Crain’s Grand Rapids Business' M&A Deals and Dealmakers celebrates a legacy of excellence in showcasing significant transactions and honoring the professionals driving them forward.

For over a decade, we have highlighted the region’s exceptional dealmaking prowess, underscoring West Michigan’s capacity for innovation and resilience in navigating complex business landscapes. This award recognizes outstanding achievements, fostering a dynamic business environment and setting the stage for continued growth. We champion the innovators and leaders shaping West Michigan’s economic future, committed to sustaining prosperity for generations to come. 

Nominations are due by Jan. 24 at 11:59 PM EST. Click here to nominate an M&A deal or dealmaker.

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Company nominations:

Deal of the Year: Awards companies representing the sophistication and caliber of West Michigan dealmaking. 

• Industries: Manufacturing, professional services, finance/banking, retail, real estate/development, economic development, health care, life sciences/medical devices, technology and nonprofits 
• Types of deals recognized include, but not limited to merger, acquisition, stock offering, divestiture, exit, recapitalization, ESOP, MBO, venture capital deal, private equity deal, joint venture, strategic alliance, property deal or economic development deal  
• Include performance metrics, community impact and/or press materials. 
• All M&A activity disclosed for publication must close between Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024.

Individual nominations:

Dealmaker of the Year: Awards individuals who displayed leadership and creativity in helping complete one or more transactions. The categories are: 

• Executive: Senior corporate executive who made at least one notable deal in the last year. 
• Adviser: Lawyer, investment banker, or business broker who advised on numerous notable or complex deals over the last year. 
• Investor: Venture capital leader, private equity executive, or family office executive, who closed notable or complex deals over the last year. 
• Young Dealmaker: A rising star in the M&A industry who had a breakout year. Nominees must be 34 years old or younger as of Dec. 31, 2024, to qualify.  
• All M&A activity disclosed for publication must close between Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024.

Hall of Fame: Recognizes an individual who leaves an indelible mark on the West Michigan community through their body of work and industry contributions. 

• Hall of Fame is a one-time honor and previous recipients are not eligible for nomination in this category. 
• Nominees must have at least 10 years of experience in their field. 
• Nomination should showcase career professional achievements and impact on West Michigan community.
• Include performance metrics, awards received and/or press materials.
• Please highlight involvement in any of the following: community and/or philanthropic activities, mentoring programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• All M&A activity disclosed for publication must close before Dec. 31, 2024.

How to nominate:

• To get started, click the application link and sign into your account. If you do not have an account, you will be asked to create one before you can proceed with the nomination form. We recommend using Chrome or Firefox web browsers to complete your application. 
  • To finish an incomplete nomination: Sign into your account and choose either the "incomplete" or "in progress" option as shown on the next page. Then, select "edit" on the following page to complete the previously started submission.

Honoree notification: M&A Deals and Dealmakers honorees will be notified by phone or email approximately 5 weeks before publication. Please note that we do not notify all applicants, only those we have chosen to include.

Got questions? We have answers. Check out our FAQ page to see answers to the most common questions.

Contact us: To address technical issues with the submission form, please contact us at GrandRapidsRecognitions@crain.com

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Submit an individual or company nomination for M&A Deals and Dealmakers.

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