Does Sokol Associates work with business owners outside of Chicago?

Yes. While Sokol Associates is based in Chicago, Illinois, the firm advises business owners throughout the Midwest and across the United States, including owners in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Charlotte, Dallas, and Atlanta, on M&A and ownership transition matters.

What size businesses does Sokol Associates advise on mergers and acquisitions?

Sokol Associates specializes in the lower to middle market, advising on transactions for privately held businesses with a purchase valuation between $2 million and $40 million.

Does Sokol Associates offer management consulting in addition to M&A advisory?

Sokol Associates' core practice is M&A advisory and buyer representation, informed by decades of hands-on management, financial, and operational consulting experience across industrial, automotive, construction, and consumer businesses.

Sokol Associates

Mergers Acquisitions | Buyer Representation

Guiding Private Business Through Transition.

I specialize exclusively in the lower to middle market where my expertise and buyer network is strongest; providing a controlled transition process to maintain the continuity of your company, its customers, suppliers, and employees.

Businesses with a purchase valuation of $2 to $40M are my niche. I deliver personalized attention from our first conversation through closing. Each engagement receives the focus and expertise it deserves from decades of firsthand experience, and a network of relationships built over a career.

I am dedicated to achieving your goals.

Sokol Associates was established to help privately held businesses discreetly transition ownership. My methodology avoids the ‘for sale’ marketplace to identify and secure the most appropriate buyer to ensure the long-term success of your business.

As an independent M&A advisor, I deliver objective, unconflicted guidance to secure the best possible results.

About Sokol Associates

Daniel Sokol

Principal

My business career began as the youngest owner of medallion taxicabs and 24-hour fleet maintenance centers in Chicago and New York City. A private investor motivated me to sell my business and transition to Wall Street.

The success I achieved with a private investment bank led me to Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb. The experience and training enabled me to join a legendary M&A deal maker and hone my skills and knowledge in acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and corporate development.

Thereafter I was recruited by a family office as Director of Corporate Development focused on acquiring retail, consumer product, and industrial manufacturing businesses; I was responsible for new investments, financial modeling, and performance improvement. Aggregate portfolio sales exceeded $750M.

Post 9/11, I began working independently and focused my advisory practice on industries of personal interest: AEC, industrial services, automotive, and turnarounds.

I attended Northwestern and NYU, however, building a business, 100+ hour weeks, managing people, and solving problems with limited resources were the better education. Interacting with people from every walk of life was instrumental in my business and career on Wall Street.

Focusing on education and one-on-one tutoring, I volunteered extensively with The Fortune Society, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and The St. Augustine School.

M&A Advisory Services

Industries and Companies Served

I represent a select group of strategic buyers, family offices, and private equity firms pursuing both platform and add-on acquisitions. The sale process is highly controlled, confidential and enables the transition to occur discreetly, without the risks of broad market exposure.

Your business represents far more than monetary value – it reflects years of hard work, personal sacrifice, and commitment. This is not just a financial transaction, it’s a life event. I am here to advocate for you, your business, and your family.

Based in Chicago, I work with business owners throughout North America and maintain relationships with buyers in the US, EU and Asia.

AEC:Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and MEP.

Automotive:Fleet Services, Auto Salvage, Towing, Auto Body & Repairs.

Consumer:Retail and eCommerce, Food Processing, Packaging, Consumer Disposables.

Industrial:Rigging and Crane Services, Light Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication, Flow Control Components, Industrial Distributors.

Services:Insurance Brokerage, Professional Groups and Practices, IT Consulting.

Oath of Conduct

“I will never compromise your company’s reputation and its spirit of doing business. I conduct myself with absolute transparency, confidentiality, and integrity; dedicated in every aspect of my relationship with the company and its owners.” – Daniel Sokol

How I Work

Process at a Glance

I begin by understanding your business in depth – its history, operations, philosophy, and objectives – to effectively position your company to the right audience and create a competitive environment among qualified buyers.

The ability to find the ‘right’ buyer while minimizing disclosure is critical to a successful sale. My buyer network understands the worth of an ‘un-shopped deal’ and places a high priority and valuation to acquire these companies. I provide a detailed profile of each prospective buyer for your approval.

Having sat on both sides of a transaction, my experience brings parties together. I established a track record of achieving exceptional results for securing the most appropriate buyer who shares your perception of value and the future of your company.

Every business is treated as if it were my own.

Confidential Consultation

I listen first. Understanding your goals, timeline, and priorities is the foundation of every successful engagement.

Valuation & Preparation

In-depth financial analysis and professionally finished materials to compellingly present your business to the right buyers.

III

Targeted Outreach

Discreet, strategic outreach to my curated network of qualified buyers – never a mass broadcast that risks your confidentiality.

Negotiation Support

Experienced deal structuring and negotiation, due diligence management, and coordination through a successful closing.