Andersen Feldman Research
Advisory Approach
Andersen Feldman LLC is a boutique M&A advisory firm with four decades of experience advising entrepreneurs, growth companies, and private business owners on mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions. Founded by Michael J. Feldman, a serial entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded six companies spanning technology and financial services, the firm operates with a thesis centered on personalized, hands-on advisory for lower middle market transactions. Their positioning emphasizes direct engagement with clients, tailored strategic analysis, and leverage of an extensive network of financial partners and potential acquirers across multiple industries.
The firm's approach reflects founder Michael Feldman's deep operational background. Rather than treating M&A as a transactional product, Andersen Feldman positions itself as a strategic partner that combines valuation expertise with real-world business acumen. The team works closely with family-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and growth-stage companies to identify optimal exit strategies and strategic alternatives. Their client base has included mid-market manufacturers, technology companies, specialty finance firms, and real estate enterprises seeking to maximize value through thoughtful buyer identification and process management.
Sector Focus
Andersen Feldman brings particular depth to several core sectors. Their primary industry concentration is manufacturing, with expertise spanning precision machining, stamping, painting & finishing, and injection molding—sectors where operational complexity directly impacts valuation and acquirer fit. Within this vertical, the team understands capital intensity, margin dynamics, and the specific buyer preferences of both strategic acquirers (larger manufacturers, industrial conglomerates) and financial buyers (PE-backed consolidators).
The firm has also developed substantial experience in technology, with particular focus on software and IT services for manufacturing and industrial applications. Their background demonstrates successful exits of technology companies, including one valued at $60 million within 20 months of startup—indicating expertise in growth-stage technology advisory.
Additionally, Andersen Feldman has built credibility in specialty finance sectors, managing complex transactions involving financial services businesses and supporting debt & equity placements within the alternative finance and structured credit space. They also advise in real estate and related areas, evidenced by their advisory on real estate-based transactions and strategic consulting engagements.
Track Record & Notable Achievements
The firm reports over 70 completed transactions across debt & equity placements, buy-side M&A, sell-side advisory, and strategic alliances. Specific transaction examples include:
- APE (Technology sector) — $28 million debt & equity engagement, exclusive financial advisor
- CFI (Specialty Finance) — $35 million debt & equity transaction
- KFS (Water Technology) — Strategic advisory engagement
- American Titanium Works — Strategic and financial advisory on proposed integrated titanium rolling mill facility
Beyond individual transactions, their portfolio includes a mix of small business sales ($7 million company sold for $15 million), mid-market recapitalizations, and growth equity transactions. Michael Feldman's personal track record includes founding or co-founding six companies and achieving a $100 million+ valuation in a specialty finance company.
The firm has also worked with strategic partners and clients including Kmart, LDM Technologies, Arrow Shirt, Pfaltzgraff, Omron, Itochu, General Mills, and Proctor & Gamble, demonstrating exposure to both large corporate advisory scenarios and mid-market privately-held businesses.
Process & Fee Structure
Andersen Feldman's typical engagement process is methodical and tailored:
- Introductory call with principal (Michael Feldman)
- Preliminary data submission from client
- Pre-engagement summary and analysis
- Engagement letter execution
- Go-to-market preparation and strategy
- Commence buyer outreach and marketing
The overall timeline ranges from 3 to 12 months depending on project specifics. For debt and equity financings, particularly cash flow-based funding, close timelines can accelerate significantly (1-5 days for cash flow lenders).
Fee information is negotiable and tailored to engagement scope. The firm structures engagements across multiple dimensions: debt & equity placements ($50K to $100MM+), sell-side M&A advisory, buy-side advisory, and strategic consulting. The firm works with a broad range of capital sources including commercial banks, ABL lenders, cash flow-based funders, specialty finance funds, mezzanine lenders, hedge funds, private equity funds, and private placement networks.
Buyer Network
Andersen Feldman leverages an extensive network of potential acquisition partners and financial sponsors. The firm's strategic relationships include:
- Private equity funds and venture capital firms
- Family offices and high-net-worth investors
- Successful entrepreneurs and serial acquirers
- Strategic buyers across manufacturing, technology, and specialty finance sectors
- Hedge funds and alternative funding sources
- Public and private corporations of all sizes
The firm's deal history indicates active relationships with PE-backed consolidators, strategic acquirers in manufacturing and technology, and specialty finance investors. Their positioning as a "fundless sponsor" advisor (per FINRA records) indicates they also originate and facilitate transactions for entrepreneurs seeking to build platform companies or pursue buy-and-build strategies.
Team & Background
Michael J. Feldman — Managing Director & Founder
- 40+ years of business experience spanning startup, scaling, and exit phases
- Founded or co-founded six companies: three technology-based and three financial services companies
- Education: University of Michigan, BBA in Marketing and Economics
- FINRA certifications: Series 7, Series 24, Series 63, Series 79
- Currently managing M&A engagements at Andersen Feldman LLC since 2009
- Also serves as director and officer of Caymus Funding, Inc
- Background includes previous roles at River Capital Markets, Bluestone Capital Partners, and advisory roles at multiple securities and financial advisory firms
- Primary contact for client engagement
Warren Andersen — Managing Director
- Location: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
- Legal background: University of Wisconsin Law School
- Role: Senior advisor on strategic transactions and regulatory considerations
Competitive Positioning
Andersen Feldman differentiates through several mechanisms:
-
Founder-Led Advisory: Client engagements are overseen by Michael Feldman, a founder and business operator himself, ensuring deep understanding of seller motivations, operational realities, and strategic optionality.
-
Broad Buyer Access: The firm leverages four decades of relationship-building to access a wide spectrum of potential buyers—from early-stage PE firms to family offices to strategic corporates.
-
Multiple Industry Expertise: Unlike specialists confined to a single sector, Andersen Feldman brings cross-industry deal perspective, enabling them to identify unconventional buyer matches and strategic pairings.
-
Dual Competency: The team bridges M&A advisory with debt & equity capital raising, allowing comprehensive financing strategy rather than siloed advisory.
-
Entrepreneurial Mindset: The firm understands the founder perspective and lifecycle of private companies, fostering alignment between advisors and clients.
Geographic Coverage
Primary presence: Michigan (Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak). Additional historical relationships in Ohio, Arizona, Illinois, and New York. National capability for transactions and buyer outreach.
Not a Fit If
- Clients seeking transactional efficiency above all else (Andersen Feldman's 3-12 month timeline emphasizes thoroughness over speed)
- Highly regulated industries requiring specialized regulatory expertise
- Transactions where buyer confidentiality is paramount (the firm's broad outreach involves many potential acquirers)
- Companies requiring debt restructuring or turnaround advisory as primary service
Summary
Andersen Feldman is a boutique M&A advisory firm well-suited for lower middle market businesses (typically $10M-$100M+ TEV) seeking sell-side advisory or strategic alternatives. The firm's strength lies in founder-led engagement, broad buyer access, cross-industry perspective, and integration of M&A advisory with capital raising. Most suitable for family-owned manufacturers, technology businesses, specialty finance companies, and mixed-industry portfolios seeking thoughtful, relationship-driven advisory rather than process-heavy institutional banking.