Middle Market Deals and how to buy, sell and raise capital from $5 to $500 million

Investment Bank:  As an investment banker, I've learned that most people in the middle market world don't have a clear understanding about what an investment bank does.

Most people do understand that large investment banks help take companies public, but may not appreciate what else they do or how they might help a company that is not seeking to go public.

Ultimately, a public offering (IPO) is means of accomplishing two objectives: 1)  create liquidity for owners and investors, and 2) raise capital to facilitate growth or reduce debt.

Middle market companies often seek to accomplish these objectives without an IPO.  Middle market investment banks can help to accomplish both by using private offerings to raise capital or mergers and acquisitions to help create liquidity.

Today, many private equity firms--who generally rely on intermediaries, including investment banks for deal flow--are willing to allow entrepreneurs to take money off the table at the time of an investment, accomplishing both of the objectives of the IPO without a public offering.

Investment banking firms are typically registered with the NASD.