Our Global Network
Independent Firm. International Reach.
XLCS Partners is a member of GCG. Based out of Zurich, Switzerland, GCG is one of the world’s leading and most complete international network of M&A firms, having completed 1600 transactions worth over $16 Billion. Our partnership with GCG allows us to remain a truly independent advisory firm, while offering our clients opportunities from all around the world.
Careers at XLCS
A Culture Worth Belonging To
XLCS Partners has built a world-class team of investment banking professionals. As our growth continues, we are selectively adding great people to the team. We maintain a boutique feel, offer great work/life balance and keep a healthy dose of friendly competition. Together, we’ve built a culture worth belonging to for the rest of your career.
Solutions
XLCS is proud to provide a range of solutions tailored to your needs.
Seller Advisory
Business owners, private equity funds and large corporations seek us out for our creative, truthful and cutting edge advice when selling their business, divesting a subsidiary or charting the course for an exit in the future.
Buyer Advisory
Corporations and private equity firms hire XLCS for their thoughtful advice, creative deal structures, quality deal flow and access to capital. XLCS works with select clients on their search for acquisitions and currently averages over 25 proprietary candidates for each campaign.
Recapitalization
With over a trillion dollars in capital and operational resources to grow businesses, private equity is a competitive and compelling option for owners and management teams looking for liquidity but also wanting to participate in the future growth of the business.
Capital Raising
Whether refinancing existing debt, raising funds to complete an acquisition or taking on growth capital, XLCS advises clients across the debt and equity spectrum and can expedite the process by canvasing the capital markets and helping to simplify complex structures.
MEET XLCS
Robert Contaldo
Chairman & Managing Partner
As a nationally recognized speaker and expert in mergers & acquisitions, Bob has over forty years of experience and has originated and executed hundreds of investment banking assignments for middle market companies and their shareholders. Prior to founding XLCS Partners, Bob was a Partner and Board Member of a national investment banking firm and was previously affiliated with one of the largest middle market investment banking firms in the United States. Bob holds FINRA Series 62, Series 63 and Series 79 licenses.
Joe Contaldo
Partner
Joe Contaldo is a partner and co-founder of XLCS Partners. As a career-long Investment Banker, Joe began his Investment Banking career as an intern for a national investment banking firm before joining the company full time as an associate in 2002. He was then promoted to Acquisition Services Director and was tapped to develop and run the firm’s Private Equity Coverage Group. In 2007, he was promoted to Managing Director, becoming the youngest to reach that position in the firm’s history. Joe holds FINRA Series 7, Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Anthony Contaldo
Partner
Prior to co-founding XLCS Partners, Anthony served as Managing Director for a national investment banking firm which he joined as an intern in 2002. Anthony has led seller advisory and buyer advisory assignments for clients in a broad range of industries across the United States. Anthony served as a Principal for his predecessor firm’s FINRA registered broker-dealer. Anthony received his BA. in Finance, magna cum laude, from Elmhurst College. Anthony holds FINRA Series 7, Series 79, Series 63 and 24 licenses.
Jay Cremer
Vice President
Jay Cremer joined XLCS Partners as an Associate after a period of time as an Analyst at a national middle market investment banking firm. Prior to Investment Banking, Jay was a corporate accountant at Meggitt Piezo Technologies. Jay received his undergraduate degree in finance and economics and an MBA from Indiana University. Jay holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Eric Schoendorf
Vice President
Eric Schoendorf joined XLCS in 2019 as an Analyst and is responsible for research, financial analysis, and deal execution. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago with high honors in finance and accounting and has passed his Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) exam. Eric also played professional soccer for FC Linköping City in Sweden. He holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Matt Crabtree
Senior Associate
Matt Crabtree joined XLCS in 2019 as an Analyst and is responsible for research, financial analysis, and deal execution. 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. Matt holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Reed McMahon
Senior Associate
Reed McMahon joined XLCS in December of 2020 as an Analyst after interning with the firm. He is responsible for research, financial analysis, and deal execution. Reed graduated from Auburn University in May of 2021 with high honors with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Harbert College of Business. Reed holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Noah Shertzer
Senior Associate
Noah Shertzer joined XLCS Partners in 2021 as an Analyst. Noah received his degree in Finance with high honors from Belmont University. Prior to his role at XLCS Partners, Noah worked as an Associate and Wealth Advisor for a regional investment firm. Noah holds his FINRA Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66 licenses.
David Silva
Senior Associate
David Silva joined XLCS in 2021 as an Analyst and is responsible for research and financial analysis. David received his undergraduate degree in finance from Elmhurst College, while at Elmhurst he was an All-American wrestler. Prior to joining XLCS David worked at BMO Harris in commercial lending and coached wrestling at Marian Central Catholic H.S. where he led them to their first State Title and was a 4x Coach of the Year. He holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Kevin Naim
Senior Associate
Kevin Naim joined XLCS Partners in 2024 as a Senior Associate. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance, graduating cum laude from Belmont University. Prior to joining XLCS Partners, Kevin served as a Senior Analyst at Tenney Group, a M&A firm specializing in the Transportation & Logistics sector.
John Picard
Analyst
John Picard joined XLCS Partners in 2024 as an Analyst. He is responsible for research and financial analysis. John graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wofford College with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Prior to joining XLCS, he interned at Plexus Capital, Gulf Coast Sequestration, and ClearPath.
Kendra Span
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations, Kendra serves a client liaison, with significant experience working with a wide variety of clients across many sub-sectors. Since joining the firm in 2003, she also handles all marketing activity and public relation efforts for XLCS Partners. Kendra has an extensive project management, marketing, and design background. Kendra has worked for Fortune 500/1000 companies such as Sears Holdings and global publishing firm John Wiley & Sons.
Diana Silva
Human Resources Manager
Cathy Angarola
Operations Manager
Cathy Angarola, Operations Manager, is responsible for assisting with broker/dealer compliance which includes monitoring, reviewing, and enforcing the policies and procedures of the firm and assisting with the supervision of operations to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. She also manages the due diligence process, virtual data room administration and support, and works with clients to ensure all documentation is handled in an orderly and expedient manner. Cathy joined the firm in 2007.
Shelley Silva
Transaction Support
Shelley Silva provides administrative support at XLCS Partners. She focuses her efforts on research and project based work to support the Partners while assisting in general operational functions for the firm. She has been with the firm for ten years.
Sarah Horn
Transaction Support
Samantha Angarola
Transaction Support
Samantha Angarola joined XLCS in 2020 and is responsible for conducting research, preparing marketing materials, as well as assisting in due diligence processes. Prior to joining XLCS, she provided customer service for one of the oldest banks in the Chicagoland area, Union National Bank. Samantha graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration.