The Charter Group Changes Name, Expands Services

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charter Group, a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based investment banking firm focused on buy, sell and capital raise advisory services, announced today that the company is rebranding as Charter Capital Partners. Since its beginnings in 1989, the company has evolved into one of the Midwest's premier investment banking firms, supporting clients wherever they happen to be on the continuum of capital. The new name reflects that transformation in capabilities.

"Our firm has been delivering high-quality investment banking services for increasingly larger and more complex transactions, with a greater depth and breadth of responsibility," said John Kerschen, managing director of Charter Capital Partners. "As we celebrate our 25-year anniversary as Charter Capital Partners, we're building on the Charter name – which is synonymous with a strong reputation and track record of success – while articulating our ability to help clients across the full continuum of business capital."

The launch of the Charter Capital Partners brand also coincides with the creation of its Financial Institutions Practice, established in partnership with Olejniczak Advisors, a consulting firm specializing in transaction advisory, valuation and strategic consulting, based in Southeast Michigan. The practice will be led by Kerschen, Jason Byrd, managing director of Charter Capital Partners, and Edmond Olejniczak, founder and president of Olejniczak Advisors. The combined expertise of the two firms gives clients access to knowledgeable advisors with vast experience in financial institution M&A and capital transactions.

"Partnering with Charter on the Financial Institutions Practice is a win-win for clients and for both our firms," said Olejniczak. "Charter's knowledge and acquisition advisory experience uniquely complements our well-developed expertise in the financial services industry. Offering our combined services to current and future clients will strategically grow both businesses."

Charter and Olejniczak Advisors have been serving clients in the financial services industry for decades, and have advised transactions spanning community and regional banks, credit unions, de novo institutions, mortgage companies, specialty lenders, broker dealers, investment advisors and buy-side investment entities including family offices, private equity and hedge funds, structured finance companies and high net-worth individuals.

About Charter Capital Partners
Celebrating 25 years in operation, Charter Capital Partners is recognized as one of the Midwest's premier investment banking firms, providing advisory services to middle market clients from offices in Michigan and Indiana. The firm delivers solutions for the full continuum of capital, from start-up, capital raise and acquisitions, through valuation, exit planning and business sale. Charter professionals have attained key securities registrations with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), including the Series 7, 62, 63, 65, 79 and 82 licensures, as well as the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designation from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. As a Registered Investment Advisory firm, Charter manages eight unique funds, including Michigan Accelerator Fund I and Novus Biotechnology Fund I, with in excess of $25 million under management. For more information about Charter Capital Partners, visit chartercapitalpartners.com.

About Olejniczak Advisors
Olejniczak Advisors (OA) specializes in delivering extensive transaction advisory, valuation and strategic consulting services to the financial services industry. OA's broad knowledge and unparalleled commitment provide the technical expertise and innovative solutions clients need to achieve growth, soundness and success in the financial services industry.  OA's team utilizes best practices and its breadth and depth of experience to deliver superior quality and execution to financial institutions. OA prides itself in being agile and capable of leveraging strategic relationships to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to its clients' needs.  For more information, please visit www.olejadvisors.com.

SOURCE The Charter Group