State of the Sell-Side of M&A: Adapting to today’s deal dynamics

Casey Chopek leads J.P. Morgan's investment banking coverage of the Carolinas, focusing on sell-side M&A for middle market clients across a variety of industries. He has extensive transaction experience including buy side and sell side M&A, leveraged buyouts, initial public offerings, follow on offerings, high yield bonds and leveraged loans. Mr. Chopek’s sector experience spans a broad range of industries, with a focus in Transportation & Logistics, Business Services and Consumer & Retail.

Prior to joining J.P. Morgan in 2021, Mr. Chopek was a Vice President and later a Director at Piper Sandler, and previously worked within the investment banking divisions of Wells Fargo and Barclays. Mr. Chopek holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Flagler school of business, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Guilford College.

Jose R. Costa has a long track record of successfully creating corporate value and leading large, multi-unit retail organizations with responsibility of +$2B in annual sales. Mr. Costa is a change agent that has increased organizational performance in multiple industries through identifying and realizing new growth opportunities, developing integrated strategies, hiring and developing exceptional talent, and delivering flawless execution. Skilled in mergers and acquisitions and integrating complex businesses in both company and franchise operations.

Mr. Costa possess deep expertise growing private equity portfolio companies as both senior executive and board director for several of the largest consumer focused PE groups (3G Capital, Harvest Partners, Roark Capital Group, HAL Investments, The Jordan Company, Durational Capital Management, A&M Capital Opportunities and Oaktree Capital Management) in North America and Europe.

Keith Luedeman is founder and former CEO of goodmortgage.com, an award winning internet mortgage lender. Keith led goodmortgage.com to be recognized for many successes including Best Place to Work for Mid-Size Companies and Online Lender of the Year by the Mortgage Bankers Association. Under Keith's guidance, goodmortgage.com was named to the Inc. 5000 five times, earning it a place on the Inc. 5000 Honor Roll.

Earning individual awards along the way, such as NCTA Tech Exec of the Year, Keith developed a reputation as a passionate entrepreneur who shares his business wisdom as Board Chair of Innovate Charlotte, Board Chair of the Queens University Entrepreneurial Leadership Circle Advisory Board, an active investor in the Charlotte Region and a mentor to startups.

Co-founder of Packard Place, RevTechLabs, and RevTechLabs Capital. Member of Charlotte Angel Fund and Venture South investing groups. RevTechLabs also produces the Fintech Generations and Venture 135 Conferences in Charlotte