Setting the standard

Setting the standard Mergers & Acquisitions’ annual M&A Mid-Market Awards honor the leading dealmakers and deals that set the standard for transactions in the middle market. To determine the winners, we consider a variety of factors, including market leadership, performance, growth, innovation and thought leadership. We look for companies and individuals who overcame the challenges the year brought, embodied the trends of the period and took their businesses to the next level. We value companies that changed the M&A landscape, expanded into new territories and transformed their businesses.

Eligibility and nomination process

To be eligible for Mergers & Acquisitions' M&A Mid-Market Awards, deals must: be valued at or below roughly $1 billion and have been completed (not just announced) by Dec. 31 of the award year. Nominations are encouraged, although not required. The nomination process is online, and we accept submissions only through our electronic forms. We announce the opening of the nomination process on our website and through our daily e-newsletters in late December or early January. The deadline for nominations is typically in late January or early February. There is no fee, and there is no limit on the number of nominations submitted by a firm or individual. We bestow M&A Mid-Market Awards in 8 categories. Winners are announced in late March on our website, www.TheMiddleMarket.com, and in the April issue of our magazine. Here's a look at 5 years of winners.

Deal of the Year

Recognizes a transformative transaction that made a significant impact on the buyer’s strategy and/or an industry. The award goes to the buyer. Corporations and private equity firms are eligible. Winners have included: 2018: Fortive (Gordian) 2017: Stryker (Novadaq) 2016: Resmed (Brightree) 2015: Amazon (Elemental Technologies) 2014: Thoma Bravo (TravelClick)

Dealmaker of the Year

Honors an individual who made a significant impact on M&A. The award goes to an individual. All dealmakers are eligible. Winners have included: 2018: Hollie Haynes, Luminate Capital Partners 2017: Randy Jacops, Idera 2016: Greg Sandfort, Tractor Supply 2015: David Brackett, John Martin, Anatares Capital 2014: Gretchen Perkins, Huron Capital Partners

Private Equity Firm of the Year

Recognizes a PE firm that stood out in a competitive landscape. The award goes to the firm, and only PE firms are eligible. Winners have included: 2018: TA Associates 2017: LLR Partners 2016: Francisco Partners 2015: Audax 2014: HGGC

Private Equity Seller of the Year

Recognizes a PE firm that excelled in exits. The award goes to the firm, and only PE firms are eligible. Winners have included: 2018: The Riverside Co. 2017: Huron Capital 2016: The Halifax Group 2015: The Riverside Co. 2014: The Riverside Co.

Strategic Buyer of the Year

Honors a corporation that wielded M&A to transform or significantly expand its business and/or an industry. The award goes to the company, and only corporations are eligible. Winners have included: 2018: Nike 2017: Campbell Soup 2016: Dover 2015: Newell Rubbermaid 2014: PPG Industries

Investment Bank of the Year

Honors a firm that outshone the competition. The award goes to the firm, and only full-service investment banks are eligible. Winners have included: 2018: Harris Williams 2017: WIlliam Blair 2016: Harris Williams 2015: KeyBanc 2014: Piper Jaffray

Lender of the Year

Honors a lender that ran ahead of the pack. The award goes to the lender, and only lenders are eligible. Winners have included: 2018: Monroe Capital 2017: Twin Brook 2016: Golub 2015: NewStar 2014: GE Capital

Law Firm of the Year

Recognizes a law firm that excelled. The award goes to the firm, and only law firms are eligible. Winners have included: 2018: Goodwin 2017: McGuireWoods 2016: Kirkland & Ellis 2015: Milbank 2014: Jones Day