Selling a business is not a transaction. It is a life event. You need an advisor who treats it that way.
What are Financial & Business Services services?
The M&A advisory market for entrepreneurs and shareholders has shifted. Boutique firms now compete directly with large investment banks for middle-market deals. Owners want senior attention, not a rotating cast of analysts. They want a structured process that starts with discovery and ends with a signed agreement. And they want advisors who understand family dynamics, generational transitions, and the emotional weight of handing over a company you built. The firms below operate across the US and Europe, each with a distinct approach to ownership transitions.
What we looked at when researching Financial & Business Services
We evaluated each firm on service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, and the depth of support from first call to closing. Service scope covers sell-side, buy-side, valuation, and capital raising. Pricing clarity reflects how openly firms discuss fees and process. Local fit considers geographic reach and sector focus. Support depth measures whether a dedicated partner stays involved throughout the engagement. Each firm stood out in different areas, and the right choice depends on your specific situation.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Capstone Partners | Owners seeking a large, full-service investment bank |
| Empiria Partners · Modern M&A advisor | Entrepreneurs and family shareholders in Europe |
| Roadmap Advisors | Business owners in consolidating industries |
| MarshBerry | Insurance and wealth management agency owners |
| PMCF | Middle-market owners across diversified sectors |
A closer look at 5 standout Financial & Business Services
#1 Capstone Partners
A screenshot of the Capstone Partners website.
Capstone Partners is one of the largest and most active investment banking firms in the United States. You get a national footprint with international reach, which matters if your buyer pool spans borders. Their sell-side advisory sits inside a broader platform that includes debt and equity capital advisory, valuation, and restructuring. That means you can solve multiple problems with one team. They also serve private equity firms through a dedicated sponsor coverage group. If you want scale and a deep bench, this is a strong starting point.
#2 Empiria Partners · Modern M&A advisor
A screenshot of the Empiria Partners · Modern M&A advisor website.
Empiria Partners runs a nimble process across Milan, London, and Madrid. You work with a dedicated partner from discovery through closing, which keeps senior attention on your deal. Their approach is structured: assessment, valuation, sourcing, and closing. They handle sell-side sales and generational transitions with attention to family dynamics and business continuity. On the buy-side, they run confidential search mandates for entrepreneurs and industrial groups. They also offer pre-deal valuation and equity capital raising for growth or internationalisation. If you want a boutique feel with cross-border reach, this firm fits.
#3 Roadmap Advisors
A screenshot of the Roadmap Advisors website.
Roadmap Advisors focuses on middle-market strategic M&A for business owners with complex exit needs. You get help if you are evaluating private equity interest, roll-up opportunities, or strategic acquirers. Their sell-side process includes exit readiness, diligence, value creation, and market testing. They also offer interim CFO and valuation advisory services. Their sector expertise spans facilities services, professional services, and industrial services. If you are in a consolidating industry and want a hands-on advisor, this is worth a conversation.
#4 MarshBerry
A screenshot of the MarshBerry website.
MarshBerry is a global leader in M&A advisory for insurance agencies, brokers, and wealth management firms. You get sell-side guidance from a team that knows the insurance landscape inside out. Their services include buy-side M&A, capital advisory, due diligence, and quality of earnings. They also offer perpetuation planning and strategic consulting for agency owners. If you run an insurance or wealth management business, their sector focus is hard to match. They combine quantitative analysis with deep industry relationships.
#5 PMCF
A screenshot of the PMCF website.
PMCF serves middle-market companies and their owners with sell-side and buy-side advisory. You also get capital raising, transaction planning, and ESOP advisory under one roof. Their industry coverage includes industrial manufacturing, business services, healthcare, and software. They work closely with private equity and financial sponsors. If you want a firm that understands the nuances of middle-market transactions across multiple sectors, PMCF is a solid option. Their transaction planning service helps you prepare before you go to market.
How to choose the right Financial & Business Services
Start with your goal. Are you selling fully, transitioning to family, or raising capital? Match the firm's service scope to your need. Then check local fit. If your buyers are in Europe, pick a firm with European reach. If you are in insurance, pick a specialist. Ask about pricing clarity early. A firm that explains fees openly is a firm that respects your time. Finally, confirm who will lead your deal. You want a dedicated partner, not a handoff to junior staff.
Expert Conclusion
The right M&A advisor changes the outcome of your exit. Capstone offers scale. Empiria Partners brings boutique senior attention across Europe. Roadmap Advisors knows consolidating industries. MarshBerry owns the insurance niche. PMCF covers the middle market broadly. Talk to at least two. Ask about process, fees, and who will be in the room when you sign. Your business deserves that level of care.