Thirty years ago, PMCF Investment Banking set out with a clear mission: to redefine how middle‑market businesses approach M&A.
The letter of incorporation for PMCF was signed on December 15, 1995, which laid the groundwork for a firm built on expertise, integrity, and a commitment to long-term client success.
I had the privilege of joining PMCF in its earliest days — a time marked by energy, ambition, and a genuine excitement about what we were building. Led by Phil Gilbert, we were a small team, learning quickly, forging relationships, and shaping a culture rooted in collaboration and client-first thinking.
The company was built on the foundational principles of Plante Moran, tailored for investment banking. The “We Care” approach, fueled by the Golden Rule, became the basis of our culture and drives the way we treat our clients and each other.
Looking back, it was truly a unique approach for the investment banking industry, but at the time, it felt natural: a team of investment bankers focused on staying true to our culture and core values.
As I reflect on PMCF’s growth, a few foundational principles stand out:
A Long-Term Client View
We’ve always believed investment banking is more than facilitating a transaction. It’s about understanding each client’s goals and supporting them holistically, sometimes over many years, to help them achieve the best possible outcome.
Middle‑Market Focus
By dedicating ourselves exclusively to the middle market, we deeply understand the opportunities, pressures, and complexities our clients face.
Creativity in Every Engagement
No two clients or businesses are alike. We tailor every transaction approach, bringing unique ideas and positioning to meet each client’s objectives.
Industry Specialization
Our sector-aligned teams offer differentiated insight, allowing us to bring a sharper perspective and strategic clarity to every engagement.
Progress Shaped By Purpose
These pillars, and the team culture behind them, have guided us for three decades. They are the reason clients trust us, the reason our team thrives, and the reason PMCF continues to grow.
Over the years, our investment bankers have shared market insights, offered perspective, and helped leaders envision and build their futures. Our willingness to do what’s right for the client — even when it means waiting — remains uncommon in our industry. Yet we’ve never wavered from it.
Because of this long-term view, we’ve grown from a small group of bankers to a team approaching 50 professionals serving clients across a wide range of industries. Many of our senior leaders began their careers here, rising through the firm and shaping its direction.
In 2006, PMCF was among the founding firms of Corporate Finance International, further expanding our capabilities through a global advisory platform upon its incorporation in 2007 and coupling us with 300+ investment bankers This decision deepened our industry expertise and enabled us to support clients with cross-border transactions that are rarely accessible to middle-market businesses.
As we look ahead to the next 30 years, one lesson stands above all: lasting value is created through genuine partnership with our clients. It’s built by challenging assumptions, thinking creatively, and guiding clients through increasingly complex landscapes with clarity and confidence.
In the coming decades, middle-market leaders will undoubtedly face new opportunities and obstacles, shaped by their unique goals, pressures, and opportunities. As that journey unfolds, we remain committed to walking alongside you with the same steadiness and purpose that has carried us this far.
