KSM acquires Charter Capital Partners

Katz, Sapper & Miller, a Top 50 Firm based in Indianapolis, has added an investment banking practice by acquiring Charter Capital Partners in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The addition of the new investment banking team broadens KSM's services to include more M&A advisory and succession planning services.

As part of the deal, KSM will retain Charter Capital Partners' office in Grand Rapids. Mike Brown and Mark Streekstra are joining KSM as partners and managing directors and will be leading the 13-member investment banking team.

"We are thrilled to have Charter Capital Partners join forces with KSM," said KSM CEO and president Tim Cook in a statement Tuesday. "As our clients face increasingly complex decisions, they expect advisors who can see the full picture. Expanding into investment banking strengthens our ability to serve as a long-term strategic partner."

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. KSM ranked No. 48 on Accounting Today's 2025 list of the Top 100 Firms, KSM's annual revenue for 2024 was $166.04 million. With the addition of Charter's 13 employees, KSM now has 905 employees, including partners. With the addition of Charter's two partners, KSM now has a total of 89 partners.

The two firms saw an alignment early in the process. "Charter and KSM share a common mindset and culture," Brown said in a statement. "Both firms are grounded in the Midwest, value long-term relationships, and prioritize people — both clients and employees. Joining KSM allows us to expand our capabilities while continuing to serve clients with the same approach and values that have defined our work."

Both firms come from the same part of the country. "Becoming part of KSM gives our team access to deeper resources and broader expertise, which enhances our ability to deliver thoughtful, high-quality advice to business owners navigating important transition decisions," Streekstra said in a statement. "Furthermore, KSM's deep Midwest presence provides the ideal geographic footprint to accelerate our strategic expansion and serve clients in the Midwest and beyond."

Charter Growth Capital, Charter Capital's mezzanine debt and minority equity investment fund, isn't part of the acquisition and will stay independent. President and managing partner John Kerschen, partner and managing director Mike Palm and partner Hector Bultynck will continue to lead Charter Growth Capital.

Last year, KSM started an information technology advisory practice to provide businesses with strategic IT consulting and solutions. Last July, KSM also added MichaelSilver in Deerfield, Illinois, establishing KSM's Chicago-area office. Last January, Noble Consulting Services, a subsidiary of Katz, Sapper & Miller, added Rector & Associates. In 2024, it added ValueKnowledge, a valuation and business advisory firm in Downers Grove, Illinois. Also in 2024, KSM added Shanholt Glassman Klein Kramer & Co. in New York City and Cassady Schiller in Cincinnati.