The robust M&A markets of 2021 and 2022 lost their momentum as concerns over an impending recession and rising interest rates caused a shrink in the pool of companies available for sale and a decline in buyer demand. Despite these challenges, strategic and financial buyers still possessed substantial capital to invest, leading to a consistent demand for high-quality companies on the market. Conversely, companies with lower profit margins and slower growth rates witnessed a drop in interest from potential buyers. Read the full report.
Mike McCraw, Managing Director and Food & Beverage Team Leader at FOCUS, is an experienced entrepreneur and investment banker and has over 30 years’ experience serving clients with mergers & acquisitions, advisory services, and business consulting.
Prior to joining FOCUS, Mr. McCraw led the Consumer Team at Founders Investment Banking. While there, he helped launch a well-attended annual educational and networking event called the Multi-Unit Summit, bringing together top brand and industry leaders in a relaxed, high-quality environment. Mr. McCraw has also served as CFO for several multi-unit companies.
In addition, Mr. McCraw started and led the Outsourced Services Practice Group at Warren Averett, one of the largest CPA firms in the Southeast. Before Warren Averett, Mr. McCraw co-founded and served as managing principal of the Birmingham office of a regional CPA and consulting firm. He also started and helped lead a lower middle market private capital group focused on adding value alongside successful entrepreneurs. Mr. McCraw has served as CFO/COO of a regional construction sub-contractor, CFO of a manufacturing company and Controller at two leading hospitals.
Mr. McCraw is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Mr. McCraw received his undergraduate degree in Accounting from Troy University, where he was quarterback on a National Championship team.
