Atlas Awards Generational Equity Triumphs at the 16th Annual Americas M&A Atlas Awards
Generational Group, a premier investment banking firm specializing in privately held businesses, has achieved significant recognition at the 2024 Global M&A Network Americas Atlas Awards. The prestigious event, held to honor the industry’s most successful dealmakers, firms, and transactions, saw Generational Equity earning multiple accolades, reinforcing its position as a leader in mergers and acquisitions.
The company was recognized with the following awards:
- U.S.A. Investment Bank of the Year
- Americas Private Equity Deal of the Year: RP Foods recap investment by Benford Capital Partners
- Presented to Deal Team Winner, Don Ho: Generational Equity served as the exclusive financial advisor to RP Foods, a leading provider of branded, private label, and B2B Hispanic food and beverage products catering to retail and CPG food customers across the United States and internationally.
- Americas HR & Services Deal of the Year: Canadian Payroll Services (CPS) sale to Vensure Employer Solutions
- Presented to Deal Team Winner, Mike Hammer: Generational Equity played a crucial role in facilitating this transaction, leveraging its expertise to support international businesses navigating the complexities of hiring and managing talent in Canada.
The 16th Annual Americas M&A Atlas Awards Gala Ceremony took place on February 6, 2025, at the Metropolitan Club in New York, where industry leaders gathered to celebrate outstanding achievements in deal-making.
Recognition for Excellence in M&A
Leading the charge for the RP Foods transaction was Generational’s Senior Managing Director, M&A, Don Ho. The deal, which earned the distinction of Private Equity Deal of the Year, is expected to drive substantial growth for RP Foods.
Mr. Ho remarked, “With Benford Capital Partners’ deep industry expertise, resources, and shared values, RP Foods is poised to achieve accelerated growth, enhance customer service, and strengthen strategic relationships. Given the high level of interest from investors in partnering with RP Foods through our comprehensive M&A process, we knew that Benford Capital was the right choice due to their alignment in values, ethics, and corporate culture.”
Equally pivotal was the leadership of Generational’s Senior Managing Director, M&A, Mike Hammer, who spearheaded the Canadian Payroll Services (CPS) transaction, which won HR & Services Deal of the Year. The acquisition by Vensure Employer Solutions marks a strategic expansion, reinforcing Vensure’s position as a premier provider of HR services and technology for small and medium-sized businesses.
Since its founding in 2004, Vensure Employer Solutions has established itself as a leader in HR services, consistently expanding its global footprint through acquisitions and partnerships. The company’s entry into the Canadian market is a key milestone in its ongoing expansion strategy across North America.
A Testament to Leadership and Team Excellence
Reflecting on the awards, Brenen Hofstadter, Generational’s Chief M&A Officer, expressed his appreciation for the team’s dedication and expertise. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our outstanding dealmakers recognized by the Global M&A Network. The leadership they provide to their teams and the unwavering commitment to our clients set them apart in the industry.”
Ryan Binkley, President and CEO of Generational, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collective efforts of the firm. “Don and Mike exemplify the dedication we see daily from our entire team. Their commitment to our Core Values and to serving clients with excellence is truly commendable. I couldn’t be more proud of the associates who contributed to these remarkable deals.”
Binkley further added, “Being named the USA Investment Bank of the Year is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the dedication and diligence of our entire team. In such a competitive field, this recognition is a testament to the expertise, hard work, and client-focused approach that define Generational.”
Industry Recognition and Continued Growth
The Americas M&A Atlas Awards celebrate the most influential transactions and firms shaping the investment banking landscape. Generational Equity’s success at the 2024 event underscores its continued commitment to delivering superior advisory services and executing transformative deals for clients across various industries.
With an extensive track record of facilitating successful mergers, acquisitions, and recapitalizations, Generational Equity remains at the forefront of investment banking for privately held businesses. The firm’s strategic approach, deep industry knowledge, and client-centric focus continue to drive its growth and solidify its reputation as a trusted partner in the M&A space.
As Generational Equity looks ahead, its leadership remains committed to delivering value-driven solutions and fostering long-term partnerships that create lasting success for its clients. The firm’s recent accolades at the Americas M&A Atlas Awards further affirm its standing as an industry leader poised for continued excellence in investment banking.
