News & Events

Smith Whiley & Company receives double honor

The M&A Advisor — a publication dedicated to middle market merger and acquisition activity — recently announced the finalists for the 4th Annual M&A Advisor Awards. Smith Whiley & Company and Venita E. Fields, Sr. Managing Director at Smith Whiley & Company are finalists in two categories: Financing Deal of the Year and Woman Deal Maker of the Year for the Firm’s investment in The Holland Group. The award winners will be announced at a black tie dinner on Monday, December 5, 2005 in New York City.

The 4th Annual M&A Awards is an annual selection of companies and individuals in the middle market M&A who have made contributions to this industry. Smith Whiley, through its SW Pelham Funds, invested $10.5 million in The Holland Group, Inc. (“Holland”). Holland is a 95 year old privately held corporation that generated sales in excess of $250 million at the time of the investment.

“We are proud of our past relationship and the recognition it has garnered. Venita and her team did a great job of recognizing opportunity and measuring risk,” Richard Muzzy, CEO of The Holland Group, Inc. responded when he was notified that Smith Whiley and Venita were finalists in two categories. Smith Whiley had a full realization within 17 months, generating above market returns. The CEO and founder of Smith Whiley, Gwendolyn Smith Iloani stated, “The timing of this transaction, called at the trough of the market, exemplifies the hard work of the investment team led by Venita Fields. The structure creatively addressed the needs of a family-owned business yet met the economic demands of our Fund. We feel a great deal of pride and gratification that the investment and Ms. Fields have been recognized by our industry.”

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