M&A Mid Market Awards

Mergers & Acquisitions Journal is now accepting nominations for its M&A Mid-Market Awards. After reviewing internal and external submissions, the editorial staff will make selections near the end of February. For the deal categories, we expect the winning transactions to show innovation, determination and the ability to execute despite challenges. There are no geographic parameters, but all nominated deals must have closed by Dec. 31, 2008. For the firm categories, many of which are new this year, we expect the winners to be able distinguish themselves through their abilities to adapt and succeed in the changing landscape.

There are quite a few new categories this year, so please take note. The changes reflect a desire on our part to move away from arbitrary industry categories. Instead, we have established a broader set of awards that are more inclusive, but at the same time, carry more weight for the winners.

Deal of the Year – Recognizing the best mid-market acquisition of 2008. This award is open to both private equity and strategic acquirers.

Sale of the Year – Recognizing the best mid-market sale. This award is also open to both private equity and strategic acquirers.

Private Equity Firm of the Year -- Recognizing the firm that best distinguished itself in 2008, either through acquisitions, exits or in other areas, such as fundraising.

Strategic Buyer of the Year – Recognizing the corporate acquirer that -- through M&A -- stood out in 2008.

Adviser of the Year -- Recognizing the investment bank that differentiated itself within the middle market through its ability to stay active and demonstrate creativity in getting deals to the finish line.

Lender of the Year – Recognizing the M&A lender who distinguished itself in 2008, through its ability to adapt to the changing landscape and stay active.

Law Firm of the Year -- Recognizing the law firm that stood out in 2008 through its work in the mid-market M&A realm.

Pro of the Year – Recognizing one deal professional, either on the buy side or the sell side, who emerged as a leader in the space and demonstrated an ability to stay ahead of the curve.

Ceremony

This year, we are eschewing the traditional ceremony for a panel at ACG InterGrowth, being held on May 12 at the Wynn in Las Vegas. Select winners will be taking part in the discussion, which will touch upon the issues facing M&A. It will give dealmakers a platform to showcase why they stood out and provide the audience with a chance to learn from the best.

How do I make submissions?

Please send a one-page (or less) description of the deal or firm you wish to nominate to Ken MacFadyen at ken.macfadyen@sourcemedia.com. The nomination should include the following information: deal value, name of target, description of target, name of acquirer(s), names of key participants (firms and people who can elaborate on the deal), date of close and three to five bullet points explaining why the deal should be considered. If we need additional information we will let you know.

For a firm, nominations should include the following: relevant deals the team worked on, key people in the team, and three to five bullet points explaining how the firm distinguished itself.

The more color the better. We’re looking for creativity and resourcefulness, so any anecdotes or examples will only help to differentiate a deal or firm from the pack.

All nominations must be received by February 20, 2009. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please let me know.

Thanks, Ken MacFadyen, Editor ken.macfadyen@sourcemedia.com