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Merit Investment Bank Earns Three Finalist Nominations For the 18th Annual M&A Advisor Awards

2019 MA Advisor Finalist logo
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Merit Investment Bank & Company has been named a finalist in three distinct categories for the upcoming 18th Annual M&A Advisor Awards. 

Merit Investment Bank & Company was named finalist for the Boutique Investment Banking Firm of the Year award, the Industrials Deal of the Year ($50mm to $100mm) and the Telecommunication Services Deal of the Year.

Nominees were evaluated in each category by an independent panel of judges, who narrowed the large field of nominees down to the finalists. 

Judges will now turn their attention on the challenging task of selecting the ultimate award winners, which will be unveiled at the 18th Annual M&A Advisor Awards Gala on Tuesday, November 19 at the New York Athletic Club in New York.

Merit Investment Bank & Company personnel will be on hand at the Gala, where they will be honored as one of ten finalists for Boutique Investment Banking Firm of the Year. The finalists were selected from hundreds of nominees based on criteria that includes a firm’s unique attributes and its overall impact on the M&A industry. 

This is Merit Investment Bank’s second year in a row being nominated in this category.

“This year’s finalists exemplify the fortitude, perseverance, and ingenuity required not only to get the deal done but to excel in the field of mergers and acquisitions,” said Roger Aguinaldo, founder of The M&A Advisor.

Merit Investment Bank & Company was also recognized as a finalist for the Industrials Deal of the Year ($50mm – $100 mm). Merit Investment Bank has been named a finalist for the Telecommunication Services Deal of the Year for advising the sellers of Legacy Telecommunication to Enertech and Tower Arch Capital.

The M&A Advisor awards will wrap up an eventful year for Merit Investment Bank & Company. In February, the firms Merit Harbor Group and JD Ford & Company announced a strategic business combination, and the Merit Investment Bank brand was launched capitalized on a 33 year history of doing deals in the middle market. They offer end-to-end M&A advisory services and feature an industry-leading process to deliver qualified and capable buyers to their clients.

“Merit Investment Bank combines decades of experience with technical expertise, tenacity, creativity and dedication to ensuring not only that transactions are closed, but that transactions are closed in our client’s best interest,” explained CEO Craig Dickens. 

While the Merit Investment Bank brand debuted in 2019, their investment bankers are no stranger to being acknowledged by The M&A Advisor. In 2018, the companies earned four finalist nominations, and took home the top prize in the Information Technology Deal of the Year, as well as being named finalist for Boutique Investment Bank of the Year in 2018.

The 2019 category winners will be announced, and the awards will be presented at the 18th Annual M&A Advisor Awards Gala—the year’s premier celebration for firms and professionals in the M&A industry.

Joining Merit Investment Bank & Company at the gala will be many of the industry’s leading firms and practitioners, including BlackRock; J.P. Morgan; The Goldman Sachs Company; White & Case; Strattam Capital; GTCR; Monomoy Capital Partners; Henry Schein; BV Investment Partners; L Catterton; among others.

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

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