Corporate Finance Associates

Investment bank in Columbus, OH (show on map)

Corporate Finance Associates (CFA) is a full-service financial advisory firm specializing in mergers & acquisitions, capital markets, exit planning, and ESOP transactions for middle-market businesses across various industries.

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About

Corporate Finance Associates (CFA) is a leading financial advisory firm dedicated to helping middle-market business owners achieve their strategic objectives through comprehensive M&A advisory, capital markets expertise, exit planning, market value assessments, and ESOP transactions. With deep industry experience across sectors including aerospace, defense, government, agriculture, and beyond, CFA provides tailored solutions to maximize client value.

Their global network of offices and specialized practice groups ensure clients receive unbiased, expert guidance throughout the transaction lifecycle, from initial planning to closing. CFA's commitment to independence from direct lending or investment capital affiliates underscores their focus on delivering the best possible outcomes for sellers, buyers, and capital providers alike.

Global network of offices and specialized practice groups

Independence from direct lending or investment capital affiliates

Over 65 years of experience in middle-market M&A advisory

Comprehensive suite of services including valuation, ESOP transactions, and exit planning

Services

Sell Side Advisory

Assists businesses in selling all or part of their company, including subsidiaries, divisions, assets, or product lines, with a focus on achieving the best possible results.

Strategic divestiture planning Marketability studies Coordination with professional teams (legal, tax, financial planning)

Buy Side Advisory

Guides businesses in acquiring other companies, including strategic and financial partnerships, with expertise in due diligence and negotiation.

Strategic acquisition planning Due diligence support Negotiation of purchase agreements

Capital Markets

Provides expertise in raising capital through various financial instruments and markets.

Debt and equity financing Hybrid financing structures Leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations

Exit Planning

Helps business owners develop comprehensive exit strategies to maximize value and achieve desired post-transaction lifestyles.

Business valuation and marketability studies Wealth management integration Lifestyle and retirement planning

Market Value Assessment

Provides accurate valuations of businesses using multiple approaches to support strategic decisions.

Income, market, and cost approaches Industry-specific expertise Third-party appraiser coordination

ESOP Transactions

Guides companies through the process of establishing, restructuring, or terminating Employee Stock Ownership Plans.

ESOP feasibility analysis Valuation and financial structuring Trustee and appraiser coordination

Credentials & Certifications

Member, American Society of Appraisers (ASA)

Since 2010

Member, Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA)

Since 2012

Member, National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA)

Since 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

What industries does CFA specialize in? +

CFA specializes in aerospace, defense, government, agriculture, animal health, business services, chemicals/plastics, commercial real estate, consumer retail, energy, engineering/construction, financial services, food/beverage, healthcare, industrials, metal fabrication, print/packaging, technology/media/telecom, transportation/logistics/supply chain, and wholesale distribution.

What are the three approaches to business valuation? +

The three approaches are the Income Approach, the Market Approach, and the Cost Approach, as recognized by leading valuation associations such as the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), the Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA), and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA).

How does CFA assist with ESOP transactions? +

CFA guides clients through ESOP feasibility analysis, valuation, financial structuring, trustee and appraiser coordination, and the full implementation process, including partial ESOPs, second-stage ESOPs, refinancing, and plan termination.

What is the NextStep program? +

The NextStep program provides systematic exit planning guidance for business owners, helping them monetize business wealth and execute optimal exit strategies through comprehensive valuation, marketability studies, and wealth management integration.