Check out MiBiz article here | Crain’s Detroit article here
SOUTHFIELD, MI, MARCH 6, 2023 – Cascade Partners has acquired BlueWater Partners – a Grand Rapids, MI-based investment banking and restructuring/performance improvement firm with over a 22-year history of success in West Michigan. This partnership brings together two dynamic client-focused firms.
“Over its history, Cascade Partners has established a reputation for integrity, value creation and relentless focus on results among its client partners, attorneys, wealth managers, and others throughout the Grand Rapids community. The addition of BlueWater Partners cements Cascade Partners’ strategy to be an established presence in Grand Rapids, West Michigan, and Indiana. By combining the incredible talent and history of success of BlueWater Partners with the broader reach and resources of Cascade Partners, we are excited about the opportunity to accelerate our capacity to deliver creative, value-driven solutions to client partners throughout West Michigan,” says Ron Reed, CEO and Managing Director at Cascade Partners.
“BlueWater Partners has a reputation for providing senior-level advice to industrial, manufacturing, distribution, and service companies throughout the Midwest. Combined with Cascade Partners, we will be able to bring this expertise to a broader range of companies,” says Matthew Miller, Managing Director at BlueWater Partners. “More importantly, our mutual deep experience as entrepreneurs, board members and leaders help us gain a 360-degree view of every engagement. And we realize transactions impact our clients’ communities, employees, families, wealth, and personal lives. That’s why we’re committed to creating long-term value for businesses that include transformative solutions for people.”
The newly combined organization will operate under the Cascade Partners name and maintain offices in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Cleveland. Cascade Partners’ current Grand Rapids location will move to BlueWater Partners’ existing office in the McKay Tower.
CASCADE PARTNERS is an investment banking, and private investment firm serving entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors active in the middle market by providing buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory services, outsourced corporate development, restructuring, and capital raising services. With a focus on healthcare, manufacturing, tech-enabled business services, infrastructure, retail/e-commerce, and agriculture/floriculture, the Cascade Partners team utilizes their deep experience as operating executives, investors, board members, and transaction advisors to gain a holistic understanding of all aspects of their client’s business and industry. This 360º approach allows Cascade Partners to anticipate the needs of both sides of a transaction and aggressively advocate for their clients. www.cascade-partners.com
BLUEWATER PARTNERS is a middle market investment banking and restructuring firm. As strategic advisors to business owners and management, BlueWater Partners works with companies to create, manage, and realize business value, frequently before or through a sale or acquisition. BlueWater Partners’ services include advice on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, capital sourcing, performance improvement, restructuring and turnaround. www.bluewaterpartners.com