Who Owns ThriftBooks? | ChampSignal
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Who Owns ThriftBooks?

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Explore the ownership hierarchy of ThriftBooks. See parent companies, holding structures, and ultimate controllers.

Ownership Chain

Image associated with ThriftBooks

ThriftBooks

Best for consumers
Est. 2003   •  201-1k employees   •  Private

ThriftBooks is a privately held U.S.-based online retailer founded in 2003 that sells new and used books and other media at discounted prices through ThriftBooks.com and its mobile app.

Starts at $2.99 / book

Owned by

KCB Private Equity

Best for SMBs
Est. 1986   •  11-50 employees   •  Private

KCB Private Equity is a Pasadena-based private equity firm founded in 1986 that makes long-term, control investments in small to medium-sized businesses across sectors such as retail, consumer products, business services, technology, and healthcare.

Owned by
Image associated with KCB Management

KCB Management

Best for mid-market companies
Est. 1986   •  11-50 employees   •  Private

KCB Management is a Pasadena-based private investment family office, founded in 1986, that through its KCB Private Equity and KCB Real Estate platforms makes long-term control investments in lower-middle-market businesses and income-producing properties across North America.

Major Shareholders

ThriftBooks

Major Shareholders

NameTypeOwnershipAs of
KCB Management LLC Private equity sponsor (KCB Private Equity) that led the 2011 leveraged buyout of ThriftBooks and is broadly reported as the controlling owner of the company.
InstitutionalOct 2025
MMF Capital Management LLC Manager of Midwest Mezzanine Funds; provided subordinated debt and co-invest equity in support of KCB Management’s 2011 acquisition of ThriftBooks and is regarded as a significant minority equity owner.
InstitutionalOct 2025

KCB Private Equity

Major Shareholders

NameTypeOwnershipAs of
Harvey G. Knell Founder, President and member of KCB Management LLC (doing business as KCB Private Equity); identified in public filings and profiles as the key principal and owner, but specific ownership/voting percentages are not disclosed.
Individual

KCB Management

Major Shareholders

NameTypeOwnershipAs of
E-Help Enterprises Inc. According to KCB Management LLC’s latest Form ADV filed as an exempt reporting adviser, E-Help Enterprises Inc. is reported as the sole member–manager and direct owner with an interest coded as “75% or more” of KCB Management LLC (exact percentage not disclosed). California Secretary of State records likewise show E-Help Enterprises Inc. as the manager of KCB Management LLC at 117 E Colorado Blvd, Suite 400, Pasadena, CA. Corporate filings in California and Florida list Harvey G. Knell as the sole officer/director of E-Help Enterprises Inc., indicating he is the ultimate beneficial owner via this holding company, but he is not a direct owner of KCB Management LLC and is therefore not listed separately here.
CorporateJul 2024

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