Summary
Calder Capital is pleased to announce that the firm has been named a finalist for Investment Banking Firm of the Year in the 25th Annual M&A Advisor Awards. The recognition follows a year of record transaction activity and continued investment in the people and processes that support Calder Capital’s growing lower middle-market client base.
The M&A Advisor’s annual awards recognize achievements across transactions, firms, and professionals. An independent panel of industry experts will further evaluate the finalists, with winners announced at the Awards Gala on November 17, 2026, in New York City.
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Recognition Details
While many lower middle-market investment banks complete only a handful of transactions annually, Calder has established itself as one of the most active M&A advisory firms in the United States. The firm closed 46 transactions in 2022, 48 in 2023, 46 in 2024, and a record-breaking 58 transactions in 2025.
Since its founding in 2013, Calder has repeatedly raised the bar for growth and performance. Revenue rose 79% from 2022 to 2023, and Calder achieved a 100% CAGR from 2020 to 2024 despite labor shortages, rising interest rates, inflation, and a slower global M&A market. In 2024 and 2025, Calder exceeded $15 million in annual revenue, with 2025’s 26% increase in deal volume driving a 15% revenue increase.
Overall, Calder Capital has closed over 380 deals. Simultaneously, Calder has grown to include over 50 professionals with offices across Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. Calder’s reach extends beyond these locations, with engagements throughout North America and having transacted with parties across North America to Asia and to the Mediterranean.
Calder differentiates itself through a combination of transaction volume, market reach, proprietary technology, and the ability to create competitive markets for every client.
“We have worked to give lower middle-market business owners broad access to buyers and a disciplined process for evaluating their options. On the Buy-Side, that same effort means proactively finding businesses that fit our clients’ goals. We pride ourselves in bringing the market to our clients; being named a finalist is meaningful because it recognizes that our team has been delivering our promise for our clients consistently,” stated Hannelore Jones, Calder Capital’s Director of Operations.
A unique attribute that further separates Calder from its peers is its dedicated Buy-Side Team and guaranteed-introduction model. Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to market, Calder proactively sources off-market acquisition targets through persistent, professional outreach. The firm conducts the research and follow-up required to uncover opportunities that would otherwise remain inaccessible to buyers.
On the Sell-Side, Calder has built infrastructure that few firms can match. While many advisors limit outreach and rely heavily on existing relationships, Calder leverages a proprietary CRM database of more than 400,000 qualified buyers and business owners. Combined with marketing automation, this allows each engagement to receive extensive market coverage, often reaching tens of thousands of targeted contacts, generating hundreds of qualified buyers, and a historic average of 15 serious offers. This process creates competitive tension, maximizes value, improves buyer fit, and significantly reduces transaction risk.
Additionally, each year, Calder completes hundreds of valuations, helping owners better understand value, timing, succession options, and exit readiness. This advisory work equips business owners with the information and confidence to make strategic decisions about their companies, employees, families, and legacies.
“Supporting more clients requires clear responsibilities, reliable information, and processes that help people work well together. Our advisors, analysts, business development professionals, and operations team all contribute to those items. This recognition is something the whole team can take pride in,” shared Max Friar, Founder and Managing Partner of Calder Capital.
Calder’s market leadership has been recognized by The M&A Advisor as a finalist for Investment Bank of the Year in 2025, as well.
“These exceptional individuals, firms, and transactions have truly distinguished themselves from an outstanding pool of candidates,” stated Roger Aguinaldo, Founder and CEO of The M&A Advisor. “In an ever-evolving and highly competitive M&A landscape, we are proud to recognize the dealmakers, firms, and professionals who demonstrate the highest standards of excellence and continue to shape the future of our industry.”
For a complete list of the award finalists from The M&A Advisor, please click here.
Calder’s History with The M&A Advisor’s Awards
Calder Capital has been recognized over the years by The M&A Advisor with as an award finalist and award winner, due to advisory excellence, resilience, innovation, and a client-first approach. To view all awards and recognitions received by Calder Capital, including past finalist placements by The M&A Advisor, please click here.
Calder Capital’s past awards from The M&A Advisor include:
| Year | Recognition | Subject |
| 2026 | International M&A Awards, Corporate/ Strategic Deal of the Year ($10MM-$25MM) | ADAC/ EBW Electronics |
| 2026 | Emerging Leader Award | Garrett Monroe |
| 2026 | Emerging Leader Award | Parker Schaap |
| 2026 | Emerging Leader Award | Jon Pastoor |
| 2026 | Emerging Leader Award | Jakob Simonds |
| 2025 | Cross-Border Deal of the Year (Under $100MM) | BCU Electric |
| 2025 | International M&A Awards, Industrials Deal of the Year ($10MM-$50MM) | BCU Electric |
| 2025 | Emerging Leader Award | Sam Scharich |
| 2025 | Emerging Leader Award | Matthew Baas |
| 2025 | Emerging Leader Award | Patrick Robey |
About The M&A Advisor
Now in its 28th year, The M&A Advisor was founded in 1998 to offer insights and intelligence on mergers and acquisitions, establishing the industry’s leading media outlet. Today, the firm is recognized as a premier leadership organization for mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, and corporate finance professionals, delivering a range of integrated services designed to accelerate the pace of dealmaking. To learn more, please visit www.MAAdvisor.com.
About Calder Capital
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a cross-industry mergers and acquisitions advisory firm with offices across the United States. Calder provides valuation, sell-side, and buy-side services. We are nationally recognized for excellence in advising $1-100M enterprise value transactions in manufacturing, construction, distribution, and business services. Calder serves business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, financial buyers, and investors. Learn more at www.CalderGR.com.
Notice: Calder Capital, LLC is not affiliated with any similarly named organizations or entities. To verify communications from our firm, visit our website or contact [email protected].