Professional Staff
The Merger and Acquisition Executives are carefully selected for their business maturity. Each has between fifteen and twenty-eight years in the business. Together they have nearly 100 years of M&A transactional experience.
Common attributes include:
- Extensive formal business education
- Profit responsibilities with our own businesses
- Deal making experience complemented with formal training
- Leadership skills to get the principals and their attorney, accountants, and advisors to successfully move through the complex process of closing a transaction
- In depth understanding of industries in which engagements are accepted. We have run manufacturing, distribution, computer, specialty food manufacturing, and service companies
Robert J. Gurrola
President of SUMMA Financial Group, LLC
Professional Designations
- M&AMI - Master Mergers & Acquisition Intermediary Highest designation awarded in the industry
- CBOA - Certified Business Opportunity Appraiser - National Society of Business Opportunity Appraisers
- SBA - Senior Business Analyst - Business Evaluation Systems Association
- CBI - Certified Business Intermediary - International Business Brokers Association - Highest designation awarded in the industry
- Fellow/IBBA - Fellow of the International Business Brokers Association Highest National Award for Contribution to the Profession
- CMEA - Certified Machinery/Equipment Appraiser
- CMC - Certified Management Consultant
Professional Affiliations
- National Society of Certified Business Opportunity Appraisers
- California Association of Business Brokers (Past Vice President)
- International Business Brokers Association (Past President)
- The M&A Source (Largest National M&A Association - Past President)
- Institute of Certified Business Counselors
- International Business Appraisers
- Santa Clara County Bar Association
- California State Bar Association
- Silicon Valley - San Jose Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
- American Society of Appraisers
- Association for Corporate Growth
- Texas Association of Business Brokers
- Institute of Management Consultants
Education
- San Jose City College AA / Design Engineering
- San Jose State University - BS / Civil Engineering
- Columbus University - MBA
Kevin P. Dempsey
Principal/Partner of SUMMA Financial Group, LLC
Professional Affiliations
- M&A Source
- Business Forum International
- COO Forum
- Institute of Management Consultants
- California Association of Business Brokers
- International Association of Business Brokers
Professional Accomplishments
Merger and Acquisition Principal and Partner of SUMMA Financial Group, LLC specializing in Mid-Market transactions of $1 to 50 million. A Certified Management Consultant (CMC) with Institute of Management Consultants and a designated Certified Business Intermediary (CBI). An expert appraiser utilizing both Internal Revenue Service approved methods and market based techniques including critical analysis of corporate financial records, industry trends and other market indicators that enhance and drive the values of companies.
Since 1981 represented many owners in the sale of a variety of businesses, while mainlining the highest level of confidentiality in the transaction details. Also represented clients searching to acquire companies, divisions and product lines. Business represented have included manufacturers, distributorships, printing businesses, dealerships, franchises, licensed contractor businesses, professional service companies, and retail stores.
Developed a merger and acquisition strategy by properly packaging businesses for the highest value by settling al issues before putting business on the market (legal, environmental, corporate structure, preparing meaningful financial documentation, etc.)
Negotiated the best structure of the deal including cash, the best financial terms of any notes, and earn outs while being ever mindful of the tax implications.
Facilitated the array of legal, accounting, and financing necessary to conduct the due diligence to ultimately consummate the transaction.
Served on the governance committee of the M&A Source and the Board of Directors of the California Association of Business Brokers for three terms.
District manager of a large public company managing route sales people. Assisted in the conversion of this employee run company to an owner operator company by selling the employees their own routes. Purchased, improved and resold these route sales businesses.
Education
Continuing education in numerous Business Appraisal Courses offered by leading institutions including:
- Business Appraisal Courses:
- Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA)
- American Society of Appraisers (ASA) (ESOP Appraisal)
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) Certified Business Intermediary designation
- California licensed Business Broker
- UCLA - Economics Major
- California State University, Fullerton
- B.A. Business Administration - Production Management Emphasis
Donald G. Lynam
Vice President of SUMMA Financial Group, LLC
Professional Designations
- CBC - Certified Business Counselor - Institute of Certified Business Counselors
- CBI - Certified Business Intermediary - International Business Brokers Association - Highest designation awarded in the industry
Professional Affiliations
- California Association of Business Brokers
- International Business Brokers Association
- The M&A Source
- Institute of Certified Business Counselors
- International Business Appraisers
- California State Bar Association
Education
- Tufts University - BSEE
- Northeastern University - MSEE
- Santa Clara University - MBA
- Lincoln University - JD
