MJC Partners Research
Advisory Approach
MJC Partners is a Los Angeles-based boutique investment banking firm founded on the principle of prioritizing relationships over transactions. The firm's culture emphasizes building intimate, long-term partnerships that are mutually beneficial for all parties involved. With a forward-thinking, progressive approach led by dynamic individuals, MJC Partners combines deep industry expertise with practical deal-making experience to deliver institutional-quality banking services to middle-market companies.
The firm's thesis centers on the belief that successful M&A outcomes stem from exhaustive buyer outreach combined with personalized, client-centric processes. MJC Partners prides itself on its work ethic and creative problem-solving abilities, approaching each engagement with a long-term perspective that prioritizes the client's sustained success over short-term transactional gains. This philosophy has resulted in a high rate of repeat clients who value the firm's dedication to understanding their unique objectives and delivering tailored solutions.
Sector Focus
MJC Partners maintains specialized expertise across financial institutions, financial technology, and blockchain sectors. The firm has established itself as the most active private placement agent for west-coast financial institutions, ranking #1 in private placements of bank equity and debt. Within financial institutions, the firm focuses on community banks, regional banks, and depository institutions, with particular depth in California and Western U.S. markets.
The firm has strategically expanded into blockchain and financial technology through the acquisition of a dedicated Blockchain & FinTech team in 2023, bringing on senior bankers with extensive experience from BTIG, Evercore, BlackRock, and Deutsche Bank. This expansion allows MJC Partners to advise clients across capital raising, M&A, and SPAC transactions in the digital assets space. The firm also maintains capabilities in technology, media/entertainment, and cannabis sectors.
Deal Track Record
MJC Partners has completed 50+ transactions representing over $120 billion in aggregate value, with a particular concentration in bank M&A and private placements. The firm's transaction history spans from 2014 to present, demonstrating consistent deal flow through multiple economic cycles.
Notable recent transactions include serving as exclusive financial advisor to Bank of Idaho Holding Co. in its $245.4 million sale to Glacier Bancorp (January 2025), advising Southern California Bancorp in its $234 million merger of equals with California Bancorp (January 2024), and facilitating Manifest Financial's acquisition of Nerve Money (February 2024). The firm has advised on multiple bank transactions including Suncrest Bank's $234.2 million merger with CVB Financial Corp (2022), PBB Bancorp's $107.7 million sale to First Foundation (2018), and HomeStreet's $129.4 million acquisition of Simplicity Bancorp (2015).
The firm's private placement practice is equally robust, having completed numerous capital raises for community banks including Bank of Idaho ($53.3 million, 2022), Southern California Bancorp ($42 million, 2020), and Suncrest Bank ($25 million, 2018), among many others. MJC Partners has also served as financial advisor on branch acquisitions, debt offerings, and strategic fairness opinions.
Process & Fee Structure
MJC Partners runs institutional-quality sell-side processes with exhaustive buyer outreach. The firm's approach emphasizes comprehensive preparation including quality of earnings support, management presentation coaching, and structured data room preparation. Typical engagement structures include monthly retainers with success fees based on modified Lehman or other standard industry formulas. The firm requires exclusivity and typically focuses on transactions above $10 million in enterprise value.
The firm's process typically spans 6-9 months from engagement to close, with the team making 200-400 targeted buyer contacts per engagement—significantly above industry averages. This exhaustive approach ensures maximum valuation and optimal transaction terms for clients. MJC Partners also provides capital markets services, helping companies raise equity or debt funding for organic growth, M&A execution, or other strategic needs.
Buyer Network
MJC Partners maintains relationships with 2,000+ active private equity firms, strategic acquirers, and institutional investors. The firm has particular strength in connecting community bank sellers with regional bank acquirers, bank holding companies, and financial sponsors. Recent transactions demonstrate relationships with Glacier Bancorp, CVB Financial Corp, First Foundation, Banc of California, and numerous other banking institutions.
For blockchain and fintech clients, the firm brings relationships with strategic buyers, private equity firms specializing in digital assets, and public market participants. The Blockchain & FinTech team has spent 3+ years building differentiated relationships across the blockchain landscape, executing landmark transactions and developing domain expertise unmatched by traditional peers.
Competitive Positioning
MJC Partners differentiates through several key factors:
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Relationship-First Culture: The firm genuinely prioritizes long-term client relationships over transactional gains, resulting in high repeat client rates and deep client trust.
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Financial Institutions Dominance: MJC Partners ranks #1 in private placements of bank equity and debt on the West Coast, with unmatched expertise in community bank M&A.
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Blockchain & FinTech Leadership: The firm's dedicated blockchain team brings 30+ years of combined experience from top-tier institutions, providing differentiated advisory capabilities in digital assets.
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Exhaustive Process: 200-400 buyer contacts per engagement versus industry average of 50-100 ensures maximum valuation and terms.
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Senior Attention: Every engagement receives senior-level attention from Managing Directors and Partners, not junior associates.
Not a Fit If
MJC Partners typically declines:
- Transactions below $10 million in enterprise value
- Situations requiring limited buyer outreach (the firm's value is in exhaustive processes)
- Pure asset sales (focus on going-concern enterprises)
- Founders seeking quick exits without proper preparation
Team
The firm is led by Managing Partner and CEO Michael J. Cavallaro, who founded MJC Partners and also co-founded Manifest Financial. President Carlton Jenkins leads the financial services group with extensive experience in banking M&A. The team includes Managing Directors Eric M. Corrigan (30+ years experience, formerly at Commerce Street Capital, FBR, Stifel/KBW, and Salomon Brothers), Robert Fellinger (Blockchain & FinTech practice lead), and Robert Kuypkuyk (Senior Vice President). Supporting leadership includes Vice President Benjamin Hermann, Associate Alex Yoder, and Analyst Bobby Santos.
The firm expanded significantly in 2023-2024 with the addition of Eric M. Corrigan to deepen institutional knowledge in regional and community banking, and the acquisition of a three-person Blockchain & FinTech team including Nakul Mehta and Collin Finnerty from BTIG. The team collectively brings 150+ years of combined banking and investment banking experience.
Geographic Coverage
Headquartered at 300 S Grand Avenue in Los Angeles, CA, MJC Partners maintains a national presence with particular strength in Western U.S. markets. The firm has advised on transactions across California, Idaho, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Texas, and other states. The Blockchain & FinTech team addition expanded the firm's geographic reach to include New York. MJC Partners serves clients nationally across its focus sectors.