Inside the Buyer’s Mind: How Strategic, Sponsor, and PE Acquirers Win Deals

Frank advises public and private companies in a broad range of transactional, corporate governance and securities matters. Over the course of his career, he has completed more than $25.0 billion worth of mergers and acquisitions for public and private companies across various industries including healthcare and manufacturing, among others.

Phil Gamble is a Partner at Lockeland Capital, a control buyout firm investing in well-established $1 – 8 million EBITDA manufacturers, distributors and services businesses. Lockeland targets companies with retiring owners and tenured internal successors that are ready to lead (or already leading). Phil held multiple operating and investing roles prior to cofounding Lockeland.

Rhett is an operating executive and investor with a uniquely integrated background across executive leadership, healthcare advisory and investing, and pharmacy services. Most recently, Mr. Hogan served as Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Infusion where he oversaw the Company’s successful exit to IVX Health. Prior to Heartland Infusion, Mr. Hogan held investment banking and investor roles with Houlihan Lokey and Courage Capital Management, respectively. He began his career as a cardiology and critical care pharmacist and pharmacy services manager, spending six years with HCA in Nashville, TN. Mr. Hogan received his Doctor of Pharmacy from Lipscomb University and his Masters in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University.

Patrick O’Brien serves as Chief Financial Officer of SRM Concrete, overseeing all aspects of the company’s financial operations, including Accounting, Financial Reporting, Treasury, FP&A, Tax, and Transactional Finance. His leadership ensures accuracy, transparency, and compliance across SRM’s financial activities while advancing the company’s finance capabilities through modernization, technology-driven processes, and a strong culture of professional growth within the accounting and finance teams.

In his role, Patrick plays a central part in SRM’s long-term growth and acquisition strategy, providing strategic financial insight and analysis that support the company’s continued expansion across the United States. He partners closely with SRM’s leadership team to align financial planning and capital structure with operational goals and future investments.

Patrick brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and public accounting. Prior to joining SRM, he was a partner at a national accounting firm, advising companies on financial reporting, audit, and acquisition strategy—building a strong foundation in evaluating business performance, managing risk, and guiding organizations through complex transactions.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting from Florida State University and his MBA from Florida Atlantic University. Patrick is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in Tennessee. His leadership and experience make him a vital member of SRM’s executive team as the company continues to expand its footprint.

Kevin Robb leads Partnership Development for Seven Hills Capital, where he focuses on theme development, origination, industry coverage, and value creation through M&A for Seven Hills Partner Companies.

Having spent almost a decade in healthcare services, his expertise spans M&A, strategic planning, due diligence, integration, and managed care functions for middle-market companies.

Prior to joining Seven Hills, Kevin was the Vice President of Business Development for PhyNet Dermatology, managing national acquisition efforts for the 100+ clinic, 300+ provider MSO. He started his career as a CPA with Capital One and has been healthcare focused ever since joining the Healthcare Transaction Advisory Team within Berkeley Research Group. Kevin is originally from Winchester, VA and holds a BBA and MS in accountancy from James Madison University. Outside of Seven Hills, Kevin enjoys chasing around his two young boys, reading, playing golf, and seeing live music.