The Power of Partnership: Walden M&A and Cornerstone International Alliance

Collaboration and strategic partnerships are crucial for both the buy-side and sell-side during mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This is why Walden M&A proudly serves as a founding member of the Cornerstone International Alliance (CIA). 

This global network of M&A firms provides unparalleled resources, support, and opportunities for its members, ultimately enhancing their ability to serve clients.

We recently sat down with Nick Olsen, Managing Director of CIA, to discuss the value this partnership brings to Walden, our clients, and other M&A professionals.  As Olsen put it, the Alliance operates with an “abundance mindset—we’re all stronger together than we are individually.”

So, what exactly does CIA offer its members?

1. Global Reach & Collaboration

CIA boasts over 160 M&A advisors across 32 member firms and four continents. This extensive network provides immediate access to a deep bench of experts and facilitates cross-border deals. 

The network fosters collaboration, allowing members to share best practices, learn from each other’s experiences, and even collaborate on deals. This cross-firm support can assist in completing details and achieving higher sale prices.

“Being a business owner can be a lonely place,” Olsen said. “Having people to talk to who are at your level and experiencing the same challenges can be amazingly helpful.” 

2. Exclusive Resources & Tools

CIA provides members with access to valuable tools and resources that would be cost-prohibitive to acquire individually. 

This includes comprehensive research databases, buyer lists, and industry analysis tools, which empower members to better serve their clients and navigate the complexities of M&A transactions with confidence.

As one of CIA’s founding firms, the Walden team has firsthand experience with the value these tools can provide.

“CIA’s reduced-cost access to tools and resources is a major benefit for us,” said Walden M&A President John Phillips. “These resources help us identify potential buyers for our clients quickly and provide them with the critical information they need to make informed decisions.”

3. Ongoing Learning & Development

CIA fosters a culture of continuous learning through monthly mastermind sessions, in-person conferences, and peer groups for different roles within M&A firms. 

These initiatives provide valuable opportunities for professional development and networking, and Olsen says the importance of these gatherings can’t be overstated. 

“We’re on monthly Zoom calls, and we’ve created peer groups within the Alliance for different M&A roles,” Olsen said. “They all talk to each other, learn from each other, and help each other out as well.”

4. Enhanced Brand Recognition

Being part of CIA enhances a firm’s credibility and visibility in the market. The Alliance’s collective experience and impressive track record – over 4,200 closed deals and 1,500 plus years of M&A experience – strengthen the reputation of its members. 

“The stats are crazy,” Olsen said. “Over the last three years, we’ve averaged $1.2 billion in total enterprise value of deals closed, which equates to an average of 155 closed deals a year. No one can replicate that individually.” 

For Walden, the benefits of CIA membership extend beyond resources and valuable buyer relationships.  

“The Alliance provides our firm the opportunity to serve clients nationally and internationally,” Phillips said. “We are able to connect with potential sellers and buyers regardless of their location.”

5. Marketing Support

CIA provides members with valuable marketing materials, including newsletters and blog articles, and access to exclusive distribution lists, which include active sellers and potential buyers. This content helps firms stay top-of-mind with clients and referral sources. 

“For the private equity firms we’re connected to, it’s amazing for them to get 32 firms’ deals in one spot instead of going to each firm individually,” Olsen said. “The newsletters are a way to stay top of mind without always pitching your services.”

Maximizing Value in the Cornerstone International Alliance

To truly reap the benefits of CIA membership, firms must actively engage and contribute to the network. This includes participating in meetings, attending conferences, sharing expertise, and building relationships with fellow members.

“This is a gym, not a spa,” Olsen said. “The more you put into it, the more you’re going to get out of it.” 

Walden M&A’s Commitment to Collaboration

Walden’s membership in CIA underscores our commitment to providing clients with the highest level of service and expertise. By leveraging the resources and connections available through the Alliance, we continue strengthening our position as a leader in the lower middle market M&A space.

Interested in learning more about the Cornerstone International Alliance?

Visit the Cornerstone International Alliance website and check out Nick Olsen’s podcast, The M&A Mastermind Podcast, available on all major podcast platforms. 

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