Services  >  Investment Banking

Investment Banking Services That Deliver Exceptional Outcomes

CCA’s experienced Investment Banking team will guide you through the most important transaction your business may ever undertake.

What Our Clients Have to Say

“CCA has been a strategic partner for Century over the last 25 years. We have worked closely with Charlie and the CCA Corporate Advisory team to execute acquisitions in the Mid-Atlantic and grow shareholder value. Century is extremely pleased with the Investment Banking team at CCA and their contribution to the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership with Kleinfelder.”

Francis Smyth

Century President & CEO
“CCA’s guidance and support as we prepared for an acquisition by a leading public company was first-class, as Charlie Maskell and Tim Brasel shepherded us through every aspect of the transaction. Finding the perfect partner in Floor & Decor allows us to accelerate our growth plans into many untapped and highly fragmented markets across the United States, while maintaining our unique culture.”

Kevin Jablon

Spartan Surfaces Founder & CEO

*Note: These testimonials may not be representative of the experience of all other customers, and is no guarantee of future performance.

Investment Banking Highlights

150+ deals
since inception

$4Bn+

collective transaction value

20+ years

average tenure of staff

Why Middle Market Companies Choose CCA for Investment Banking

Whether you’re buying or selling a business, looking to recapitalize, or seeking new capital to fuel your growth, CCA understands the importance of this transaction in the life of your company. You need an investment banking expert you can trust wholeheartedly to guide you through a complex process and achieve a successful outcome.

Clients have trusted CCA as their investment banking advisor for 30+ years. When you choose CCA as your investment banker, your goals become our goals. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach to achieving the most successful transactions, both domestically and across borders—from preparing you to go to market, through the process of negotiating and closing a deal that produces the optimal results.

Sell-Side Representation

Whether you’re looking to exit your business through a sale, find a capital partner, merge with a strategic target, or are considering a management buy-out, CCA will take a holistic, customized approach designed to maximize shareholder value.

Buy-Side Representation

Companies that seek to grow through acquisition turn to CCA to identify the most relevant acquisition criteria, research and identify potential targets, and guide a successful negotiation and closing process.

Merger

If a potential merger is in your plans, CCA will leverage our extensive M&A experience to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the merging entities and help ensure a successful outcome.

Recapitalization

CCA will develop a capital structure for your business that maximizes returns and minimizes dilution—using capital sources like senior debt, subordinated debt, mezzanine debt, and preferred and common stock.

Growth Capital

When you need capital to grow your business, but you also want to minimize ownership dilution, the CCA investment banking experts will identify the best capital sources to consider.

Management Buy-Out

If you’re looking to sell your business to your management team, or they’re interested in acquiring your company, CCA will advise you on the right approach for the best outcome for all parties.

Our Approach to a Sale Engagement

When you’re ready to sell the business you’ve nurtured and grown, CCA’s bankers take a proven approach designed to drive the most competitive process, find the ideal partner, and culminate in the best outcome from a valuation and structure perspective.
Analyst Miles Gally talking to Senior Analyst Aidan Olmstead.
Analyst Miles Gally talking to Senior Analyst Aidan Olmstead.

Preparation

Preparing for Market
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your business, including the drivers of value
  • Develop positioning strategies for maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses
  • Identify best-fit buyers, including private equity and strategic acquirers
  • Develop compelling, thorough marketing materials

Outreach

Buyer Outreach, Interest, & Intent
  • Market your business effectively to best-fit buyers
  • Thoroughly screen all interested buyers, both private equity and strategic
  • Solicit Letters of Intent and create a competitive environment to drive maximum leverage

Diligence

Exclusive Buyer Diligence & Closing
  • Thoroughly analyze each buyer’s letter of intent, aiming to maximize your transaction value
  • Select the best-fit buyer to enter into exclusivity and proceed with due diligence
  • Efficiently and effectively manage the due diligence and documentation process
  • Complete and close a successful transaction

Representative Transactions for Investment Banking

Frequently Asked Questions

Business owners often seek clarity around timing, preparation, and what to expect in an M&A process. The information below reflects CCA’s experience advising lower middle market companies through these decisions.

What does Chesapeake Corporate Advisors do?
CCA is a boutique investment banking and corporate advisory firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), sell-side advisory, business valuations, and strategic financial consulting.

What size companies does CCA typically advise?
We primarily advise lower-middle market companies, often with annual revenues between $20 million and $200 million. Our team understands the distinct needs and opportunities that come with founder-led and privately held businesses. This focus allows us to provide tailored lower-middle-market investment banking advice that aligns with owner objectives.

What industries does CCA serve?
CCA works across a wide range of industries including business services, government contracting, engineering services, healthcare, and technology. Our team’s deep transaction experience allows us to tailor solutions to the unique dynamics of each industry. 

Where is CCA located?
CCA is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, and serves clients throughout the United States.

When is the right time to sell my business?
The best time to sell depends on your company’s performance, industry trends, and personal goals. CCA helps assess readiness and market timing to ensure you sell under the most favorable conditions.

How long does it take to sell a business?
A typical M&A process takes six to twelve months, depending on company readiness, market conditions, and buyer interest. CCA manages every phase efficiently to help clients achieve the best possible outcome.

What are the steps in selling a business with CCA as your advisor?
Selling a business typically involves valuation, preparation, marketing to qualified buyers, managing due diligence, negotiating terms, and closing the transaction. CCA guides owners through each stage to ensure a smooth and competitive process.

Do I need a valuation or exit plan before selling my business?
Yes. In addition to M&A advisory, CCA offers valuation, exit planning, and strategic readiness assessments to help business owners plan for future transactions and long-term growth.

How do you help business owners prepare for due diligence?
CCA helps clients organize financial records, review legal and operational details, and anticipate buyer questions. Our team works closely with management to streamline the process and minimize disruption to day-to-day operations.

Does CCA advise on recapitalizations or partial sales?
Yes. CCA regularly advises clients on recapitalizations, partial sales, and liquidity events that allow owners to take chips off the table while maintaining equity and control.

Who are the typical buyers CCA works with?
CCA maintains strong relationships with both strategic acquirers and private equity firms. We leverage these connections to identify the right fit and generate competitive interest for each transaction.

How does CCA ensure a competitive process with multiple buyers?
We design a targeted outreach strategy to qualified buyers, create professional marketing materials, and manage a structured bidding process that drives competition and maximizes valuation.

Can CCA help find a buyer that aligns with our culture and values?
Yes. Beyond price, we help clients evaluate cultural alignment, leadership continuity, and long-term vision to ensure the best overall fit for your company’s future.

Why should a founder-led business choose CCA over a larger investment bank?
CCA offers senior-level attention, deep middle-market expertise, and a highly personalized approach that larger firms often cannot match. Our team focuses on developing relationships with owners and strategically advising clients throughout a transaction to ensure an optimal outcome.

Will senior bankers be directly involved in my transaction?
Yes. At CCA, senior bankers lead every engagement, ensuring experienced guidance, active communication, and hands-on support throughout the process.

What should I consider when choosing an M&A advisor?
When selecting an advisor, consider experience in your industry, deal size, level of senior involvement, and cultural fit. CCA’s focus on mid-market companies ensures practical insights and tailored strategies.

How are investment banking advisory fees typically structured?
Investment banking fees are typically success-based and aligned with transaction outcomes. Fee structures can vary based on transaction size, complexity, and scope. CCA discusses engagement terms transparently at the outset of each relationship.

Does CCA work with family-owned businesses and first-time sellers?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience guiding family-owned and founder-led companies through their first sale, providing education, support, and clear communication every step of the way.

How is the current M&A market?
Market conditions can change quickly based on interest rates, capital availability, and buyer activity. CCA continuously monitors market trends to help clients make informed timing decisions.

Where can I learn about CCA’s recent transactions?

You can view a selection of our recent deals on our Recent Transactions page, highlighting successful outcomes across various industries.

Meet Our Team

Schedule a meeting with an advisor today.

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