$1.1 Billion Set New Record for C.I.A. Members

Concord, New Hampshire – Cornerstone International Alliance (C.I.A.) members completed 146 business transactions in 2021, setting a new record of more than $1.1 billion in value. The Alliance is comprised of 25 industry-leading M&A and investment banking firms in the U.S., and across the globe, focused exclusively on serving businesses in the lower middle market.

“This is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to our member’s expertise, the strength of the organization and the global network it creates,” said Nick Olsen, Managing Director of Cornerstone International Alliance. “The members’ combined experience, resources and collaborative efforts are generating a new level of value for their clients in the lower middle market, and we’re excited about what’s ahead in 2022.”

The Alliance members typically work with business owners whose companies have $500,000 to $10 million in EBITDA or $5 million to $150 million in revenue; the primary services provided include business sales, acquisitions, and valuations.

“We’re always striving to find ways to help one another through networking and the sharing of best practices, which is the goal of the organization,” explains John Howe, Director of Business Transition Strategies(BTS). “Ultimately, the members are firms with a track record of success, high integrity professionalism at all levels of the market and actively work to set a high standard for M&A excellence in the lower end of the mid-market. We work with owners who have built impressive businesses – ones big enough to need a strategic transfer process like the one we use. We have a passion for the lower mid-market and understand the tug of war emotions involved in reaching a time when selling is a reality. I was among the founding members of this alliance which has grown through adherence to strong core values. We look forward to meeting owners and their teams.”

Founded in 2018, C.I.A. members have completed over 3,600 business transactions.

What our clients are saying...

“Regarding our working relationship with Business Transition Strategies. After 32 years of continuous growth we hit 2009 & 2010 and like many companies we went flat and in 2010 had our first loss. At this point we knew we had to make changes if we where to succeed in this new economic environment. Business Transition Strategies (BTS), particularly John Howe and Ken Schaefer, were brought on as consultants. The BTS team came in, evaluated everything in a professional and thankfully non-threatening manner. They interacted with all employees and our professional partners. Once this was done they presented their findings to the executive group and gave very specific suggestions for improvements. This done and a plan in place, John & Ken continued to help us move forward and implement changes and make adjustments where needed. I am happy to say we are back to being a growing and profitable business and I believe BTS played a big part in making this happen. I would recommend to anyone that they include BTS as part of their business plans for the future.”

- Christina

Advisory Client