Inorganic Engine: Leading Global Growth Through M&A Strategy

Client Overview

Our client is a market-leading, PE-backed manufacturer of ultra-high-performance stretch film products used across a variety of industrial and commercial applications. Since its founding in 1988, the company has become a recognized innovator in the packaging industry, delivering efficient, sustainable, and consistent products known for their strength and durability. With manufacturing plants strategically located in Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Washington, the company has developed a robust footprint that enables it to serve customers across all 50 states, as well as in Canada, Mexico, South America, and select international markets.

The company has experienced rapid organic growth in recent years and is now poised to complement that momentum with an aggressive inorganic strategy. Backed by a top-tier private equity firm, the company is preparing to execute a global M&A strategy targeting 1–2 acquisitions per year. The expansion strategy focuses not only on enhancing its core stretch film business but also on entering adjacent segments of the flexible packaging market and pursuing opportunities across Europe, Asia, and other key regions. With a mission to build a diversified, best-in-class packaging platform, the company is seeking strategic acquisitions that align with its strengths in technology, manufacturing, and distribution.

The Challenge / Mandate

To accelerate inorganic growth, the company sought to hire a Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions to lead the full M&A lifecycle—from sourcing and deal evaluation through diligence and integration. The executive would work closely with the CEO, CFO, Board, and PE sponsor to shape acquisition strategy, identify strategic targets (domestically and abroad), and quarterback each transaction.

The right candidate needed: - A strong track record executing buy- and sell-side deals across industrial sectors - Experience managing integration efforts post-close - Familiarity with family-owned business dynamics and cross-border transactions - High EQ and humility to engage effectively across all organizational levels - The strategic mindset to contribute to overall corporate growth

Search Strategy

We focused on candidates with deep experience in M&A, corporate development, and transaction advisory, particularly those with backgrounds in industrials or manufacturing. Candidates needed to bring both deal execution and integration expertise, as well as a relationship-oriented approach to sourcing opportunities.

Ideal qualifications included: 

• 7+ years of experience in M&A/Corporate Development
• Hands-on experience with diligence, modeling, negotiation, and integration 
• International transaction exposure, especially in Europe
• Industry experience in packaging, manufacturing, or supply chain
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

​The Placement 

We presented numerous high-caliber candidates. The finalist selected brought a rare combination of operational, transactional, and leadership experience. A Naval Academy graduate, he began his career in the military before transitioning into investment banking and later transaction advisory services at EY and Accenture.

He led over 80 transactions across $20B in investment banking and capital markets activity, along with $12B+ in strategy and integration work. His experience included managing spin-offs, post-merger integration, and corporate strategy for Fortune 500 and PE-backed companies.

Most recently, he served as Director of Corporate Development at a leading precision manufacturing company, where he led all external growth initiatives. His thoughtful communication style and hands-on leadership made him a clear fit to support the client’s growth vision.

The Outcome

Now embedded within the executive leadership team, the new VP of M&A is actively driving the company’s global acquisition strategy. He has established a disciplined pipeline management approach and built stronger sourcing channels while aligning internal and external stakeholders around strategic criteria. 

He plays a critical role not only in identifying and closing deals but also in ensuring smooth integration and long-term value creation—supporting the company’s ambition to become a global leader in stretch film and adjacent packaging sectors.