Calder Capital Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2013, Calder Capital, LLC is a lower middle market investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory services. The firm focuses on representing sellers of manufacturing, distribution, construction, and business services companies with enterprise values ranging from $1 million to $100 million. Calder Capital's mission is to provide comprehensive, tech-driven, and marketing-intensive approaches to maximize outcomes for clients, ensuring competitive markets for business sales and optimal matches for business acquisitions.

Key Strategic Focus

Calder Capital's strategic focus encompasses:

Sell-Side Advisory: Representing business owners in the sale of their companies, employing extensive marketing and outreach to attract a broad pool of potential buyers.

Buy-Side Advisory: Assisting strategic buyers in identifying and acquiring suitable platform and bolt-on acquisitions within the industrial, distribution, and business services sectors.

Business Valuations: Providing accurate and comprehensive business valuations to inform decision-making processes for clients.

The firm leverages proprietary databases, automated communication systems, and a dedicated team of professionals to deliver exceptional execution in M&A transactions.

Financials and Funding

Calder Capital has demonstrated significant financial growth, as evidenced by its inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies:

2024: Ranked No. 1,409 with a three-year growth rate of 365%.

2023: Ranked No. 1,498.

2021: Ranked No. 2,896.

Additionally, the firm has been recognized in the Inc. 5000 Regionals Midwest list:

2024: Ranked No. 73 in the Midwest and No. 7 in Michigan.

2023: Ranked No. 80 in the Midwest and No. 4 in Michigan.

2022: Ranked No. 61 in the Midwest.

These accolades reflect Calder Capital's consistent revenue growth and its ability to thrive in the competitive M&A advisory landscape.

Pipeline Development

In 2023, Calder Capital closed a record 48 transactions, surpassing previous annual records. This achievement underscores the firm's capacity to manage a high volume of deals effectively.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Calder Capital differentiates itself through significant investments in technology and infrastructure:

Proprietary Buyer Database: A comprehensive database of over 200,000 potential buyers, enabling targeted outreach and efficient matching of buyers and sellers.

Automated Communication Systems: Utilization of automated communication and follow-up systems to ensure consistent engagement with potential buyers, minimizing the risk of missed opportunities.

Marketing Automation: Implementation of marketing and communication automation to create competitive markets for business sales, ensuring clients receive optimal offers.

These technological advancements contribute to Calder Capital's ability to deliver superior results for clients.

Leadership Team

Calder Capital's leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to the firm's growth and client success:

Max Friar, Founder and Managing Partner: Established Calder Capital in 2013, focusing on lower middle market M&A advisory services. Under his leadership, the firm has achieved significant growth and industry recognition.

Sam Scharich, Buy-Side Director: Oversees the firm's buy-side advisory services, contributing to the expansion into new markets and the development of strategic initiatives.

Garrett Monroe, Sell-Side Director: Leads the sell-side advisory team, focusing on representing business owners in the sale of their companies and ensuring successful transaction outcomes.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, Calder Capital expanded its leadership team by appointing Jakob Simonds to lead the firm's new office in Nashville, Tennessee. Simonds, a Grand Valley State University graduate, brings experience and a commitment to serving the Tennessee market.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The lower middle market M&A advisory sector is characterized by a diverse range of firms offering services to businesses with enterprise values between $1 million and $100 million. This segment is marked by:

Fragmentation: Numerous small to mid-sized advisory firms compete, each with varying degrees of specialization and market focus.

Growth Potential: Increasing numbers of business owners seeking exits and strategic buyers pursuing acquisitions contribute to a dynamic market environment.

Technological Integration: Firms investing in technology and data analytics gain competitive advantages in deal sourcing and execution.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the lower middle market M&A advisory space include:

IBG Business: A firm with approximately 40 employees and revenue of $20.6 million, offering M&A advisory services across various industries.

Charter Capital Partners: Employing 26 professionals with revenue of $5.6 million, specializing in investment banking and private equity services.