Get to know Jon Edgett

Jonathan (Jon) Edgett is Managing Director of MNP Corporate Finance and supports his clients with a strong track record in M&A and capital raising advisory services. For over 30 years, Jon has held senior positions in investment banking, private equity, and has spent the majority of his career putting his specialized knowledge to work at several of Canada’s leading advisory and consulting firms. Jon shares crucial insights and advice from his career in the following Q&A.

How did you wind up in accounting?

I am actually not an accountant. I joined the Corporate Finance practice of a Big 4 accounting firm about 10 years ago due to the benefit of having firm clients as well as external clients to service, and the ability to offer a “one-stop-shop.” Prior to that, I provided the same services to clients as an employee-shareholder at several investment banking specialty firms.

What drew you to Corporate Finance?

Out of school, I started out working for a private equity and subordinated debt investing company. After several years, I joined a boutique investment bank in Toronto because of the people I met there and to broaden my M&A knowledge.

I find great satisfaction in overseeing a deal from beginning to end. I have a natural aptitude as a communicator, able to manage relationships, negotiate and build consensus to meet my clients’ objectives. These are crucial skills in the world of Corporate Finance.

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

In my experience it requires tenacity; running a business is a grind a lot of the time. Business owners must be optimistic without being massive risk takers. The ability to be a good salesman and to attract and keep good people is crucial. A supportive network (family, other CEOs) is a big benefit to entrepreneurs, as well as having good advisors (legal, tax, etc.).

The successful businesses I’ve worked with have a management team that can adjust operations to deal with changing market dynamics, such as customer preferences and competitors’ “go-to-market” strategies.

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

Depends on the sector — logistics including trucking, warehousing, and cold storage have all increased. M&A activity in the food producer sector as well as Internet-based delivery of B2C services, such as health care, increased as well. We’ve seen higher than ever interest in businesses with reliably recurring revenues such as remote monitoring and vet acquisitions.

On the other hand, hospitality and tourism M&A is very slow. The same goes for M&A with many businesses that rely on buying semi-conductors, due to massive shortages.

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

I would say to attract and keep good people, and ensure the business’ goodwill (brand, customer associations) is with the business and not the owners. Avoid excess key-person risk.

To learn more about how our firm can help you navigate complex transactions, contact Jon Edgett at [email protected] or 519.772.7460.