B&V Capital Advisors Research
Advisory Approach
B&V Capital Advisors, the investment banking arm of Briggs & Veselka (now part of Crowe LLP as of January 2022), is a Houston-based boutique M&A advisory firm focused on helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate buy-side and sell-side transactions for closely-held businesses. The firm operates with a client-centric thesis: founders and business owners have spent their careers building enterprises that represent both their legacy and their financial security, and deserve advisory partners who understand the emotional and financial dimensions of that journey. B&V Capital brings together investment banking expertise with deep accounting and business advisory capabilities, creating a unique value proposition for lower middle market transactions.
Sector Focus
B&V Capital Advisors maintains active practices across multiple sectors, with particular strength in business services, staffing and human resources, professional services, and manufacturing. Within business services, the firm has worked extensively with staffing and recruiting services companies, reflecting Houston's role as a major hub for staffing and temporary services. They also serve test, inspection & certification (TIC) companies and technology-enabled service providers. Their industry expertise is informed by Briggs & Veselka's broader accounting and consulting practices, giving them deep operational knowledge across their focus sectors.
Transaction History and Deal Track Record
According to PitchBook records, B&V Capital Advisors has provided advisory services on 11 M&A transactions. Key recent transactions include:
- Resource Staffing (2021): Served as general M&A advisor to Resource Staffing. The firm maintained active advisory relationships through 2021 as part of Briggs & Veselka's advisory practice.
- FABco (May 2021): Worked alongside Shields Capital as co-advisors on this transaction.
The firm's transaction history spans from the mid-2000s through 2021, demonstrating 15+ years of consistent advisory activity in the lower middle market. While the firm was integrated into Crowe's broader transaction advisory practice in January 2022, the B&V Capital brand continues to serve clients through Crowe's Houston advisory hub.
Process and Fee Structure
B&V Capital Advisors works with business owners on both sell-side and buy-side engagements. As part of the Briggs & Veselka integrated model, the firm could leverage additional accounting, valuation, and due diligence capabilities alongside advisory services. The firm emphasizes continuity of relationship through the entire transaction lifecycle—from initial planning and valuation preparation, through buyer identification and negotiation, to closing and post-closing integration support. The firm is sensitive to the emotional and financial stakes that founders have in their businesses, and positions advisory as a trusted relationship rather than transactional service.
Fee structures for the firm historically followed lower middle market norms (modified Lehman or negotiated percentages), though specific current fee information is not readily available post-acquisition by Crowe.
Buyer Network and Deal Types
B&V Capital Advisors has developed relationships with private equity firms, family offices, and strategic buyers in their focus sectors. Their deal history reflects work on both majority sales and recapitalizations. The firm serves as both sell-side advisor to business owners and buy-side advisor to acquirers seeking platform companies or add-on acquisitions in their sectors of interest.
The firm's buyer network was developed through years of relationship-building in the Houston business community and extends through the broader Briggs & Veselka (and now Crowe) network of private equity and strategic acquirer relationships.
Competitive Positioning
B&V Capital Advisors differentiated itself through:
- Integrated advisory — The ability to combine M&A advisory with accounting, valuation, forensics, and business advisory services under one roof through Briggs & Veselka's platform
- Founder understanding — Deep appreciation for the emotional and financial dimensions of selling a family business, combined with institutional advisory rigor
- Sector expertise — Specialized knowledge in staffing, business services, and professional services through accumulated client relationships
- Local market presence — Deep Houston roots and relationships in the Texas business community
- Operational capabilities — Access to Briggs & Veselka's operational advisory and due diligence teams to support transaction work
Not a Fit If
Based on the firm's positioning and historical focus:
- Sellers seeking only transactional representation without ongoing advisory relationship
- Businesses with complex international structures or cross-border deal requirements
- Sellers unwilling to engage with the full breadth of the firm's advisory services
- Businesses below $2M-3M in EBITDA where traditional M&A advisory doesn't apply
Team
Key team members identified through FINRA and public records:
- Richard Joseph Hunter: Director of Business Development at B&V Capital Advisors. Holds Series 79 (Investment Banking), Series 24 (Principal), and Series 63 registrations. Long-term business development leader bringing relationships and deal sourcing capabilities.
- Sid Shaver: Senior Managing Director (as of 2019). CPA with extensive M&A advisory experience. Has subsequently moved to Statesman Business Advisors in 2023, reflecting the transition of advisory leadership as B&V was integrated into Crowe.
- Erik Konicki: Managing Director (2016). Investment banking credentials including Series 79 registration. Also subsequently joined Statesman Business Advisors (2016-2024), indicating a pattern of experienced dealmakers taking advisory roles.
The firm employed approximately 3-5 investment bankers and advisors at peak staffing, supported by Briggs & Veselka's broader team of accountants, valuators, and business consultants.
Geographic Coverage
Primarily Houston, Texas and the surrounding region. Secondary coverage across Texas through Briggs & Veselka's offices in The Woodlands, Austin, and other Texas locations. Some national capability through connections and referral networks, but the core practice is Texas-focused with emphasis on the Houston metro area.
Recent Evolution
B&V Capital Advisors was integrated into Crowe LLP's transaction advisory services in January 2022 when Crowe acquired Briggs & Veselka. The firm continues to serve clients through Crowe's Houston-based transaction advisory hub, maintaining the B&V Capital brand for continuity. This integration positioned the firm to serve larger and more complex transactions through Crowe's national platform, while maintaining local market relationships and expertise.
Conclusion
B&V Capital Advisors represents a proven Houston-based advisory practice with 15+ years of transaction experience in the lower middle market. The firm's integration with Briggs & Veselka's broader professional services platform, and subsequent acquisition by Crowe LLP, has expanded its resources and capabilities while maintaining its founder-focused advisory philosophy. The firm serves entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to explore strategic options for their businesses and want an advisory partner who understands both the business and emotional dimensions of a transaction.