Greif & Co. Research
Advisory Approach
Greif & Co. is a Los Angeles-based boutique investment bank founded in 1992 by Lloyd Greif that specializes in advising entrepreneurially-owned and family-owned middle-market companies on mergers, acquisitions, financing, and recapitalizations. The firm's core thesis is that "the best investment banker puts the client's interests first," embodied in their mission statement drawn from Biblical principle: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This client-first approach, combined with aggressive deal execution and unwavering integrity, distinguishes Greif & Co. in an industry where many firms employ a "bait and switch" model (using senior bankers to pitch, then deploying junior bankers to execute). Greif & Co. maintains hands-on involvement from senior bankers through every stage of the transaction, regardless of deal size or complexity.
The firm brands itself as "The Entrepreneur's Investment Bank®" and has built a 30+ year track record of delivering exceptional results for closely-held business owners navigating what is often a once-in-a-lifetime transaction. Their philosophy emphasizes that entrepreneurs require not just technical banking expertise but also psychological insight—"I'm a trained psychologist based on doing deals with entrepreneurs," Lloyd Greif has said—understanding that ego, family dynamics, and legacy preservation matter as much as price optimization.
Sector Focus
Greif & Co. operates across a broad range of industries including consumer products and retail, food and beverage, aerospace and defense, healthcare and medical technology, entertainment and media, technology, manufacturing, business and professional services, and real estate. Within each sector, the firm develops deep industry expertise and long-standing buyer relationships, enabling them to understand both seller motivations and buyer synergies. The firm's transaction history demonstrates particular depth in consumer brands, specialty foods, building products, kitchen appliances, management consulting, and luxury footwear.
Deal Track Record
Greif & Co.'s transaction history spans three decades of high-profile, complex deals. Notable transactions include:
Recent Major Transactions:
- Skechers to 3G Capital (2025): $9.4 billion take-private deal for the Manhattan Beach footwear company founded by Robert Greenberg. Lloyd Greif served as close advisor to the Greenberg family. Transaction closed Q3 2025.
- C.R. Laurence to CRH plc (2016): $1.3 billion sale of the leading glazing products manufacturer and distributor to Dublin-based CRH. Greif & Co. conducted a robust global auction and negotiated 20-year lease extensions on all 36 facilities owned by the seller, achieving 30% above the client's price target.
Core Practice Transactions:
- Patrón Tequila partial stake to Bacardi (2004-2008): Greif & Co. arranged first debt financing ($20M) for the ultra-premium spirits brand, then negotiated a far higher competing offer from Bacardi for the Crowley Estate's 50% stake, more than doubling the offer from co-owner John Paul DeJoria. Settlement achieved in 2008.
- Dacor Holdings to Samsung Electronics (2016): Sold the ultra-premium residential kitchen appliance manufacturer to Samsung, providing the Korean conglomerate entry into the high-end North American market and access to three-building manufacturing campus in City of Industry, California.
- Senn Delaney Leadership Consulting to Heidrick & Struggles (2000s): Sold the pioneering corporate culture consulting firm for over $80 million—nearly three times revenue—to executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.
- Bristol Farms: Represented the specialty food retailer in a 2004 management buyout and subsequent 2010 sale, demonstrating repeat-client relationships.
- Allen Foods to U.S. Foodservice (date): Sold the largest independent broadline foodservice distributor in the Gateway Region for approximately $100 million at 16.4x EBITDA—a new industry high watermark.
The firm has completed transactions ranging from $30 million to $9+ billion, with a historical focus on the $50M-$500M middle market. Greif & Co. publicly states it has completed "100+ transactions" across its 30+ year history.
Process & Fee Structure
Greif & Co. offers a comprehensive sell-side M&A process including valuation assessment, go-to-market strategy, marketing materials, buyer identification and outreach, due diligence oversight, and transaction execution from beginning to closing. The firm does not publicly disclose specific fee structures, but engagements typically involve retainers credited against success fees, with structure varying by deal complexity and size.
The firm's process emphasizes exhaustive buyer outreach, institutional-quality process management, negotiation rigor, and protection of client interests throughout the transaction lifecycle. Notable process innovations include careful positioning of companies to appeal to strategic buyers by highlighting revenue-enhancing synergies, preparation of detailed financial adjustments (normalizations, add-backs) to support valuation, and structured earn-out components to provide further upside.
Buyer Network
Greif & Co. maintains deep relationships with strategic acquirers and private equity firms across industries. Transaction history shows successful placements with:
- Strategic buyers: CRH plc (building products), Samsung Electronics (appliances), Heidrick & Struggles (professional services), Bacardi (spirits), 3G Capital (food & consumer brands)
- Private equity relationships: The firm's portfolio encompasses both strategic transactions and PE-backed acquisitions, demonstrating ability to access institutional PE capital.
- International buyers: Strong capabilities in cross-border transactions (evidenced by CRH acquisition and international buyer relationships).
Competitive Positioning
Greif & Co. differentiates through:
- Founder-led firm with 30+ years of unbroken history — Lloyd Greif remains actively involved in transactions as President & CEO
- "Client first" culture — Explicit mission statement and reputation for putting seller interests above banking fees
- Hands-on execution — Senior bankers execute, not delegate to associates
- Integrity and long-term relationships — Repeat clients and referral-driven business model
- Psychological expertise — Understanding family dynamics, succession planning, and legacy preservation
- Process rigor — Exhaustive buyer outreach, careful diligence preparation, structured negotiations
- Los Angeles ecosystem — Deep relationships in entertainment, retail, consumer brands, real estate sectors
Not a Fit If
Greif & Co. is typically a fit for:
- Founder-owned or closely-held businesses
- Family businesses managing wealth transition or succession
- Companies seeking a strategic buyer (preferred over PE)
- Business owners who value relationship continuity and hands-on advice
Potentially less suited for:
- Distressed situations requiring rapid deployment of capital
- Sellers seeking anonymous or passive advisory relationships
- Highly leveraged or balance-sheet-constrained businesses
Team
Management includes Lloyd Greif (President & CEO, FINRA-registered, 30+ year veteran), David S. Felman (Senior Advisor), Brady Money (Managing Director), Donnie Crego (Vice President), Nick Sparks (Vice President), Rei Kalemi (Assistant Vice President), Ozzie Macedo (Chief Operating Officer), and Lynette Walker (Chief Financial Officer). All senior bankers are FINRA-registered representatives.
Geographic Coverage
Headquartered in Los Angeles (65th floor, 633 West Fifth Street). Operates primarily across the United States with strong Los Angeles, California, and Midwest presence. Demonstrated capability in international transactions (CRH, Samsung, other strategic buyers).
Market Positioning
Greif & Co. competes with larger bulge-bracket and mid-market advisory firms but differentiates through specialized focus on founder-owned, family-business clientele and hands-on senior banker involvement. The firm's mission-driven culture and uncompromising client focus have generated strong word-of-mouth and repeat business, enabling sustainable growth without aggressive expansion.