Category: News

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – June 17, 2026 – Northborne Partners announced that Ken Higgins, Andy Keller, Geoff Kuzio, Jerry Schill, Andy Sherman and Barbara Wilson have joined the firm as Senior Advisors.

The group brings decades of experience as operators, investors, founders and advisors across the Healthcare, Industrials & Infrastructure and Services sectors.

Eric Nicholson, Managing Director at Northborne, commented, “This is an exciting milestone for Northborne. Each of these individuals brings a distinct perspective shaped by decades of experience operating, investing and transacting in the industries we serve. These are leaders who have built companies, led through complexity, executed transactions and understand what’s at stake for business owners. That perspective matters.”

• Ken Higgins brings more than 30 years of M&A and advisory experience spanning investment banking, venture capital and transactional law, with deep expertise in location-based health services, medtech products and medical device contract manufacturing
• Andy Keller, PhD, is a clinical and community psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health policy, financing and clinical strategy and currently serves as President and CEO of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
• Geoff Kuzio brings leadership experience in student transportation and Fortune 500 consumer businesses, most recently serving as Owner and CEO of Universal Transportation Systems
• Jerry Schill is the Founder and CEO of Schill Grounds Management, one of North America’s leading commercial landscape and winter services platforms and now a portfolio company of TruArc Partners
• Andy Sherman brings more than 30 years of experience as an investment banker, private equity investor and operating executive, and currently serves as a strategic growth advisor and board member to leading private equity firms and their healthcare portfolio companies
• Barbara Wilson has more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the rail and transportation sectors, including CEO, CFO and board leadership roles across the industry

“Northborne was built to provide truly differentiated industry sector perspective and relationships to our clients,” added Paul Jevnick, Managing Director at Northborne. “These additions to our advisory board reflect our commitment to delivering on that promise, enhancing our ability to help clients win when the stakes are highest.”

About Northborne Partners

Northborne Partners is a leading middle market investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory for private business owners seeking successful outcomes at defining moments. Our firm was purpose-built to help founders, entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and private equity firms sell their companies. With deep industry expertise and relationships, Northborne Partners has built a track record of industry-defining transactions across the Industrials & Infrastructure, Services, Healthcare and Food & Consumer sectors. We bring sophistication to the middle market through senior-level attention and a customized approach proven to deliver premium outcomes for our clients when it matters most. Northborne Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN with an additional office in Atlanta, GA. For more information on our sell-side M&A advisory services and experience, visit northborne.com.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – September 30, 2025 – Northborne Partners, a preeminent middle market investment banking firm, is pleased to announce the addition of a new office in Atlanta, GA earlier this year.

This expansion marks the next milestone in Northborne’s continued growth. Since its founding in 2021, the firm has established itself as a trusted advisor in middle market M&A, having completed over 50 transactions with a combined deal value of more than $6 billion. These transactions have been across the U.S. and Canada, with companies headquartered in 23 different states and four provinces, respectively.

Ben Marks, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Northborne, commented “The addition of the Atlanta office is an exciting new chapter for the firm, and a strategic expansion as Northborne continues to grow its M&A advisory services to best serve privately-held and institutionally-owned companies. Northborne’s transaction experience spans the U.S. and Canada, and this office reinforces the firm’s national presence and reputation.”

The Atlanta office is led by Dan Davidson (Managing Director) and Brad Mostowy (Director), two highly experienced professionals specializing in healthcare M&A. The office will focus on providing expert advisory services across key healthcare sectors, including behavioral health and other critical healthcare verticals. With decades of combined experience, Dan and Brad bring deep expertise and proven leadership to Northborne’s middle market healthcare franchise, further strengthening the firm’s reputation as a trusted advisor in the healthcare space.

Dan Davidson shared his enthusiasm: “We are incredibly excited about the official launch of the Atlanta office and the promising future. Northborne’s exceptional reputation in the middle market is a testament to our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to building on that legacy through this strategic expansion.”

About Northborne Partners

Northborne Partners is a preeminent middle market investment banking firm focused on providing M&A advisory services to companies in the industrial, healthcare, services and food & consumer sectors, among others. It specializes in advising closely-held and private-equity-owned businesses on complex sell-side transactions. Northborne Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. For more information, please visit northborne.com.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – September 8, 2025 – Northborne Partners is pleased to announce that Robbie Kelley has joined as a Managing Director to lead and expand the firm’s services advisory practice.

Strategic Addition to Leadership Team

Robbie Kelley brings 15 years of services M&A experience to Northborne, where he will focus on commercial, facility, residential and other key services sectors. His addition broadens the firm’s industry expertise and bolsters Northborne’s commitment to providing leading M&A advisory services across its core sectors.

Professional Background

Robbie’s M&A experience includes senior roles at Solomon Partners and Piper Sandler, where he focused his time on services. Over this timeframe, he advised on more than 40 M&A transactions totaling $15+ billion of enterprise value. Robbie is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, and was a member of the men’s golf team.

Leadership Perspectives

Ben Marks, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Northborne, commented, “Robbie’s arrival at Northborne marks an exciting new chapter for the firm. His M&A experience is highly complementary to Northborne’s current areas of expertise, and provides the perfect addition as our firm continues to expand its M&A advisory services to best serve privately-held and institutionally-owned companies.”

Robbie Kelley Shares His Vision

“I am thrilled to be joining the Northborne team and to contribute to the firm’s continued growth in the middle market. Northborne has an exceptional reputation for high-quality M&A advisory services, and I am eager to leverage my expertise and track record to grow the firm’s services practice.”

About Northborne Partners

Northborne Partners is a preeminent middle market investment banking firm focused on providing M&A advisory services to companies in the industrial, healthcare and food & consumer sectors, among others. It specializes in advising closely-held and private-equity-owned businesses on complex sell-side transactions. Northborne Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. For more information, please visit northborne.com.

Premier Boutique Investment Bank Focused on Selling Privately Owned Businesses Continues to Expand

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – April 22, 2025 –

Northborne Partners, a leading independent middle-market M&A advisor, has announced that Jim D’Aquila and Bill Emory have joined the firm’s Advisory Board as Senior Advisors.

Mark Horvick commented, “As part of building the premier middle market investment bank in North America, we are building a powerhouse Advisory Board. Jim has an incredible track record over four decades of advising and investing in consumer branded businesses. Bill is an exceptional business leader with experience leading businesses for highly respected international companies and private equity groups.”

Jim D’Aquila is the Managing Member and Chief Investment Officer of Virentes Partners Group, a multifamily office which invests in private companies and alternative assets. Jim also serves as the CEO of Virentes Hospitality Group, a multi-brand, multiunit ownership and operating company. Jim has over 42 years of experience as an adviser and investor:

• Prior to Virentes, Jim was a Managing Director at Lazard Middle Market where he led the firm’s consumer and retail practice.
• Jim joined Lazard in January 2020 from Rendersi, a boutique, consumer industry focused financial advisory and investment firm that he co-founded in 2017 to serve founders, entrepreneurs, and sponsor-owned clients.
• In 2001, Jim founded and was CEO of The Mercanti Group, an advisory firm which was acquired by Imperial Capital in December 2009. During his time at Mercanti, Jim also was the Managing Partner of CoVestia Capital Partners, a private equity co-investment partnership.
• Prior to Mercanti, Jim worked as Head of the Consumer and Retail Group at Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette (DLJ); Head of Investment Banking at Dain Rauscher (RBC); and as a partner at Aurora Capital, a private equity firm formerly known as WSGP. Jim was also a group head at Drexel Burnham in the 1980s.
• Jim’s clients have included Gucci, Elizabeth Arden, Cabela’s, eyebobs, Under Canvas, Polaroid and Winnebago.
• Jim is a board member of several private companies, including Polaroid. Jim also serves as a Trustee of the International Center of Photography.

Jim is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He is a passionate dog owner and loves all things outdoors.

Bill Emory is an accomplished business leader and is currently the CEO of private equity-backed Ruff Roofers. Along with Ruff Roofers, Bill serves on the boards of three other PE sponsored companies. He has nearly four decades of diverse experience across several industries in the US and Europe:

• Prior to his current role, Bill was the CEO of Smart Care Equipment Solutions and led the business through two successful exits to private equity.
• Bill’s experience in B2B services started with Ecolab, where he had responsibility for high-growth service businesses while living in Minneapolis, London, and Paris.
• Bill started his career in marketing, running some of the most admired brands for large consumer products companies, including Kellogg’s, Pillsbury, and Heinz.

Bill has been married for 37 years, has three children, and splits his time between his homes in Sun Valley, Idaho and Mackinac Island, Michigan.

About Northborne Partners

Northborne Partners is a preeminent middle market investment banking firm focused on providing sell-side M&A advisory services to privately held companies in the food & consumer, healthcare, and industrials sectors, among others. Northborne Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN and provides M&A advisory services nationwide.

If you would like more information about Northborne Partners, please contact Mark Horvick at mhorvick@northborne.com.

Northborne Partners, a preeminent middle market investment banking firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Theisen as its first Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic promotion underlines Northborne’s commitment to operational excellence and is a significant milestone in the company’s growth.

Scott brings extensive experience in investment banking and operational leadership to the role. He has been a key member of the Northborne team since inception. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, implementing business strategies and driving organizational efficiency – all with a paramount focus on enhancing Northborne’s commitment to its clients.

Key Responsibilities of the COO:

• Collaborating with Northborne’s leadership group to drive organizational vision and strategy
• Overseeing key functions including marketing, finance, HR, administration and operational support
• Enhancing utilization and adoption of technology to drive cross-functional collaboration and operational effectiveness
• Supporting and analyzing key business decisions, including strategic hires and new office additions
• Focusing on maintaining and improving the Northborne client experience

“We are thrilled to have Scott join our leadership team,” said Ben Marks, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Northborne Partners. “As we continue to grow and serve our client base across verticals and across North America, Scott’s expertise will be invaluable in scaling our operations and maintaining our commitment to delivering exceptional M&A advisory services to privately-held and institutionally-owned companies.”

“I am excited to step into this new role at Northborne Partners,” said Scott Theisen. “Northborne has an extraordinary team and reputation in the middle market, and I look forward to supporting the firm in its continued growth and dedication to providing highly sophisticated M&A advisory services to clients.”

Scott’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Northborne Partners. Since its founding in 2021, the firm has established itself as a trusted advisor in middle market M&A, having completed 50 transactions with a combined deal value of more than $6 billion.

For more information about Northborne Partners and its services, please visit www.northborne.com.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 5, 2025 –

Northborne Partners is pleased to announce that Dan Davidson has joined as a Managing Director to expand Northborne’s healthcare advisory capabilities.

Strategic Addition to Leadership Team

Dan Davidson brings over 25 years of healthcare transaction experience to Northborne, where he will focus on behavioral health, physician services and other key healthcare sectors. His appointment strengthens the firm's commitment to providing elite M&A advisory services across its core sectors.

Professional Background

Mr. Davidson's distinguished career includes:

– Leadership role at Brentwood Capital Advisor

– Founder of Galen Mental Health (in partnership with Lindsay Goldberg)

– Co-founder of Coker Capital Securities, where he established a leading healthcare services advisory practice

– U.S. Marine Corps veteran with service in the Persian Gulf War

– Finance graduate from Clemson University (1995)

Leadership Perspectives

Mark Horvick, Managing Director and Founder at Northborne, commented on the appointment, "Dan's arrival at Northborne marks a thrilling new chapter. His deep healthcare investment banking acumen, paired with his visionary leadership in founding and growing companies, aligns seamlessly with Northborne's ethos of providing sell-side M&A advisory services with integrity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to client success."

Dan Davidson Shares His Vision

"I am invigorated by the opportunity to collaborate with Northborne's exceptional team, known for its uncompromising integrity and deep industry expertise. I am eager to drive forward our healthcare advisory practice, leveraging Northborne's reputation for excellence and dedication to privately held businesses."

About Northborne Partners

Northborne Partners is a preeminent middle market investment banking firm focused on providing M&A advisory services to companies in the industrial, healthcare and food & consumer sectors, among others. It specializes in advising private-equity-owned and closely-held businesses on complex sell-side transactions. Northborne Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. For more information, please visit northborne.com.

Minneapolis, MN – Northborne Partners (“Northborne”) was announced as a winner of The M&A Advisor’s Corporate/Strategic Deal of the Year for the 15^TH Annual International M&A Awards, which recognize leading cross-border transactions.

Northborne served as the exclusive financial advisor to New Richmond, Wisconsin-based Isometric Micro Molding (“Isometric”), which sold a majority stake to Nissha Medical Technologies (“Nisha”), a subsidiary of Kyoto, Japan-based Nissha Co., Ltd.

“Excellence in dealmaking is exemplified by exceptional industry players,” said Roger Aguinaldo, Founder & CEO, The M&A Advisor. “Northborne stands out as the esteemed recipient of the International Strategic Deal of the Year and is commended for steadfast dedication to excellence in the global M&A landscape. We proudly applaud Northborne for its outstanding advisory, surpassing its peers and establishing a new benchmark for success in this arena.”

Mike Hirschberg, who led the Isometric Micro Molding transaction for Northborne, commented, “We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition. Isometric was a transformational strategic transaction for Nisha that will positively impact patients by enhancing medical device capabilities and outcomes across continents.” He continued, “This award is a testament to our team’s precision manufacturing expertise and understanding of value drivers in medical markets. Additionally, Northborne’s mission to provide shareholders with options through competitive processes has been a key driver of our success. This accolade reinforces our commitment to delivering superior results for our clients and exploring international strategic opportunities.”

The winners of the 15^th Annual International M&A Awards will be honored and celebrated at a prestigious Awards Gala, a highlight of the 2024 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit, to be held September 23 & 24 in New York City. It features prominent deal makers, investors and advisors participating in exclusive ‘M&A Ideas’ interactive forums and fireside chats.

To view a comprehensive list of the winners of the 15th Annual International M&A Awards organized by category, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

About Northborne Partners

Northborne Partners is a preeminent middle market investment banking firm focused on providing M&A advisory services to companies in the food & consumer, healthcare and industrials sectors, among others. It specializes in advising private-equity-owned and closely-held businesses on complex sell-side transactions. Northborne Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. For more information, please visit northborne.com.

About The M&A Advisor

Now in its 26th year, The M&A Advisor was founded in 1998 to provide insights and intelligence on mergers and acquisitions, establishing itself as the industry’s leading media outlet. Today, the firm is recognized as the world’s premier leadership organization for mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, and corporate finance professionals. Visit www.maadvisor.com for more information.

For more information, contact:

Mike Hirschberg
mhirschberg@northborne.com
612-351-8706

Premier Boutique Investment Bank Focused on Selling Privately Owned Businesses Continues to Expand

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – May 10, 2022 – Northborne Partners, a leading independent middle-market M&A advisor, has announced that Joe Schwartz has joined the firm’s Advisory Board as a Senior Advisor. Joe has over three decades of experience in the industrial automation industry, including nearly 20 years at Honeywell and 10 years as CEO of BRAAS, a leading distributor of automation components and solutions, and President of Motion Industries Automation Solutions Group after its acquisition of BRAAS in 2016.

Eric Nicholson, Managing Director at Northborne, commented, “Joe brings a wealth of industry knowledge in industrial automation, as well as significant expertise as both a seller and buyer of companies involved in industrial manufacturing and distribution. He will also extend our expertise working with ESOPs, carve-outs of larger companies and private equity backed firms. His perspective will be incredibly valuable to our clients. Most importantly, he shares our core value of providing exceptional, independent advice to sellers of businesses in the middle market.”

Joe added, “I’m thrilled to join Northborne’s team and to continue to work with sellers of manufacturing and distribution businesses. Investments in industrial automation will be at the forefront of major growth in North American manufacturing, and buyers and sellers will both be poised to reap substantial benefits.”

Northborne Partners is a preeminent middle market investment banking firm focused on providing sell-side M&A advisory services to privately held companies in the food & consumer, healthcare, and industrials sectors, among others. Northborne Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN and provides M&A advisory services nationwide.

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If you would like more information about Northborne Partners, please contact Eric Nicholson at enicholson@northborne.com or Joe Schwartz at jschwartz@northborne.com or visit www.northborne.com.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (January 4, 2021) – Northborne Partners is excited to announce that it has been nominated for the Tenth Annual BOLD Awards, presented by the Minnesota Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth^® (ACG.) The BOLD Awards are designed to honor and recognize innovation, inspirational moves, bold visions and leaders that have made BOLD moves to positively grow, restructure or enhance their companies for the benefit of all stakeholders. The program celebrates the corporate leaders and teams that are behind successful mergers and acquisitions, financing and extraordinary strategies that led to sustainability, remarkable performance and/or accelerated growth January 2019 – December 2021.

Northborne Partners is a preeminent middle market investment banking firm focused on providing M&A advisory services to exceptional companies. Since launching in April 2021, Northborne Partners has advised clients on deals in excess of $1.0 billion in aggregate transaction value, and has become one of the fastest growing, most trusted M&A firms in the middle market. Northborne employs approximately 20 professionals in its offices in the North Loop in Minneapolis. Northborne is nominated as a BOLD Middle Market company.

Corporate leaders and teams representing the nominees from a group of over 100 stellar organizations will be attending the BOLD Awards on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, starting at 6:00 PM at The Fillmore Minneapolis to network and celebrate. This event is a vivid, high-energy BOLD celebration of the businesses that grow Minnesota!

The BOLD Awards will feature finalists in six categories; Not for Profit, Early Stage, 2020 Start Ups, Small & Growing, Middle Market and Large & Established. These finalists will be featured in a video vignette with interviews and testimonials showcasing their efforts and successes. The BOLD winners of each category will be announced during the program later in the evening with the BOLD-est of the BOLD winner being chosen via a real-time, live audience vote.

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About Northborne Partners

Northborne Partners is a preeminent middle market investment banking firm focused on providing M&A advisory services to companies in the food & consumer, healthcare and industrials sectors, among others. It focuses on advising private business owners in the sale of their companies and has decades of experience sitting across the table from the most seasoned strategic and private equity buyers in the world. Northborne Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. For more information, please visit www.northborne.com.

About ACG (Association for Corporate Growth)

Founded in 1954, ACG has 59 chapters across the globe and the network consists of over 90,000 professionals. ACG Minnesota’s chapter began in 1966 and has nearly 300 members active in Minnesota’s vibrant, business community. ACG Minnesota was 2015 Chapter of the Year with the Executive Director, Nicki Vincent earning the President’s Award that same year. ACG’s mission is to drive middle-market growth. www.acg.org/minnesota

Eric Nicholson Joins Northborne Partners

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, May 17, 2021 – Northborne Partners is pleased to announce that Eric Nicholson has joined Northborne as a Managing Director. Eric brings nearly three decades of M&A experience, a tremendous investment banking skill set and the highest integrity to Northborne. Prior to joining Northborne, Eric was a senior investment banker at Piper Jaffray and a partner at Greene Holcomb & Fisher, a national investment banking boutique with offices in Minneapolis, Seattle, Atlanta and Phoenix (“GHF”). After BMO acquired GHF, Eric became Head of BMO Middle Market M&A. Eric started his career as a corporate attorney at Dorsey & Whitney in Minneapolis. Eric received a JD from the University of Minnesota Law School and a BA from Carleton College. He has served on the adjunct faculty at the University of Minnesota Law School, the board of directors of the Wilder Foundation, and as a discussion leader for the Anderson Center for Management and Leadership Development.

Regarding Eric’s joining the firm, Paul Jevnick, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Northborne commented, “We’re delighted that Eric is joining our team. He brings a wealth of experience and a client-first approach that fits squarely with the Northborne culture. Plus, we all have years of experience working together with Eric, so it’s a perfect, natural fit.”

Eric added, “Northborne has quickly established itself as a ‘go-to’ investment bank for middle market business owners seeking an experienced, focused and sophisticated advisor in the sale of their businesses. I’m humbled by the opportunity to join the team.”

Northborne Partners is a preeminent middle market investment banking firm focused on providing sell-side M&A advisory services to privately held companies in the food & consumer, healthcare and industrials sectors, among others. Northborne Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN and provides M&A advisory services nationwide.

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If you would like more information about Northborne Partners, please contact Paul Jevnick at 612-850-5781 or pjevnick@northborne.com or visit www.northborne.com.