Get to know John Caggianiello

The economic conditions of the past couple of years have compelled organizations to change the way they approach deals. John Caggianiello is the first call for many of our clients who are facing challenging and intricate deals. In this Q&A, find out how John helps clients navigate complex deals and crucial decisions in their business.

How did you wind up in accounting?

I developed a love for the business world, and numbers in general, from a young age. My parents were entrepreneurial. Also, my elder siblings studied accounting and that prompted me to follow suit.

What drew you to Corporate Finance?

I’ve always had a significant interest in the markets, trading, and deals in general. I enjoy the satisfaction that comes with helping clients close a transaction on terms that are beneficial and satisfactory to them.

Corporate finance was an avenue in the accounting stream where I saw I could utilize my training, skills and interest and move away from the statutory type engagements to a more free-form environment.

Most transactions carry high stakes and that leads to high expectations from advisors like us. Acquisitions, buyouts, investments, IPOs — these are big moments, especially for a mid-market company. I thrive in that kind of environment.

In your experience, what does it take to run a successful business?

It takes committed drive for success, problem solving skills, a strong team and a little luck!

Has the pandemic had any beneficial impacts on M&A activity in Canada?

The pandemic has created a surge in M&A activity. Technology and healthcare, two sectors that I advise in, are especially booming right now. Valuations are high, lending is affordable, our changing economic environment is creating decision points for entrepreneurs to sell to investors with significant capital available for investment.

The fact that the pandemic has pushed some companies into financial distress has also spurred some activity. We’ve seen consolidation within industries and an increase in private equity buyouts.

What’s the number one piece of advice you give to clients?

Deals have lives of their own, and each one is unique. There’s a lot of work that goes into getting a deal done from sourcing/promoting, to negotiating, managing many personalities, to closing and post closing.

At the end of the day, our client is the investor or seller, the decision maker and the risk taker. As advisors, we can’t decide on the risk they take or don’t take. We provide a lot of advice based on solid and well-researched data points. But at the end of the day, the client has to evaluate and determine what is best for them. I encourage each client to be patient, fair, prudent and decisive.

Contact

To learn more about how our firm can help you close deals on favourable terms, contact John Caggianiello , CPA, CA at [email protected] or 416.513.4177.