Americas  Rising Dealmakers

“Distinction in Dealmaking”

WHAT, introduction: The inaugural A-list features highly accomplished, brilliant, and talented young dealmakers from the North American investor, legal and advisory transactional communities.

WHY, value: “Once in a life-time” recognition, validates the individual’s record and enthusiasm for executing value-creating deals. Likewise, these professionals will progressively take-on leadership role at their firms and industries for years to come.

WHO, criteria: Objectively selected based on the young professional’s deal execution track record, seven plus years of industry experience, and unique abilities – personifying the “Distinction in Dealmaking” qualities.

2018, The List: Features 50 professionals comprising of 18 dealmakers from the private and growth equity investor class, 12 from the financial advisory group, 20 lawyers, and a total of 7 young women executives.

The List: 2018

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Michael A. Lonergan
Profession: Growth and Private Equity Investor
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Education: Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

As a founder, Michael oversees performance of portfolio companies and identify investments. He was involved in investments in Sailfish and SouthWind Boats, as well as Farm Burger, serving humanely raised grass-fed beef and ingredients sourced from local farms.

Brian Martin
Profession: Private Equity Investor
Location: Los Angeles, California
Education: Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley

Brian is responsible for identifying, analyzing and executing buyout and add-on transactions. Deals involving Brian includes Sale of Adam Spence Vascular Technologies to Spectrum Plastics, and Acquisition of R.S.T. Instruments.

Jamie McKenzie Forsyth
Profession: Special Situation, Private Equity Investor
Location: New York, New York.
Education: University of Virginia

Jaime has been involved in numerous equity and debt related transactions at the special situation investor, Monomoy Capital. Jaime was involved in Monomoy's recent acquisition of Friedrich Air Conditioning from Corinthian Capital.

Antoine G. Amunfakh
Profession: Private Equity Investor
Location: Los Angeles, California
Education: Duke University

Antoine focuses on investments in the Business and Industrial sectors. Antoine was involved in purchase of Sun Country Airlines, and AmQuip Crane Rental purchase from Clearlake Capital and Maxim Crane Works purchase from Platinum Equity, to form Maxim Crane-AmQuip.

Bob Nye
Profession: Growth Equity Investor
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Education: Princeton University

Bob focuses on evaluating investment opportunities in the software and tech related industries. Recent transactions executed by Bob include investments in Raptor Technologies and Cosential, and Sale of EMS Software to Accruent.

Nehal Raj
Profession: Private Equity Investor
Location: San Francisco, California
Education: M.B.A., Harvard Business School; MS Eng., Stanford University

Nehal leads investments in the technology practice group globally including buyout, growth equity and impact investment related transactions. Deals led by Nehal includes acquisition of Wind River from Intel, growth investment in C3 IoT, and investment in EverFi.

David Shainberg
Profession: Special Situation, Private Equity Investor
Location: Los Angeles, California
Education: New York University

David is responsible for finding new investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, structuring as well as for debt financing. David led the investment in Texas-based MOOYAH Holdings, a network of franchised restaurants offering fresh burgers.

Alex Soltani
Profession: Growth and Private Equity Investor
Location: Los Angeles, California
Education: University of California, Los Angeles

As a founder, Alex is involved in all aspect of investment life-cycle – from acquisitions, management to exit in technology and telecom related industries. Notable transactions include purchase of SchoolKidz.com from Staples and Sale of Syncplicity to Paris-based, Axway.