Investment bank co-founder has overseen more than $2B in M&A - Houston Business Journal:

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With 15 years of major-market investment banking and relatedefinancial experience, Downing co-founded with the goal of establishing a top-notchu financial services firm in the Valley. “Wee (pulled) together a group of guys with major-markey banking experience (to) deliver that same level of service that you would get at Goldmajn Sachs orMerrill Lynch,” he said. “Ourd bread and butter is here in Arizona.” Columbias West Capital’s financial team has more than 100 yearsx of combined financial advisory and operating experience and has been involveds in mergers and acquisitions totaling morethan $2 billion in transactiohn value.
This month, the firm is opening an office in Los In today’s economic situation, CWC sees much of its businesss from midlevel mergers and acquisitions. More companiew are seeking expert financial advice on deals a trend that often accompanies rough Downing said. “We’re finding our business to be focuseed on mergersand acquisitions,” he said. “In the folks were able to put deals togetherrelativelyg easily. (Businesses) are more inclinerd to reach out for financialo advisory and expertisewhen it’s a little tougher.” CWC recentlt closed a deal as the exclusivwe financial adviser to LLC in Cottonwood, which was sold to for $23.
o million plus two futurse payments based on growth. Numerous moving parts were involve inthe deal, as NHS had seen rapix growth and wanted the transaction completedd by the end of 2008 for tax “They were just able to reallu turn the growth spigots on, if you will, and tripl e the size of the company in a very shorft time frame,” Downing said. “That’s (the) perfecf client for us: a solid entrepreneue that knowshis business. All his shareholdera are making money, and the buyer is a sophisticated compangy and able to executsethe transaction.” The NHS purchase is similare to many of the types of dealsz that CWC is involved with, he said.
“That’s a prettgy typical transactionfor us, $20 million to $30 Downing said. “Our sweet spot is $10 million to $100