Kalamazoo gets new expertise in mergers and acquisition

The merger and acquisition advisers, The Charter Group, has expanded its operations into Kalamazoo.

The company, which currently has offices in Grand Rapids and Mishawaka, Ind., has entered into an agreement with regional economic development organization Southwest Michigan First and will use its offices as it pursues investment opportunities in Southwest Michigan. The Charter Group primarily handles transactions ranging from $5 million to $50 million.

Principals at The Charter Group also manage Michigan Accelerator Fund I, a venture capital fund that provides early-stage capital to Michigan-based ventures.

John Kerschen, Managing Director of The Charter Group and the Michigan Accelerator Fund-1 says the partnership with Southwest Michigan First will enable his company to offer merger and acquisition services to local businesses with more ease of access.

“Together, we provide companies with the right combination of resources and funding that will enable them to thrive and help grow our regional economy,” Kerschen says.

The Charter Group will be holding office hours at least three days a month as part of the formal partnership agreement.

“This partnership will help us to match, better serve and produce successful outcomes for strong companies and qualified investors,” says Ron Kitchens, Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Michigan First.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: John Kerschen, The Charter Group and the Michigan Accelerator Fund-1