G2 Capital Advisors Research
Advisory Approach
G2 Capital Advisors is a boutique investment bank and restructuring advisory firm dedicated to serving middle-market businesses and their stakeholders. The firm operates with a distinctive thesis: the first lower-middle-market investment bank to recruit former C-level executives and industry operators as investment bankers, rather than career investment bankers. This focus on operational expertise differentiates G2 from traditional advisory firms.
G2 believes that the best advisory outcomes come from combining institutional investment banking processes with deep industry understanding and operational credibility. Their team includes former CEOs, COOs, and executives from the sectors they serve, enabling them to speak the language of their clients and provide strategic insights beyond traditional financial advisory.
Sector Focus & Industry Expertise
G2 operates across four primary verticals: Consumer & Retail, Industrials & Manufacturing, Technology & Business Services, and Transportation & Logistics.
Consumer & Retail: With over 200 completed mandates in this space, G2 has deep expertise in companies navigating disruption from changing customer experiences and e-commerce. They serve quick-service restaurants, food and beverage businesses, produce distributors, specialty food companies, and other consumer-facing businesses. Representative transactions include advising Bee's Wrap (sustainable food wrap company), Red Arts Capital (produce distributor), and Stonewall Kitchen (specialty food portfolio company of Audax). They understand the nuances of supply chain economics, distribution channel dynamics, and the intersection of brand and operations.
Industrials & Manufacturing: Over 200 mandates in this sector demonstrate G2's depth in manufacturing and industrial services. They work with precision manufacturers, metal fabrication, specialty chemicals, building products, and contract manufacturers. The team includes former plant managers, operations executives, and manufacturing-focused investors, enabling them to evaluate operational efficiency and evaluate manufacturing-specific valuation considerations. Key transactions include advising on acquisitions of PermaCold Engineering (HVAC systems), Hussey Copper (electrical products), and International Wire Group.
Technology & Business Services: Approximately 150 mandates in technology and business services sectors, with particular focus on technology enablement disrupting traditional business service models. This includes industrial software, IT services, managed service providers (MSPs), and business process outsourcing. G2's technology practice is led by Kerri Ford, Managing Director, Head of Technology & Business Services, and Jim Goodwin, Director, who provide strategic direction and sector expertise.
Transportation & Logistics: With over 100 mandates, G2 serves transportation and logistics companies, including freight, supply chain, fleet management, and distribution businesses. The firm understands supply/demand imbalances reshaping transportation strategies and helps clients navigate domestic and global market opportunities.
Process & Fee Structure
G2 provides integrated advisory across multiple capabilities:
- Investment Banking: Buy-side advisory, sell-side advisory, capital markets, and strategic assessments
- Restructuring & Revitalization: Operational revitalization, financial restructuring, insolvency & fiduciary services
The firm runs institutional-quality advisory processes with a focus on hands-on client engagement. While specific fee information is not publicly disclosed, they manage retainer-based engagements and work on success-fee basis. Their approach emphasizes transparency and alignment of incentives with client outcomes.
Deal Track Record
G2 has completed over 350 M&A transactions to date, demonstrating significant scale and execution capability in middle-market advisory. Recent notable transactions include:
2025-2026 Transactions:
- Advised Kelvin Group (portfolio company of Southfield Capital) on acquisition of PermaCold Engineering (HVAC systems)
- Advised Tongrun International on sale to Platinum Equity (international business)
- Advised Red Arts Capital on acquisition of Forestwood Farm (produce distribution)
- Advised Worldwide Produce (portfolio company of Sole Source Capital) on acquisition of Vision Produce Company
- Advised FDP Group (portfolio company of Riverarch Equity Partners) on acquisition of Yen Bros Food Service
- Advised Medical Technology Associates (portfolio company of Riverarch) on acquisition of Florida Pipette Calibrations
2024 Transactions:
- Advised United Solutions on sale to CREO Group, Inc. (portfolio company of Mill Point Capital)
2021-2023 Transactions:
- Advised Stonewall Kitchen (portfolio company of Audax Private Equity) on acquisition of Michel Design Works
- Advised Granite Group on growth investment by BBH Capital Partners
- Advised Bee's Wrap on sale (sustainable food wrap company)
- Advised Rand-Whitney Container on acquisition of Specialty Finance Consulting Corporation
Buyer Network
G2 maintains strong relationships with major private equity firms and strategic acquirers across their verticals. Key PE relationships evident from deal history include Audax Private Equity, Southfield Capital, Riverarch Equity Partners, Mill Point Capital, Sole Source Capital, BBH Capital Partners, Platinum Equity, Genstar Capital, and others. The firm's buyer network spans traditional PE to family offices and strategic buyers, providing sellers with diverse exit opportunities.
Competitive Positioning
G2 differentiates from other middle-market advisors through several key strengths:
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Operational Credibility: The firm's founding principle of recruiting C-level executives as bankers means they have lived experience in the industries they serve, not just financial modeling expertise.
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Multi-Product Capability: The integration of investment banking and restructuring enables G2 to serve clients across the business lifecycle, from growth to distress.
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Sector Depth: 200+ mandates in their core verticals (Consumer/Retail, Industrials/Manufacturing) demonstrates deep relationships and understanding of buyer networks in key sectors.
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Hands-On Leadership: CEO Jeffrey Unger (founder with 30+ years as serial entrepreneur and C-level executive) maintains active involvement in major engagements, not just business development.
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Institutional Scale: 60+ person team provides depth to execute complex transactions while maintaining the boutique service model.
Not a Fit If
G2 typically focuses on middle-market businesses and may not be the right fit for:
- Very early-stage companies or pre-revenue ventures
- Highly distressed situations where turnaround is uncertain
- Sellers seeking purely financial engineering (they focus on operational and strategic value creation)
- Businesses with limited growth potential
Team & Leadership
The firm is led by:
- Jeffrey Unger - Chairman & CEO, founder with 30+ years as serial entrepreneur and C-level executive
- Matt Konkle - President
- Ben Wright - Chief Operating Officer
Sector leaders include:
- Victoria Arrigoni - Managing Director, Head of Industrials & Manufacturing
- Kerri Ford - Managing Director, Head of Technology & Business Services
- Morgan Ley - Managing Director, Consumer & Retail
- Blake Vaughn - Managing Director, Transportation & Logistics
- Dan Devorsetz - Managing Director, Restructuring, Insolvency & Fiduciary Services
- Andrew Keleher - Managing Director, Head of Sponsor Coverage & Buy-Side Advisory
Additional senior professionals with relevant expertise include managing directors across restructuring, special situations, capital markets, and insolvency services, supported by experienced directors, vice presidents, and senior associates.
Geographic Coverage
Headquartered in Boston, MA. Serves clients nationwide with focus on major metropolitan areas across North America. The firm serves businesses across multiple geographies with particular concentration in Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Southeast regions.
Recent Recognition
G2 was named a finalist in nine categories at the 2024 M&A Advisor Awards, demonstrating peer recognition and significant deal activity. The firm has been featured in M&A advisory rankings and industry publications.