We never take for granted our continued success at XLCS.

Once again, we celebrate an outstanding year. We thank God for the opportunity to serve our clients and for the many blessings bestowed upon all of us.

Two aspects of our work continue to bring us the greatest fulfillment.

First, we are honored to play a meaningful role in the history of the companies we represent. Our heart for founder-owned businesses stems from the experiences of the two generations within our own firm. We recognize the grit, sacrifice, and perseverance of each generation that has built something truly special. Walking alongside these leaders, celebrating their achievements, and forming lasting friendships is a privilege we do not take lightly.

Second, watching our advisors and support staff thrive both personally and professionally brings us tremendous pride. These are good, honest, intelligent, and conscientious people who understand the weight of the work entrusted to us. They embody the XLCS ethos in every way: “Investment Banking to the Highest Degree.”

As we look ahead, we pray abundant blessings for you in 2026 and remain grateful for the trust you place in us.

Bob Contaldo
Chairman & Managing Partner
XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle-market investment banking firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Reed McMahon to Vice President. This advancement reflects Reed’s exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding service to our clients.

Reed joined XLCS through the firm’s internship program in 2020 and began his full-time career as an Analyst in 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business. Over the past five years, he has demonstrated remarkable growth and leadership, earning promotions to Associate in 2023 and Senior Associate in 2024. His expertise spans various industries, including aerospace and defense, automotive and industrial equipment manufacturing, and fastener distribution, where he has played a pivotal role in numerous successful transactions.

“Everything in our firm begins with high integrity… every action by every person must be ‘To the Highest Degree,’” said Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner at XLCS Partners. “Reed demonstrates integrity day in and day out, transaction by transaction, which has led to his promotion. Serving our clients demands no less. Congratulations, Reed!”

In his new role, Reed will continue to lead deal execution and client advisory, contributing to furthering XLCS’s mission of providing “Investment Banking to the Highest Degree”.

XLCS is actively seeking experienced associate and VP-level investment banking professionals. Please visit XLCS Careers for more information.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle-market investment banking firm, is pleased to announce that Ford Heston has joined the firm as an Associate.

Ford graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He gained hands-on M&A advisory experience during an internship with XLCS in 2022. He returns to the firm after serving as an investment banking Analyst at William Blair, specializing in technology M&A transactions.

“Ford interned with us, giving both parties the opportunity to explore a potential career path, and we’re pleased to officially welcome him to the XLCS team,” said Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner at XLCS Partners. “He fits perfectly with our culture of high integrity and clear thinking—individuals who care deeply about the work they produce and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Ford will certainly contribute to fulfilling our service mission of providing ‘Investment Banking to the Highest Degree.’”

Ford will be instrumental in supporting M&A transactions, financial analysis, and strategic advisory services across various industries.

XLCS is actively seeking experienced associate and VP-level investment banking professionals. Please visit XLCS Careers for more information.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle-market investment banking firm, is excited to announce the promotion of three team members to Senior Associate and the addition of two new members to the firm.

Reed McMahon, Noah Shertzer, and David Silva have been promoted to the role of Senior Associate in recognition of their exceptional contributions and dedication to XLCS and its clients.

Additionally, XLCS is proud to welcome John Picard and Kevin Naim to the team.

John Picard has joined the firm as an Analyst. He graduated magna cum laude from Wofford College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Energy Studies.

Kevin Naim joins XLCS as a Senior Associate. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance, graduating cum laude from Belmont University. Prior to joining XLCS, Kevin served as a Senior Analyst for a mid-market Investment Bank.

“We continue to add, first and foremost, high-integrity individuals to our firm,” said Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner at XLCS Partners. “It’s also gratifying to see and reward the personal and professional growth of our advisors.”

XLCS is having another stellar year in 2024, with several completed transactions across industries such as aerospace & defense, insurance/claims management, direct-store delivery, industrial manufacturing, paper products/packaging, aftermarket parts supply, industrial fastener distribution, and property restoration.

XLCS is actively seeking experienced associate and VP-level investment banking professionals. Please visit XLCS Careers for more information.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that John Picard has joined the firm as an Analyst. John will be responsible for supporting research, financial analysis, and transaction support efforts for XLCS.

John graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wofford College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Energy Studies.

“It’s gratifying to develop talented advisors,” said Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner. “John will be immersed in the transaction process and learn the foundational elements of what it means to bring about investment banking to the highest degree. His enthusiasm and positive attitude are exactly what we are looking for.”

XLCS is currently seeking senior level investment banking professionals nationwide and is looking to fill analyst, associate, marketing, finance, and administrative positions. Please visit https://xlcspartners.com/careers/ for more information.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce recent promotions at the firm.

Johnny Sebastian, Reed McMahon, David Silva, and Noah Shertzer have all been promoted to Associates. Matt Crabtree has been promoted to Senior Associate, and Eric Schoendorf has been promoted to Vice President.

“We are thrilled to recognize the personal and professional development of our team with these well-deserved promotions,” said Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner. “They have all demonstrated a commitment to excellence, and we are confident that they will continue to play a significant role in the growth and success of our firm.”

XLCS is currently seeking senior level investment banking professionals nationwide and is looking to fill analyst, associate, VP, marketing, finance, and administrative positions. Please visit https://xlcspartners.com/careers/ for more information.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

The Year: 2021

CHANGE

The world is designed for change.
Our businesses change.
Our personal life changes.
Our priorities change.

The world is designed for change.
The economy changes.
Our health changes.
Our mindset changes.

The world is designed for change, and so we change, like it or not.

We face it and we ultimately must accept it.

2021’s world was no different really, just another iteration of change. Tougher than some years, easier than others. It’s entirely personal. So, we press on expecting good things in the midst of it all. We have embraced it and have been blessed.

At XLCS we continue to grow and thrive. In 2021, we have added four professionals; opened our downtown Nashville office; and bolstered our staff in our suburban Chicago office.

We had a big year in every way and hope you did as well.

2022…bring it on.

All the best.

Bob Contaldo
Chairman & Managing Partner
XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce three promotions and three recent hires to support the firm’s continued growth.

Jay Cremer has been promoted to Vice President. Jay joined the firm in 2017 after an internship with the firm. He received his undergraduate degree in finance and economics and an MBA from Indiana University and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63. Jay has worked on all facets of transactions across multiple industries.

Eric Schoendorf has been promoted to Senior Associate after joining XLCS in 2019 as an Analyst. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago with high honors in finance and accounting, holds a CPA certification, FINRA Series 7, and Series 63. Eric played professional soccer for FC Linkoping City in Sweden just prior to joining XLCS.

Matt Crabtree has been promoted to Associate after joining XLCS in 2019 as an Analyst. Prior to Investment Banking, Matt worked as an Account Specialist for Aon Risk Services, a worldwide commercial insurance brokerage. Matt earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63.

Reed McMahon has joined XLCS as an Analyst after interning in the summer of 2020. Reed graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Harbert’ College of Business.

Johnny Sebastian has joined XLCS as an Analyst. Johnny received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, as well as Master’s degrees from the Kellogg School of Management and the University of Wisconsin. Johnny was also a student-athlete and co-captain on the nationally ranked Northwestern and University of Wisconsin’s wrestling team.

Samantha Angarola has joined XLCS as Administrative Support. Prior to joining XLCS, she provided customer service for Union National Bank. Samantha graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration.

“It’s gratifying to see the personal and professional development of each individual on our team,” shared Bob Contaldo, Managing Partner. “Our people are exceptional and their contribution is essential to fulfilling our promise to our client… ‘Investment Banking to the Highest Degree’. We congratulate them.”

XLCS is currently seeking senior level investment banking professionals nationwide and is looking to fill analyst, associate, marketing, finance, and administrative positions. Please visit https://xlcspartners.com/careers/ for more information.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.
XLCS Partners is an investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services to select clients globally. More information is available at www.xlcspartners.com.

The Year: 2020

At XLCS ­we responded as many do when faced with economic uncertainty. Questions…possible solutions…beating down fear…banding together…and above all, prayer.

We made a commitment to see this through together; to do the next right thing; to be professionally and personally accountable; to demonstrate grace.

We adopted a positive mindset that would not accept the panicked notion that the year was lost.

We adapted to a new world of doing business that in many ways brought about better and lasting improvements.

The results were astounding.

XLCS had a record year that almost doubled our best year in our 38 year history.

Investment Bankers are an optimistic lot by nature, but double? While quarantined? While ideas were on lock-down and social/political events boiling over. Remarkable.

Our business has strong tailwinds going into 2021 and our opportunities to serve abound, for which we thank God.

Thank you to all who have allowed us to serve you and play a part in the history of fine companies built by generations of fine people.

We wish you well in 2021.

Bob Contaldo
Chairman & Managing Partner
XLCS Partners, Inc.