Our experience in the vibrant metro Chicago market is characterized by a focus on lower Middle Market transactions in the manufacturing, service, and construction trades industries. Calder’s Chicago-based team consists of experienced M&A advisors equipped with a diverse set of skills. This expertise is crucial in navigating complex transactions effectively.
Calder Capital's physical presence in Chicago was initially established by Shane Kissack in 2020. Brian Eick and Jake McDonald joined Shane in 2023, further strengthening our commitment to serving the area effectively. To date, we have celebrated 14 successful transactions in the Illinois market.
Meet our Chicago M&A experts:
Meet Shane Kissack
With over 25 years of diverse business experience, Shane began his career -managing operations for several private golf clubs in the Chicago area before venturing into entrepreneurship and the M&A sector. His journey includes founding, operating, and eventually selling two businesses, and investing in and advising a growing retail beverage operation while living in Varese, Italy. Returning to the U.S., he took on the role in economic development helping to nurture the growth of local businesses. Over the past 4 plus years Shane has brought dozens of buyers and sellers together for mutually successful transactions. Shane is passionate about traveling with his family, playing golf and following Series A soccer.
Meet Brian Eick
Brian brings over 35 years of experience in the Chicago market including structured finance, commercial lending, and executive management. His industry focus has been on media, communications, and e-commerce. Most recently, Brian held an executive management role with an online sporting goods retailer, responsible for overall management and completing three strategic acquisitions. Brian holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Brian’s spare time is typically spent traveling, golfing, and exploring unique dining experiences in the city and suburbs.
Meet Jake McDonald
Originally joining Calder Capital on our sell-side team, Jake has grown in his role from Analyst to Associate, and presently as an M&A Advisor serving the Chicago market. Jake's experience spans dozens of transactions and many sectors including manufacturing, construction, e-commerce, marketing, and packaging, many of which fall within the greater Chicagoland area. With a background in valuation and market preparation, Jake uses these tools to best prepare clients for the transaction process. A graduate of Grand Valley State University with degrees in Finance and Marketing, Jake thrives on the complexities of the industry and finding creative solutions to complex problems. Outside of work, Jake is an avid college sports fan, active golfer, and traveler.
Select M&A transactions in the Chicago market
Our transactions have catalyzed numerous success stories helping buyers acquire their ideal business and helping business owners navigate the complexities of selling their businesses across the Greater Chicago area. Here are a few highlights:
- CM Industries: Zenny Kukich, owner of CM Industries, successfully sold his high-performance welding products manufacturing business, founded in 2001, to Stacker Holdings, a private equity firm based in Chicago, IL. Zenny enlisted Calder Capital’s Sell-Side team to assist in the sale as he pursued retirement. Calder attracted 120 qualified buyers and secured 15 offers. The buyer’s patience and attentiveness to Zenny’s concerns resulted in a perfect match and successful outcome.
- Bear Stewart Corporation: Will Gano, a professional with extensive experience in the manufacturing sector, successfully acquired Bear Stewart Corporation, a longstanding manufacturer of bakery ingredients since 1899. Will enlisted Calder’s Buy-Side team on his mission to acquire a manufacturing business. Calder facilitated 21 introductions and 12 meetings, before Will executed a Letter of Intent with Bear Stewart. The Company appealed to Will due to its size, proximity, and his familiarity with the industry.
- Iverson & Co: Calder Capital successfully facilitated the acquisition of Iverson & Company, a prominent machine tool distribution and service business in Des Plaines, Illinois, by DeJuan Lever, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in supply chain management and sales. Founded in 1931, Iverson & Company is renowned for its expertise in servicing Hardinge machines. The third-generation owners, Terry and Kathy Iverson, decided to transition the business to focus on personal passions and family and engaged Calder Capital’s Sell-Side team. DeJuan plans to honor Iverson’s legacy by expanding into new markets and diversifying the company's offerings.
- G&C Glass: Trip Biesanz, leveraging over a decade of entrepreneurial and executive experience, acquired G & C Glass & Mirror of Lake Zurich, Illinois. G & C, established in 1986, is known for its custom glass and mirror solutions for residential and commercial clients. Trip engaged Calder’s Buy-Side team to lead the search and acquisition. With a commitment to community and business growth, he plans to preserve the company’s esteemed legacy while exploring new opportunities for expansion.
Q&A with our Chicago investment banking team:
Hannelore Jones, Calder’s Continuous Improvement Director, recently sat down with Advisors Jake, Shane, and Brian, to gain some insight on Calder’s efforts in the Chicago market.
Hannelore: "What differentiates Calder Capital in the Chicago market?"
Jake: "Calder's focus is showing our clients the market. We do this by broadly, yet confidentially, marketing opportunities to our 175,000+ contact internal database, as well as through M&A marketing sites and via researched and vetted buyer lists. Our process consistently yields multi-offer scenarios and allows our clients to choose the buyer who brings the best purchase price, terms, and fit for the continuity of the business. Couple this with our experience drawn from completing 240+ transactions in the last 10 years, and it is difficult to match the results we consistently provide our clients."
Hannelore: "What current trends in the Chicago market are most influencing Calder’s strategies?"
Brian: "M&A activity in Chicago aligns well with Calder’s expertise in light manufacturing, distribution, service, and construction businesses. On sell-side transactions, private equity remains active but strategic buyers and first-time entrepreneurs are also playing a role. We continue to work with a number of owner-operated and family-owned businesses in exploring and developing exit strategies."
Hannelore: "What specific expertise does Calder’s team bring to the table that is critical in the Chicago market?"
Shane: "Chicago is a competitive market. However, Calder Capital stands out due to our unique blend of local presence and comprehensive support. Unlike many small business brokerages or real estate agents who broker businesses on the side, we provide a dedicated, high-touch service for lower Middle Market businesses that is typically reserved only for $50M+ transactions. Our physical presence in Chicago gives us an edge over national firms that lack local expertise.
We offer a 'white glove' level of service, ensuring every transaction is handled with utmost professionalism and care. We have a fully integrated operation. This includes our on-the-ground Chicago team, along with robust analytical, administrative, and marketing support from our Grand Rapids, MI-based headquarters. This comprehensive infrastructure allows us to deliver a high level of service and consistent closing performance."
What buyers and sellers are sharing about their experience working with the Chicago team:
According to Calder Founder Max Friar, “Calder Capital has been rapidly expanding its team and capabilities in recent years, with a focus on serving middle-market businesses across the nation. The firm has deep expertise in a variety of industries including industrial, distribution, service, and construction. The Company’s experience working with middle market and lower middle market buyers and sellers touts strong growth and 140+ closed deals in the last 3 years. With the growth of the Chicago office, Calder Capital is poised to further expand its reach and impact in the Illinois market. The firm’s commitment to excellence and client-focused approach make it a valuable partner for businesses looking to navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions.”
About Calder Capital
Calder Capital, LLC is a lower middle market investment bank providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services to business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, and investors across the United States. Our dedicated team of professionals combines extensive industry experience, technological innovation, negotiation savvy, and key relationships to exhibit exceptional execution. Calder’s services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and business valuations.