All your questions answered

About Crain’s M&A Deals and Dealmakers: 

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. 

What is the deadline for nomination? Jan. 24, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST  

What is the criteria for Deal of the Year? 

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

• Industries include 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.

What is the criteria for Dealmaker of the Year? 

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. 
• Advisor: 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.

What is the criteria for Hall of Fame?

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.

I was recognized as an M&A Deals and Dealmaker, can I be on the list again? 

If you were recognized in the Dealmaker of the Year or Deal of the Year categories, you are eligible for nomination. Hall of Fame is a one-time honor. We recommend checking out Crain's Notables and Women of Influence as additional opportunities for recognition. 

How do I submit a nomination? 

We only accept nominations via the online form. We do not accept nominations via phone, email, mail or fax. We need the detailed information called for in the online nomination form.  

• To get started: Click the nomination 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.

How much does it cost to submit? 

There is no fee to nominate a 2025 M&A Deals and Dealmakers candidate.   

Does it matter who submits the nomination? 

You can nominate yourself, a client, a family member, your boss, an employee or an acquaintance. The most important thing is that you state a clear, business-oriented reason for the nomination. It is helpful for a nominator to be in a position to be objective, but no one is disqualified based on who did the nominating.  

Can you send me a copy of my nomination form? 

To download a copy of your completed nomination, sign into your account and click "complete" under "my applications." On the next screen, you can view or print your completed nominations. 

What is the process like? 

After we receive nominations, Crain’s editors hold a series of meetings to determine who will be chosen. We strive to come up with a diverse list that represents a broad spectrum of the fields, companies and organizations we cover.  

When will honorees be notified? 

M&A Deals and Dealmakers honorees will be notified approximately 5 weeks before publication day. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide status updates until congratulatory letters are sent.  

What is required of those who are selected? 

M&A Deals and Dealmakers honorees participate in an interview with Crain’s editorial team. Declining this request will disqualify the candidate.  

Can you provide feedback on why I was not selected? 

Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual feedback on why you were not picked. It likely won't be for one reason and for reasons related to presenting a diverse range of professions and industries. 

Check out our latest M&A Deals and Dealmakers class & reach out to Crain's Recognitions Team with additional questions. 

Get alerted when M&A Deals and Dealmakers publishes and learn more about the West Michigan Business scene by subscribing to Crain's Grand Rapids Business newsletters and updating your email preferences here.

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