Michael Meekins Saskatchewan is the visionary leader and President of Westbridge Capital Ltd., a private equity firm he co-founded in 2007. With decades of expertise in business management and private equity, he has guided the firm to success by strategically acquiring companies that align with Westbridge’s mission to generate consistent returns for investors. Michael's leadership has shaped the company's growth and solidified its position as an influential player in the private equity sector. His keen focus on operational excellence, risk management, and financial stability has been the cornerstone of his professional achievements.

Early Education and Academic Background

Michael’s academic journey began in his home province of Saskatchewan, where he attended Luther College in Regina. There, he fostered a deep appreciation for both intellectual and extracurricular pursuits. He studied commerce at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, where he excelled in his academic work and embraced leadership roles in athletics. Active in sports, he was a part of the national wrestling team, which imparted valuable skills in perseverance, discipline, and collaboration—qualities that would later define his leadership style. His time in Montreal instilled in him the importance of balancing ambition with humility, which has remained integral to his approach to business and life.

Initial Career in Telecommunications

After graduating, Meekins’s professional career began taking shape in the telecommunications industry. His first significant role was at ACC TelEnterprises Ltd., where he joined in 1995. The company, known for providing long-distance services, local solutions, and paging, was a growing force in Canadian telecommunications. He entered as Director of Agent Development, where he played a vital role in developing and managing the company's agent network. His efforts in this capacity were instrumental in establishing a robust network and fostering a collaborative business environment.

By 1997, he had moved on to more significant responsibilities, taking on higher leadership roles in the telecommunications industry. This experience laid the groundwork for his subsequent telecommunications and private equity leadership roles. His ability to manage operations, build networks, and enhance customer relationships contributed significantly to the success of the companies he worked with.

Leadership at WorldxChange Corporation

After his time at ACC TelEnterprises, Michael transitioned to WorldxChange Corporation, a multinational telecommunications company that provides telecommunication services globally. As Vice President, he was responsible for managing various operational aspects of the company, from business development to strategic planning. His leadership and foresight were key in helping the company maintain its competitive edge and expand its global presence.

During his tenure at WorldxChange, Meekins demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate complex markets, negotiate high-level deals, and align the company’s operations with broader industry trends. His impact on the company’s strategic direction contributed to its continued growth and market expansion, setting the stage for his future ventures.

Building a Telecommunications Legacy at Modern Digital Communications

In 2000, Michael took on the role of President and CEO at Modern Digital Communications Inc., a leading telecommunications company based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. There, he spearheaded various initiatives to solidify the company’s market position. He led the company through multiple growth phases, tackling new challenges and maintaining operational efficiency.

Under Michael’s leadership, Modern Digital Communications saw a period of expansion and technological advancement, which included upgrading infrastructure and introducing new services. His comprehensive understanding of telecommunications allowed him to make decisions that ensured the company remained innovative and competitive. His time at Modern Digital Communications honed his leadership, strategic growth, and operational management skills—preparing him for his later ventures in private equity.

Founding Westbridge Capital

In 2007, after extensive success in the telecommunications industry, Meekins co-founded Westbridge Capital Ltd., a private equity firm headquartered in Saskatchewan. He wanted to leverage his management expertise to help other businesses thrive while providing stable returns to investors.

Westbridge Capital focuses on acquiring financially stable companies with strong management teams with a track record of operational success. As President and CEO, Michael has overseen the firm’s growth and strategic acquisitions, ensuring each business added to the portfolio has long-term growth potential and operational stability.

Westbridge Capital’s investment strategy targets companies with annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) in the range of $2 million to $20 million. The firm’s portfolio spans various industries, but its consistent philosophy remains the same: find businesses with the proper operational fundamentals and long-term viability.
Meekins’s leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping the firm’s success. He ensures that each investment is based on thorough research, strong operational fundamentals, and a clear growth path. The firm has successfully navigated market changes while consistently delivering high returns to investors.

A Commitment to Predictable Returns

At the heart of Westbridge Capital’s investment strategy is the firm’s focus on delivering predictable returns to investors. Michael firmly believes in the stability and reliability of private equity investments, especially compared to the often volatile public markets. He emphasizes that Westbridge’s success lies not in chasing short-term gains but in identifying businesses poised for sustainable growth over time.

The firm’s approach to diversification helps mitigate risk. By maintaining a balanced portfolio with investments across different sectors, Westbridge ensures that no single investment has an outsized impact on the fund's overall performance. This focus on balanced, long-term growth is one of the reasons that the firm has achieved consistent returns year after year.

Performance and Recognition

Westbridge Capital has been recognized for its impressive financial performance and the quality of its investments. The firm has received several industry accolades, including top Canadian Hedge Fund Awards rankings. These awards, which recognize excellence in private equity, testify to the firm’s commitment to delivering superior results to its investors.
Some of the accolades 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 honors reflect the firm’s sustained success and ability to deliver consistent, reliable results in a competitive investment environment.

Awards, Affiliations, and Community Involvement

Besides his professional accomplishments, Meekins has been recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit. He was a finalist for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2003 and 2022. These nominations highlighted his exceptional leadership in building a successful business and his role in shaping the private equity industry.

Michael is also dedicated to giving back to the community. He actively volunteers and has served on the boards of several private companies and organizations, lending his expertise to help guide their development and strategic direction. His commitment to public service is evident in his contributions to various charitable causes. Notably, he has sponsored children's education in Tanzania, providing the necessary funds to support their schooling and improve their prospects.

A Legacy of Leadership

Meekins has built a legacy of leadership, operational expertise, and strategic foresight throughout his distinguished career. His ability to develop and manage successful businesses, from telecommunications to private equity, is a testament to his commitment to excellence. As President and CEO of Westbridge Capital, he continues guiding the firm to new heights, ensuring it remains a leading force in the private equity industry.

His work ethic, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit have not only shaped his success but have also had a positive impact on the companies and people he has worked with. Michael’s approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that success is driven by a combination of strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and a commitment to delivering value to stakeholders.

Michael Meekins's career is defined by his relentless pursuit of excellence in business and community service. From his early days in telecommunications to his leadership at Westbridge Capital, he has repeatedly proven that thoughtful leadership, a clear strategic vision, and a focus on operational success are the keys to long-term growth. As he continues to lead Westbridge Capital, he remains a highly respected figure in the private equity world, known for his unwavering commitment to delivering predictable returns and maintaining a strong portfolio of companies.

This exemplifies what it means to be a visionary leader who balances business success with a deep commitment to making a difference in the community. His legacy of growth, leadership, and philanthropy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.