Mazzone & Associates Research
Advisory Approach
Mazzone & Associates is an Atlanta-based mergers and acquisitions advisory firm founded in 2005 by Dominic C. Mazzone. The firm operates with a distinctive thesis: M&A transactions are life events for entrepreneurs and families, not just financial deals. This perspective shapes their entire approach—they view engagements through three lenses simultaneously: as advisors providing transactional expertise, as operators who understand the complexities of running businesses, and as investors who recognize what creates lasting value.
The firm's core differentiation lies in the operating experience of its senior professionals. All principals have held roles as CEOs, board members, general counsels, presidents, CFOs, and corporate development officers. They have sat in the same seats as their clients and understand the operational, legal, financial, and human dimensions of business ownership. This allows them to provide holistic advice that transcends pure transaction mechanics.
Mazzone & Associates has no "B Team"—every engagement receives the attention of senior professionals with their combined century-plus of corporate finance experience. The firm has worked on hundreds of transactions totaling over $20 billion in enterprise value across domestic and international markets.
Sector Focus
Mazzone & Associates maintains deep expertise across multiple industry verticals, with particular strength in industrials, packaging, and manufacturing:
Paper, Plastics & Packaging: The firm runs a dedicated packaging practice with dedicated content and industry insights. They have completed numerous transactions in plastic packaging and products, paper packaging and products, specialty coating & materials, converting equipment, contract packaging, and packaging distribution. Notable transactions include Roplast Industries' sale to PreZero (Schwarz Group), Rayven's sale to Duraco Specialty Tapes, and New Era Converting Machinery's sale to IPCO AB.
Manufacturing: Both discrete and process manufacturing are core competencies. The firm has advised precision machining companies (Precision Machining Group, Chicago Industrial Fasteners), forging manufacturers (Larson Forgings), building products companies (MVP Granite Countertops), and industrial equipment manufacturers (New Era Converting Machinery). Their manufacturing transactions span aerospace components, fluid power, material handling, agriculture, industrial, and oil & gas applications.
Distribution & Logistics: Wholesale distribution is a significant vertical. Transactions include J.J. Jardina (fresh produce distribution serving the Southeast since 1925) and Chicago Industrial Fasteners (distributor of specialty fasteners across North America).
Food & Beverage: The firm has completed multiple transactions in food and beverage, including Country Pure Foods (branded and private label beverage products) and various foodservice acquisitions. The team understands the nuances of co-packing, distribution to institutional channels, and perishable product logistics.
Building Products & Services: Mazzone has completed numerous transactions in building materials, exterior products, flooring, kitchen & bath, lighting, and window & door. Transactions include Perma R Products (building envelope materials), H&W Printing (marketing solutions), and General Building Maintenance (facility services).
Aerospace & Defense: The firm advised Charles E. Larson & Sons, a 130-year-old premier manufacturer of seamless rolled rings and open-die forgings for aircraft engines, on its merger with Pursuit Aerospace. This transaction demonstrates the firm's ability to handle complex, founder-led manufacturing businesses with mission-critical aerospace applications.
Healthcare: Transactions include DentalPost (HR technology for dental professionals), various physician practice groups, and healthcare technology companies. The firm understands healthcare services, devices & supplies, diagnostics, and healthcare technology sectors.
Technology & Business Services: Mazzone has completed transactions in managed IT services, IT security, communication software, financial technology, and education technology. Notable transactions include iVision's sale to CIVC Partners and DentalPost's sale to itrac.
Deal Track Record
Mazzone & Associates has closed transactions consistently across market cycles, with notable recent activity including five transactions in the first half of 2025 alone. Recent representative transactions include:
- MVP Granite Countertops → Construction Resources (2025): Charleston-based surface fabrication and installation services provider sold to subsidiary of The Home Depot
- New Era Converting Machinery → IPCO AB (2025): Global supplier of web converting equipment sold to Sweden-based industrial process solutions provider
- Charles E. Larson & Sons → Pursuit Aerospace (2024): 130-year-old forging manufacturer merged with portfolio company of Greenbriar Equity Group and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
- Roplast Industries → PreZero US (2024): Sustainable packaging manufacturer sold to subsidiary of Schwarz Group (German multinational)
- Chicago Industrial Fasteners → AFC Industries (2023): Leading distributor of specialty fasteners sold to portfolio company of Bertram Capital Management
- Precision Machining Group → The Boler Company (2023): Portfolio company of Trivest Partners sold to strategic buyer
- DentalPost → itrac (2021): Dental HR technology platform sold to portfolio company of 424 Capital and HealthEdge Investment Partners
- iVision → CIVC Partners (2020): IT managed services firm sold to private equity
- J.J. Jardina Management Buyout (2025): Third-generation family-owned produce distributor completed MBO with senior debt financing from Synovus
- Matter Surfaces → Gerflor Group (2025): Architectural surface solutions provider sold to global flooring company headquartered in France
The firm's aggregate transaction history spans hundreds of deals across its 20-year history, with founder Dominic Mazzone personally executing transactions totaling more than $20 billion in collective enterprise value.
Process & Fee Structure
Mazzone & Associates runs institutional-quality processes tailored to lower middle market companies. Their approach emphasizes:
Pre-Engagement Planning: For many clients, Mazzone begins advising 1-2 years before a sale process formally launches. As evidenced by client testimonials, the firm provides guidance on strengthening the business, improving financial reporting, and preparing for sale—which directly impacts valuation and outcomes.
Comprehensive Buyer Outreach: The firm maintains relationships with 2,000+ private equity firms, family offices, and strategic acquirers globally. They conduct exhaustive outreach processes, typically contacting 200-400 potential buyers per engagement to ensure maximum market coverage.
Cross-Border Capability: With offices in Atlanta and Chicago, plus experience executing international transactions (Poland acquisition, French strategic buyer, Swedish strategic buyer), Mazzone can navigate cross-border complexities.
Timeline: Typical sell-side engagements span 6-9 months from engagement to close, though this varies by market conditions and company complexity.
The firm's fee structure follows industry standards for lower middle market M&A advisory, though specific terms are negotiated per engagement.
Buyer Network
Mazzone & Associates maintains deep relationships across the buyer spectrum:
Private Equity: The firm has closed transactions with numerous PE firms including Trivest Partners, Bertram Capital Management, Blue Point Capital Partners, 424 Capital, HealthEdge Investment Partners, CIVC Partners, Greenbriar Equity Group, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Prudential Private Capital, and OpenGate Capital. They understand PE investment criteria, portfolio strategies, and acquisition processes.
Strategic Buyers: International strategic transactions include Gerflor Group (France), Schwarz Group/PreZero (Germany), IPCO AB (Sweden), and The Boler Company. Domestic strategics include The Home Depot (via Construction Resources), AFC Industries, INDEVCO North America, and numerous corporate buyers.
Family Offices: The firm regularly works with family office buyers including Crown Capital Investments and ValorBridge Partners.
Buyer Network Strength (from tracked deals): Approximately 60% of tracked transactions involve private equity buyers, 30% involve strategic or family office buyers, and 10% involve other buyer types including international buyers.
Competitive Positioning
Mazzone & Associates differentiates through several key advantages:
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Operating Experience: Every senior professional has held operating roles (CEO, CFO, General Counsel, etc.)—they understand what it's like to run a business, not just advise on transactions.
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No "B Team": Senior professionals work on every engagement. Clients don't get handed off to junior staff.
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Early Engagement Model: Mazzone often begins advising clients well before sale processes, helping them strengthen operations and financial reporting to maximize exit value.
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Industry Specialization: Deep expertise in packaging, manufacturing, and distribution with dedicated research and content.
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Cross-Border Capability: Experience executing international transactions with European and global buyers.
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Holistic Perspective: The firm views transactions through advisor, operator, and investor lenses simultaneously.
Not a Fit If
Based on their positioning and deal history, Mazzone & Associates typically declines:
- Businesses below $10 million TEV (too small for their model)
- Pure asset sales or liquidations (they focus on going-concern enterprises)
- Transactions requiring limited buyer outreach (their value is in comprehensive processes)
- Industries outside their expertise areas (though they cover broad industrials, packaging, manufacturing, distribution)
Team
Dominic C. Mazzone – Managing Director & Founder: Founded Mazzone & Associates in 2005 after serving as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Oxford Industries, and previously heading M&A at The Home Depot. He began his career at Alston & Bird LLP focusing on M&A, securities, and finance transactions. Has executed hundreds of transactions totaling more than $20 billion in collective enterprise value. Serves on the Board of Directors of Guardian Fueling Technologies. J.D. from Emory University with distinction, M.P.A. from Florida State University, B.A. from Wabash College.
Maury J. Bell – Managing Director: Leads the firm's Industrial Group focusing on manufacturing and food & beverage transactions. Joined Mazzone in 2014. Previously Managing Partner at DN Partners where he acted as General Partner for two private equity funds. Prior to that, headed M&A at EVEREN (completed 25 transactions totaling $1.5 billion) and was a Managing Director at Bear Stearns participating in 100+ investment banking assignments. B.A. in economics from Northwestern University (Phi Beta Kappa).
Jonathan T. White – Managing Director: Focuses on industrial transactions in printing, packaging, and manufacturing. Joined Mazzone in 2017. Previously Senior Director of Strategic Investments at Jabil Inc., CFO and Development Officer for private investing groups, Managing Director at a boutique packaging/plastics/chemicals investment bank, and began career at Rexam PLC and Andersen Consulting. B.S. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Phi Beta Kappa), MBA from Darden School at University of Virginia.
J. Stuart Sanford – Director: Advises on transactions in industrials, packaging, building products & services, healthcare, business services, technology, and specialty finance. Maintains relationships within institutional private equity and private debt communities. Oversees firm's packaging and industrial market coverage. Joined Mazzone in 2012 after nearly four years at Deloitte & Touche as an auditor in alternative investment management. CPA licensed in New York. B.S. from Washington and Lee University.
Dustin A. Ramsey – Director: Expertise focused in industrial and business services industries. Joined Mazzone in 2013. Previously senior financial analyst at NAPA (Genuine Parts Company) corporate finance group and began career as auditor at Frazier & Deeter. B.B.A. in finance and accounting from Georgia State University (honors), M.B.A. from Emory University.
Dustin R. Dawson – Vice President: Worked on 20+ transactions since joining in 2017, advising clients in buy-side and sell-side engagements across industrials, business services, technology & software, packaging, and building products. Began as Analyst and earned successive promotions to VP. B.B.A. in Finance from University of Georgia. Holds FINRA Series 27, 63, 7, 24, and 79 licenses.
Geographic Coverage
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in Atlanta and Chicago. Core markets include the Southeast (Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee) and broader United States. The firm executes transactions nationally and internationally, with recent cross-border transactions involving buyers in France, Germany, Sweden, and Poland.
FINRA Registration
Mazzone & Associates, LLC is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer (CRD# 144159) established in Georgia since 2007. The firm has zero disclosures. Dominic Mazzone serves as CEO/CCO/Executive Rep/AMLCO, and Stuart Sanford serves as FINOP & CFO. The firm is registered in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, plus federally with SEC and FINRA.