12075 N. Corporate Parkway, Suite 120 | Mequon, WI 53092
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Deal Room

The Clearwing Group

Our team advised The Clearwing Group on securing financing from CIBM Bank.

The Clearwing Group

Transaction Details

Debt Placement Advisor

Year: 2021

Hedquarters: Milwaukee, WI

Client: The Clearwing Group

Industry: Business Services

Website: www.clearwing.com

Overview

Completed by the Vantage Investment Banking team under a prior firm, The Clearwing Group (“Clearwing”), a specialized provider of professional-grade audio, video, and lighting solutions, has secured financing from CIBM Bank.

About The Clearwing Group

The Clearwing Group specializes in providing an extensive array of professional-grade audio, video, and lighting solutions to clients throughout North America. With offices in Milwaukee, Denver, and Phoenix serving a national client base, the Company’s Clearwing Productions segment supports the needs of touring musicians & theatrical events while the Clearwing Systems Integration business focuses on addressing the permanent, custom installation of audio, video, and lighting systems into schools, universities, performing arts centers, and other venues. With a family-owned legacy dating back to the mid-1970s, Clearwing has gained national recognition with notable clients including bands such as the Foo Fighters & Pearl Jam along with corporate customers such as the NFL, Best Buy, Target, Nike, and numerous others.

About CIBM Bank

CIBM Bank is a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Champaign, IL and a wholly owned subsidiary of CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. CIBM Bank offers personal banking, business banking, mortgage, and treasury management solutions across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

Deal Team

Vantage Investment Banking
Mike Burmesch

Mike Burmesch

Partner
Alex Penkwitz

Alex Penkwitz

Vice President

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Built On Trust. Defined By Results.

We specialize in investment banking for privately held businesses, offering expert guidance and fresh perspectives. Contact us to learn more and explore your options.

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12075 N. Corporate Parkway, Suite 120 
Mequon, WI 53092
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Mike Burmesch

Partner & Co-Founder

262-483-6014

[email protected]

Biography

With over a decade of middle market investment banking experience, Mike brings extensive transactional and advisory expertise to the team. He has advised on more than 40 M&A, Debt Placement, and Capital Raising transactions spanning the industrials & manufacturing, business services, technology & IT services, consumer products, and food & beverage industries.

In his role, Mike provides senior-level leadership across all aspects of transaction strategy and execution. He is actively involved in shaping go-to-market strategies, advising clients on valuation and deal structure, and leading negotiations with buyers, investors, and other counterparties. Mike oversees the development of marketing materials, manages buyer and lender engagement strategies, and guides clients through complex diligence and closing processes. His breadth of experience and strategic perspective allow him to provide clear, thoughtful advice to business owners and management teams, helping them navigate significant financial and strategic events with confidence.

Prior to entering investment banking, Mike worked as a Senior Accountant with Baker Tilly. Mike holds a BBA in accounting from St. Norbert College and is a licensed CPA.

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Alex Penkwitz

Vice President & Co-Founder

262-339-8772

[email protected]

Biography

Working in the middle market investment banking industry since 2020, Alex is responsible for leading the day-to-day execution of M&A transactions for the Vantage Investment Banking team. His responsibilities span all phases of the transaction process, including financial modeling and valuation analysis, preparation of marketing materials, buyer and investor outreach, and coordination of due diligence activities. He plays a central role in managing timelines, facilitating communication between clients and counterparties, and supporting negotiations to ensure smooth execution.

Alex has advised on more than 25 M&A, Debt Placement, and Capital Raising transactions across multiple industries, including industrials & manufacturing, business services, technology & IT services, consumer products, and food & beverage. His experience working with both privately held businesses and institutional investors gives him a well-rounded perspective on the strategic, operational, and financial considerations that drive successful outcomes.

Alex holds a BBA in finance from Marquette University, centering his education around investments and participating in the Accelerating Ingenuity in Markets (AIM) Program. 

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