Chicago, Illinois
Expert M&A advisory for middle-market business owners, maximizing value through strategic, confidential deal execution.
How we work
Investment Banking | Mergers & Acquisitions

Chicago, Illinois

Deal Capital provides specialized middle-market M&A advisory services to entrepreneurs, long-time business owners, and investors looking to sell all or part of their companies. With more than 25 years of proven success, the firm has completed transactions across a wide range of industries, including real estate, manufacturing, logistics, software, hardware, consulting, energy, eCommerce, and consumer goods. Headquartered in Chicago and focused on serving the greater Illinois region, Deal Capital offers deep industry knowledge and expert investment banking guidance throughout the full M&A value chain.

Understanding that selling a business is both a strategic and emotional decision, especially for those who have spent a lifetime building it, Deal Capital brings a personal and empathetic approach to every engagement. Many team members are former business owners themselves and are attuned to the complexities that arise during ownership transitions. The firm works closely with clients to prepare their businesses for sale, ensuring timing, market conditions, and positioning are optimized to help sellers “strike while the iron is hot” and achieve the highest possible return.

In sell-side transactions, Deal Capital taps into an extensive network of M&A firms, private equity groups, and investors to ensure broad exposure and confidentiality. For strategic buyers and private equity firms looking for portfolio add-ons, the firm provides targeted research, consulting, and outreach to potential acquisition targets. Their hands-on, process-driven approach ensures that every transaction is handled with precision and professionalism. Deal Capital’s unmatched ability to structure creative capital solutions and its commitment to client success make it a trusted partner for both business sellers and buyers.

Our M&A Process
Strategic Planning
Define the company’s long-term vision and determine how mergers or acquisitions align with overall business goals.This step sets the foundation for identifying the right type of transaction and desired outcomes.
Assess Financial Readiness
Evaluate current financial health, cash flow, and capital structure to determine the ability to support a deal. This may involve internal audits, valuation analysis, and preparing financial documentation for transparency.
Research Target Industry
Analyze market dynamics, competition, regulatory environment, and emerging trends within the target sector.This research helps to identify risks and growth opportunities that could impact the deal’s success.
Target List Building
Develop a focused list of high-potential acquisition targets or prospective buyers based on strategic fit.The list is often prioritized based on financial performance, market position, and synergy potential.
Target Outreach
Initiate confidential contact with selected targets to assess interest and explore potential deal scenarios.Initial communication is typically discreet and may involve intermediaries to protect confidentiality.
Engage Targets
Begin meaningful conversations to evaluate strategic alignment, cultural compatibility, and mutual goals.This stage helps determine whether to proceed to more formal negotiations.
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Draft a non-binding agreement that outlines the basic terms, structure, and timeline of the potential deal.The LOI signals serious interest and sets the stage for due diligence.
Due Diligence
Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the target's financials, operations, legal matters, and risks.This step is critical to validating deal assumptions and avoiding post-transaction surprises.
Closing
Execute final agreements, obtain necessary approvals, and complete the legal and financial components of the deal.This includes signing of contracts, transfer of funds, and formal deal announcements.
Target Integration
Align systems, processes, teams, and cultures to ensure smooth operational and strategic integration post-deal.Successful integration maximizes value creation and helps realize synergies from the transaction.
Results and impact
Increase in operational efficiency
75%
Streamlined processes and expert guidance boost your operational efficiency by 75%, ensuring smoother and faster workflows.
Cost savings achieved
$5M+
On average, clients experience significant operational savings within the first year of partnering with Foresight.
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Chicago Investment Bank

Business transitions are filled with many small, yet critical decisions that can significantly impact outcomes. At Deal Capital, we help clients navigate this complex process by aligning strategies that maximize long-term value. Whether dealing with financial, legal, tax, or operational challenges, our team provides hands-on support every step of the way.

Our goal goes beyond closing deals—we focus on helping clients extract maximum value. If you're selling, we help you optimize your business structure and tap into our network to secure the highest possible return. If you're buying, we guide you through the acquisition process to find the right opportunity and minimize liabilities.

With the backing of a broad, international network and deep local expertise in Chicago’s financial hub, Deal Capital offers the strategic edge needed for successful M&A transactions. Reach out to our Chicago team today for expert guidance tailored to your business goals.
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