Mergers & Acquisitions is accepting nominations for our 9th annual M&A Mid-Market Awards. Nominations are due by Feb. 9.

The M&A Mid-Market Awards honor leading dealmakers and deals that set the standard for transactions in the middle market. To determine the winners, Mergers & Acquisitions considers a variety of factors. We look for companies and individuals who overcame the challenges the year brought, embodied the trends of the period and took their businesses to the next level.

Market leadership and performance are important, but league tables aren’t everything. Growth counts for a lot, especially when it outpaces peers and the overall industry. Innovation also counts. We value companies that changed the M&A landscape, expanded into new territories and transformed their businesses. Thought leadership also matters. Want more guidance? Looking at past winners provides a good guide to what we're seeking.

We bestow M&A Mid-Market Awards for the following categories:

Deal recognizes a transformative transaction that made a significant impact on the buyer’s strategy and/or sector or overall M&A. The award goes to the buyer. Corporations (strategic buyers) and private equity firms are eligible.

Deal of the Year nomination form
Dealmaker honors an individual who made a significant impact on M&A, or who led a transformative transaction. The award goes to the person who led the deal. Corporate dealmakers, private equity investors, investment bankers, M&A attorneys and advisers are eligible.

Dealmaker of the Year nomination form
Private Equity Firm recognizes a PE firm that stood out among all the many superb firms in the middle market. We take into account the acquisitions, exits, fundraising and other activities made by the firm throughout the year. Thought leadership also plays a role, as does growth. The award goes to the firm, and only PE firms are eligible. Click here for the nomination form.

PE Firm of the Year nomination form
Investment Bank honors a bank that stood out among all the many serving the middle market. We take into account the volume of deals advised on, as well as their significance. We also consider the firm’s growth, thought leadership and influence on the M&A industry. The award goes to the bank. Full-service investment banks are eligible.

Investment Bank of the Year nomination form
Seller recognizes a firm that produced stellar exits throughout the year. The award goes to the firm. Private equity firms have traditionally been the winners, but we also consider strategic buyers with superior divestitures.

Seller of the Year nomination form
Strategic Buyer honors a corporation that wielded M&A to transform or significantly expand its business and/or sector or overall M&A. Acquisitions and divestitures emblematic of the company’s M&A strategy and overall M&A trends are considered. The award goes to the company. Corporations are eligible.

Strategic Buyer of the Year nomination form
Law Firm of the Year recognizes a law firm that stood out among the many serving the middle market. We take into account the volume of deals advised on, as well as their significance. We also consider the firm’s growth, thought leadership and influence on the industry.

Law Firm of the Year nomination form
Lender of the Year honors a lender that stood out among the many serving the middle market. We take into account the volume of loans made, as well as their significance. We also consider the firm’s growth, thought leadership and influence on the industry.

Lender of the Year nomination form
To be eligible for our awards, deals must meet the following criteria: be valued at or below $1 billion; involve at least one U.S.-based company as buyer or seller; and have been completed by Dec. 31 of the award year (2017 in this case). We encourage nominations, but they are not required. Ultimately, the winners are chosen by our editorial team. The deadline for all nominations is Feb. 9th. All information submitted should be suitable for publication. (We do not accept information under nondisclosure when selecting award winners.) We announce the winners in March. We’re always looking for input, so if you have any suggestions or questions, please