Customized Advisory Services for the Middle Market
Who We Are
An Experienced Approach to Creating Value for Your Business
Finalist combines deep capital markets expertise with a disciplined, process-driven methodology. We work with business owners and management teams across a wide range of industries — delivering senior-led advice from first conversation through close.
Meet RJ PortaroWhat We Do
Capital Solutions
Debt and structured equity capital solutions tailored to your growth and transition goals — from commercial banking RFP to private placements.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Comprehensive M&A advisory built around your timeline, objectives, and the right counterparties — sell-side, buy-side, and everything in between.
Strategic Services
Buy side services and strategic planning to prepare your company for an acquisition, financing, or major event — before you go to market.
Why Finalist
Senior Leadership on Every Engagement
You work directly with RJ Portaro from first conversation through close — not a rotating cast of junior associates.
Process-Driven Value Creation
Our systematic approach uncovers opportunities others miss and maximizes competitive tension at every stage of a transaction.
Deep Capital Markets Experience
Over 20 years executing transactions across debt, equity, and M&A — including senior roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Securities are offered through GT Securities LLC Member FINRA / SIPC. Finalist, LLC which owns the Finalist brand is not a registered broker-dealer, and GT Securities LLC and Finalist, LLC are separate, unaffiliated entities. FINRA BrokerCheck
Any testimonials or transaction references presented herein do not guarantee future performance or success.