Know Your Options: Structuring the Right Sell-Side Transaction for Your Business
Presented By: MelCap Partners / Walter Haverfield
When it comes time to sell, one size does not fit all. This session explores the various types of sell-side transactions business owners should consider before going to market—from full sales and majority recapitalizations to ESOPs, minority investments, and strategic mergers. Learn how to assess which option best aligns with your goals, how different deal structures impact valuation and control, and what you need to prepare to make each path a viable one. Hear from advisors and experienced sellers who’ve navigated these choices and understand what works—and what to watch out for.
Moderator:
President
MelCap Partners, LLC
Al Melchiorre is President and founder of MelCap Partners, a middle market investment banking firm that he founded over 22 years ago, Over the past few years, MelCap has been recognized as boutique investment banking firm of the year multiple times by The M&A Advisor. MelCap's clients are predominately privately-held, family owned businesses going through a once in a life-time transaction.
Panelists:
Partner & Business Services Group Chair
Walter Haverfield
As partner and Chair of Walter Haverfield’s Business Services Group, Jake focuses his practice on representing public and private companies, entrepreneurs, private equity firms, and financial and institutional clients in a broad range of corporate and securities transactions. He has extensive experience with matters involving mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity issuances, corporate restructurings, venture capital and angel investing, strategic alliances, and corporate governance matters. Jake also counsels management, directors, and shareholders in connection with entity formation, contract negotiation, operational and employment issues, commercial leasing, financing, and exit strategies. He is knowledgeable on transactions involving healthcare, manufacturing, technology, aerospace, real estate, and service sectors.
Partner
Kirtland Capital Partners
Ralph Della Ratta has worked in the fields of commercial banking, investment banking and private equity with a career spanning over 45 years. He has recently served as the CEO and co-founder of the investment banking firm Western Reserve Partners LLC and Chairman of the M&A Group of Citizens Bank. Prior to those positions Ralph was Senior Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at McDonald & Co. He held the same positions when KeyCorp acquired McDonald & Co.
Private Investor & Board Advisor
Sanjay Singh is a seasoned C-suite executive with extensive leadership experience in public and private companies. Most recently, he led Mace Security International until its sales and has led other companies in various capacities by enhancing shareholder value and business growth. Singh's expertise spans strategic direction, financial leadership, and board advisory roles. He serves on the boards of MAGNET and The Nature Center of Shaker Lakes.