best 3-Year Return, and 3rd Place for Best 1-Year Return in Private Debt
• 2023: Best 5-Year Return, 3rd Place for Best 3-Year Return, and 2nd Place for Best 1-Year Return in Private Debt

These awards reflect the firm’s dedication to providing high-yield investment opportunities while focusing on long-term growth and stability.

Awards and Associations

In addition to his success at Westbridge Capital, Meekins has been recognized as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2003 and 2022. These nominations further highlight his achievements as a leader and entrepreneur. He has also served on the boards of several private companies across various industries, contributing his strategic insights and leadership expertise to help guide these companies toward continued growth and success.

Volunteering, Charity, and Donations

Beyond his professional endeavors, Meekins is also deeply involved in charitable activities. He is an active volunteer and board member for several private organizations, a treasury board crown corporation, and a government-owned entity offering goods and services to the public. Through these roles, he supports the continued success and sustainability of organizations serving the public interest.

Michael is also committed to philanthropy. One of his key charitable efforts has been sponsoring children’s education in Tanzania, where he has personally financed the education of several students. His philanthropic contributions reflect his belief in the power of education and his desire to positively impact the lives of others, both locally and internationally.

Meekins has demonstrated a unique blend of strategic insight, leadership, and dedication to his professional and philanthropic endeavors throughout his career. As President and CEO of Westbridge Capital Ltd., he has built a successful firm that continues to provide stable and predictable returns to its investors. His commitment to excellence in business and charitable work has earned him recognition as a respected private equity and telecommunications leader.

Michael’s career exemplifies how leadership, vision, and dedication can drive business success and positive change in the community. His journey is a testament to the impact that strategic thinking, hard work, and a genuine desire to give back can have on the business world and society. He continues to lead by example, guiding Westbridge Capital toward a future of sustainable growth and success.