Chartworth Research
Advisory Approach
Chartworth is a boutique investment banking and strategic consulting firm serving middle market and growth companies in Northern New England. Founded in 2005, the firm operates with a thesis that comprehensive corporate finance advisory—combining M&A transaction expertise, business valuation, strategic consulting, and operational insight—delivers superior outcomes for founder-owned and family businesses seeking to maximize value.
The firm's approach is characterized by deep regional expertise in the New England market, combined with sophisticated transaction experience from senior team members who have held leadership roles at major financial institutions. Rather than focusing exclusively on transaction execution, Chartworth emphasizes helping clients "increase, sustain and realize corporate value" through a combination of strategic advisory, financial restructuring, and M&A services.
Sector Focus
Chartworth serves a broad range of industries across the Northern New England economy. As a regional boutique, the firm maintains generalist capabilities across manufacturing, business services, healthcare services, technology, and consumer sectors. The firm's team includes former operators and CFOs who understand the operational complexities of running businesses, which informs their advisory approach.
The firm has particular visibility in the New Hampshire technology and business community through long-standing involvement with the New Hampshire Tech Alliance, where leadership has served as co-chair of the Entrepreneur Forum. This suggests active engagement with technology companies, professional services firms, and growth-oriented businesses in the region's innovation ecosystem.
Deal Track Record
Chartworth maintains a confidential approach to deal announcements, and specific transactions are not publicly disclosed. The firm has completed sell-side and buy-side M&A assignments, recapitalizations, and strategic consulting engagements for middle market companies throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.
As a boutique firm focused on personalized service, Chartworth's transaction volume reflects selective engagement rather than high-volume deal factory operations. The firm's senior principals bring decades of cumulative transaction experience from prior roles on Wall Street and in corporate development, providing clients with sophisticated transaction capabilities despite the firm's small size.
Process & Fee Structure
Chartworth runs customized engagement processes tailored to the specific needs of lower middle market businesses. Typical engagements include comprehensive business valuation, preparation for transaction (financial modeling, management presentations, data room preparation), buyer identification and outreach, and negotiation support.
The firm offers flexible engagement structures appropriate for smaller transactions, including success-based fee arrangements and hybrid consulting/M&A retainers. As securities offerings are conducted through 1st BCCW Capital Corp, the firm can structure private placements and capital raises alongside M&A advisory.
Buyer Network
Chartworth maintains relationships with strategic buyers, private equity groups, and family offices active in the New England market. The firm's regional focus provides access to local and regional acquirers seeking add-on acquisitions in Northern New England. Through team members' prior experience at national investment banks, the firm also has connections to broader buyer networks for transactions requiring national reach.
Competitive Positioning
Chartworth differentiates from larger middle market banks through several key advantages:
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Regional Specialization: Deep knowledge of the Northern New England business landscape, including local buyer pools, regulatory considerations, and market dynamics specific to New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.
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Operational Expertise: Team members include former CFOs and operators who understand business operations from the inside, enabling more credible advisory on value creation and operational improvements prior to transaction.
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Flexibility: Ability to structure engagements for smaller transactions ($1M-$15M TEV) that may not meet minimum size requirements at larger firms.
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Personal Attention: Each engagement receives direct principal-level attention rather than being delegated to junior staff.
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Integrated Services: Ability to combine M&A advisory with business valuation, strategic consulting, and interim CFO services for comprehensive value creation.
Not a Fit If
Chartworth is not ideal for:
- Transactions above $50M TEV (outside lower middle market focus)
- Companies requiring national or international buyer reach beyond New England
- Businesses seeking purely capital markets services (public offerings, debt syndications)
- Founders wanting a limited-process or quick-sale approach without comprehensive preparation
Team
Vladimir Harris, Advisory Principal & Founder: 20+ years of experience in business strategy, strategic transactions, and financial operations. Previously served as CFO at Spaulding Composites Company and CFO/Director of Acquisitions at Strategic Timber Trust. Spent 12 years at Credit Suisse First Boston on Wall Street and earlier at Baldwin and Clarke Corporate Finance in New Hampshire. Began career at Eli Lilly (1981). MBA from Columbia University in International Business Finance, BA from Colgate University.
Susan Woods, Principal: Co-chair of the NH Tech Alliance Entrepreneur Forum, demonstrating active involvement in the regional business and technology community. Previously served as principal at Chartworth with focus on business development and M&A advisory. FINRA registered representative.
Hatt Donald, Advisory Principal: Experienced in valuation, ESOP advisory, and M&A for small to mid-size privately-owned companies.
Paul Beaulieu, Member/Shareholder: Co-founder with 25-50% ownership stake. FINRA registered representative.
Howard Smith, Member/Shareholder: Experienced investment banking professional. FINRA registered representative.
The firm maintains 2-10 employees total, indicating a lean, principal-led organization.
Geographic Coverage
Primary: New Hampshire (Manchester and Portsmouth offices) Secondary: Maine, Vermont (Northern New England region)
The firm's headquarters is located at 36 Lowell Street, Suite 202, Manchester, NH 03101, with additional office presence at 155 Fleet Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801.