Overview
The DAK Group, a renowned boutique investment banking firm operating since 1984, is headquartered in Rochelle Park, New Jersey. The firm specializes in middle-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A), providing comprehensive advisory services to business owners and entrepreneurs in sectors such as business services, consumer, healthcare, industrials, manufacturing & distribution, technology, media & telecom, and workplace technology.
Leadership and Team
- Alan Scharfstein is the Founder and CEO of The DAK Group. With over four decades in the industry, Scharfstein leads the firm with a strategic vision, fostering client relationships and facilitating complex transactions.
- Ari Fuchs serves as a Managing Director, driving transactional planning and execution. His strategic role is integral to the firm's management committee.
- The leadership team includes Jason Bernstein, Michael Richmond, Milton Kahn, and Stephen Raymond, among others. These Managing Directors bring a wealth of expertise across various industry sectors, elevating the firm as one of the top strategic advisories.
Services and Offerings
The DAK Group offers an array of tailored services designed to maximize client value:
- Selling a Business: Expertise in navigating the sales process to secure optimal outcomes for business owners.
- Buying a Business: Strategic guidance through acquisitions to enhance business portfolios.
- Strategic Leadership Advisory: Insightful leadership strategies that drive client growth and innovation.
- Valuations & Fairness Opinions: Credible business evaluation services essential for informed strategic decisions.
Recent Achievements
The DAK Group has been honored as the #1 Investment Bank in New Jersey for 2024 and 2025 by NJBIZ Reader Ranking. A testament to its client-centric approach and exceptional service delivery, the firm has expanded its workforce to meet the increasing demands within the M&A sector.
Office Locations
While The DAK Group's headquarters is in Rochelle Park, NJ, it operates a national presence with affiliate offices across Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and South Florida, enabling them to effectively serve clients across diverse regions.
Financials and Operations
The firm's financial framework supports an annual revenue of $15.6 million, staffed by 52 employees. The DAK Group emphasizes proactive engagement to forge long-lasting client relationships, aiming to spur growth and success through strategic partnerships.
Competitive Landscape
Primary Competitors
1. Mufson Howe Hunter & Co. LLC
- Founded: 2004
- Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA
- Employee Count: 11-50
- Focus: Mergers and acquisitions, private placements, debt and equity advisory.
- Distinguishing Element: Exclusive financial advisory roles in major middle-market transactions.
2. Evergreen Advisors
- Founded: 2001
- Headquarters: Columbia, Maryland
- Revenue: $8.2 million
- Employee Count: 61
- Specialty: Corporate advisory and valuation services with an emphasis on strategic tenacity and integrity.
3. Duff & Phelps
- Established: 1932
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL
- Specialization: Valuation and corporate finance focusing on governance and sustainable investment practices.
- Unique Value Proposition: Expertise in global listed infrastructure, real estate, and energy sectors tailored for institutional clients.
Other Competitors
- Canaccord Genuity: Notable for widespread operations in capital markets and wealth management across multiple continents.
- Baird: An established employee-owned financial services firm known for its personalized client services and longevity in the industry.
Strategic Insights and Opportunities
The DAK Group's stronghold in M&A advisory positions it to leverage existing market dynamics aimed at middle-market entities seeking specialized financial guidance. Opportunities exist to broaden service portfolios, reinforcing market leadership through strategic alliances under Alan Scharfstein’s esteemed aegis. Expansion into services such as valuation and private placement advisory enhances competitive positioning against diversified firms like Duff & Phelps and Evergreen Advisors. By capitalizing on its strategic strengths, The DAK Group can solidify its stature as a leading advisory in the middle-market sector.
