Build, buy, or sell?

Ulmer Partner Ilir Pipa focuses his practice on securities, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate transactions. He has broad M&A experience representing buyers and sellers of companies operating in a spectrum of industries, including representing private equity funds and search funds in connection with their acquisition transactions.

Michael is CEO of Malachite Innovations, a public company dedicated to improving the health and wellness of people and the planet. Michael is also Chief Investment Officer of Tower 1, a single member family office. Michael has over twenty-five years of investment and advisory experience serving in key leadership roles in well over 100 transactions totaling more than $3 billion in value.

Steve joined ABCO Fire Protection, Inc. in June 2012, and was promoted to president in 2014.  In 2018, upon the merger of ISA and ABCO, he became COO.  His current responsibilities include P&L responsibility for all branches, operational improvements, team development and oversight of approximately 350 employees.   He also takes a primary role in branch acquisition integrations.

Previously, Steve held roles at several companies including GCA Services, Barnes Distribution and American Greetings.

Laurie Gatten, CPA, CEPA, CFE is a Director in the M&A and Audit department at Barnes Wendling CPAs, Inc. She has 25 years of experience in providing quality of earnings, due diligence procedures, and audit services to privately held companies in the service, manufacturing, and distribution industries. Laurie carries the designation of CEPA, which is a certified exit planning advisor.