merit investment bank grey opt2
Technology
Industrial
Infrastructure
Consumer
Book A Discovery Call

Nick DeVaney Announced As Winner of the 10th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards

Merit Investment Bankerit Nick D large
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Seattle, WA, June 27, 2019 –

Nick DeVaney, president and co-founder of boutique investment bank Merit Investment Bank & Company, has been honored as one of the 2019 recipients of The M&A Advisor’s Emerging Leaders Award.

Originally known as the ‘40 Under 40 Awards,’ this distinct honor was created in 2010 to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the outstanding young professionals who have reached a significant level of success while still under the age of 40. 

DeVaney was selected in recognition of his accomplishments and expertise from a pool of nominees by an independent judging panel of distinguished business leaders.  With this honor, DeVaney joins an elite group that represents the next generation of the finance industry.

“These impressive young professionals have made notable contributions to our industry and to their communities. Truly, the Emerging Leader Awardees we are honoring are the best and the brightest. They are the future of the M&A, finance, and turnaround industry” said Roger Aguinaldo, Founder of The M&A Advisor.

“I am sincerely both humbled and honored to receive this award and for the ability to now stand next to the distinguished professionals who share this recognition, both past and present” said DeVaney. 

He gives credit to his earlier days, as a bootstrapped successful entrepreneur, for his tenacity and dedication to his clients and firm today. Stating, “I am blessed to be a part of the Merit Investment Bank success story and to work alongside a seasoned team of investment bankers and M&A advisors that focus on their client’s successes just as much as their own successes.”

DeVaney will be formally honored on September 17th at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan. The exclusive event will bring together current and former honorees to both recognize the history as well as celebrate the future of the industry.

Merit Investment Bank & Co.

Merit Investment Bank is a boutique investment bank with the proven experience and tenacity to help clients WIN. With offices spread across the U.S., Merit Investment Bank serves the entrepreneurial, multi-generational, and visionary lead organizations to help them monetize and honor their dedication and risks taken in their pursuit of success. An investment bank Built for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs™ To learn more visit www.meritinvestmentbank.com.

THE M&A ADVISOR

The M&A Advisor was founded in 1998 to offer insights and intelligence on M&A activities. Over the past twenty years we have established the premier global network of M&A, Turnaround and Finance professionals. Today, we have the privilege of presenting, recognizing the achievements of, and facilitating connections between the industry’s top performers throughout the world with a comprehensive range of services. To learn more visit www.maadvisor.com.

Merit Investment Bank, a leading middle market investment bank, with a specialization in building products, is honored to have served as exclusive advisor to VaproShield (“VaproShield”) in its sale to (Muncaster Capital.)

by: Merit Investment Bank

SEATTLE – October 31, 2025 – PR.com – Merit Investment Bank (“Merit”), a leading middle-market investment bank with deep expertise in the building products and construction materials sector, is pleased to announce that it served as the exclusive financial advisor to VaproShield, a premier manufacturer of high-performance air and water barrier systems, in its sale to Muncaster Capital, a privately held investment company based in Texas.

This strategic transaction represents a significant milestone for VaproShield, a recognized innovator in the building-envelope industry. For more than two decades, the company has pioneered the design and manufacture of high-performance, vapor-permeable air barrier (AB) and water-resistive barrier (WRB) membranes and accessories. Through its commitment to research, sustainability, and customer-focused innovation, VaproShield has become a trusted partner to architects, builders, and developers seeking to enhance energy efficiency, moisture control, and long-term building performance.

“The sale of VaproShield shows what’s possible when visionary founders create real value and plan strategically for an exceptional exit,” said Craig Dickens, Chairman of Merit Investment Bank. “We were honored to help align the company with the right partner, culture, and capital for its next stage of growth. This milestone reflects years of innovation, discipline, and thoughtful preparation leading to an outstanding outcome.”

The acquisition by Muncaster Capital, am ESOP, will provide VaproShield with additional resources and strategic backing to expand operations, accelerate innovation, and strengthen its presence in both domestic and international markets. Muncaster’s long-term investment philosophy aligns closely with Vaproshield’s mission to deliver environmentally responsible, high-performance solutions to the construction industry.

“VaproShield has built an exceptional brand through innovation, sustainability, and performance,” added Chris Barnes, Managing Director at Merit Investment Bank. “It was a privilege to advise such a forward-thinking team whose commitment to excellence andcustomer trust has made them industry leaders. This transaction delivers a strong outcome for shareholders and positions VaproShield for its next phase of growth.”

Legal counsel for the company was provided by Holland & Knight LLP. Merit extends its appreciation to Stephen McKay and the firm’s M&A team for their seasoned legal guidance and support throughout the transaction, ensuring a smooth and efficient closing process.

The company was also advised by Baker Tilly US, LLP. Merit acknowledges Preston Smith, Director – Transaction Advisory, and Michael Hurst, Partner – Tax, for their expert guidance and transactional support. Their technical insight and professionalism were instrumental in achieving a successful closing.

About the Buyer

Muncaster Capital of Texas, Inc. is a privately held holding company based in Ennis, Texas, primarily associated with the building materials and protective coatings industry. Established in 1986, it serves as the parent company for Polyguard Products, a leading manufacturer of high-performance barrier systems, air and moisture membranes, and protective coatings used in construction and infrastructure projects.

Muncaster Capital oversees operations focused on innovation, sustainability, and long-term business growth within the building-envelope sector. As a mid-sized, family-owned enterprise, it plays a strategic role in managing assets, guiding corporate development, and supporting Polyguard’s mission to deliver durable, energy-efficient solutions to the construction industry.

About Merit Investment Bank

Merit Investment Bank is a leading boutique investment bank focused on serving founder/family-owned middle-market, technology-forward companies. The firm principally executes sell-side M&A, as well transactions with specific emphasis on the building products technology, infrstructure, consumer, and manufacturing/distribution/industry 4.0 sectors.

In addition, Merit offers services including buy-side M&A debt and equity capital raises, restructuring advisory, business valuations, and project financing.

Securities offered through Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Merit Investment Bank and Finalis Securities LLC are separate, unaffiliated entities

Contact:

Craig Dickens, Chairman

Merit Investment Bank

Craig.Dickens@MeritInvestmentBank.com

253-370-8893

Latest posts

0 Comments
;