Capital committed to business investment and Mergers & Acquisitions is at historic highs. In 2006, U.S. private equity firms raised over $200 billion. Hedge funds, corporations, and financial institutions are increasingly providing financing for privately held businesses. These investors are paying premium prices for high quality middle market businesses, rivaling public company valuations.

What does this mean to you?

If you are ready for change, today's market provides tremendous opportunities. Current conditions are ideal for those business owners who are well prepared and want to exit. For those not ready, available capital allows owners to make strategic acquisitions, expand products/services, and execute other initiatives that build value and position them for future sale.

Your competition is not sitting still. The market is changing rapidly. Competitive pressures and consolidation are escalating as large players with new agility enter localized and specialized market segments. Complacency is not an option.

The decisions you make now have exponential consequences. We know the choices can be both exciting and overwhelming. Ascend's investment banking experience and expertise can help you understand the current realities, evaluate the possibilities and choose the best path to achieve your vision. Whether you're ready to sell today, or looking for a plan to build value and prepare for sale in the future, call us.

Winners. Legacies. Wealth. Lifestyles. . . . Visions Realized.