Consumer

Shifting consumer behaviour and the evolution of consumer-focused business models are driving change in the consumer industry. IJW has decades of experience as both operators and investment bankers in the consumer industry and is here to help businesses navigate these changes while capturing value.

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Consumer

The consumer industry is experiencing significant changes due to shifting consumer behavior and the evolution of consumer-focused business models. As a company with extensive industry experience as both operators and investment bankers, IJW is well-equipped to assist businesses in navigating these challenges and executing important transactions. Our expertise allows them to understand the latest trends, anticipate consumer demands, and identify new opportunities for value creation.

Our boutique firm works with Executives, Owners, Founders, Entrepreneurs, and more throughout all phases of their buying and selling journey.

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Our Consumers Experts

Giancarlo Petroro

CEO & Managing Director

Giancarlo is an experienced investment banker with extensive expertise in negotiation strategy, deal structuring and cross-border M&A transactions. As CEO & Managing Director, Giancarlo oversees all aspects of IJW & Co.’s business operations, including oversight of both the M&A Advisory and Valuation practices.

With an innovative approach towards deal structuring and negotiation strategy, Giancarlo has helped numerous clients successfully navigate complex M&A transactions. Over the last decade, he has advised founders, executives, and corporate boards on middle market transactions in the technology, consumer products, and business services sectors. He strives to cultivate long-term relationships with his clients based on trust and providing thoughtful strategic advice to help maximize value.

Giancarlo holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Juris Doctor, North American Common Law from the Université de Montréal, as well as a Master of Laws in Banking and Financial Law from Boston University School of Law. He is also a member of the New York State Bar and was a recipient of the prestigious M&A Advisor’s “40 under 40” Emerging Leaders Award.

Throughout his career, Giancarlo has built a reputation as a trusted advisor who combines business acumen with legal expertise. He is known for his analytical mindset, attention to detail, and ability to deliver customized solutions that meet his clients’ unique needs.

Giancarlo is an avid runner, passionate about cooking and a proud father of three children.

CEO & Managing Director

Sami Kabir

CFA, MBA

Director, Investment Banking

As Director, M&A, Sami oversees the M&A practice at IJW & Co. With an extensive investment banking background, as well as experience working in capital markets and corporate finance at Brookfield Asset Management, and corporate banking at Scotiabank, Sami has gained extensive knowledge and experience in the field of M&A and corporate finance.

Sami joined IJW & Co. in 2019 after working for over three years between two boutique investment banks in Ottawa and Toronto. He completed his MBA at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce with a major in Accounting from the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. Sami also holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Sami holds expertise in the financial markets and is skilled at managing complex financial transactions. At IJW, Sami has worked on numerous transactions with a specialization advising software companies globally.

Travel; die hard Ottawa Senators fan; love staying active, working out and playing hockey; a big foodie with a love for wine and specialty cocktails.

Director, Investment Banking

Madison Colpitts

Senior Investment Banking Analyst

Maddy is an ambitious and enthusiastic analyst with a passion for finance. She recently graduated from McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management where she studied finance and international business.

Before joining IJW, Maddy interned with the RBC Capital Markets team in Montreal, where she worked in real estate. Prior to that, she interned with CIBC Wood Gundy in Ottawa, where she assisted private wealth management teams.

During Maddy’s undergraduate program, she represented McGill as a varsity athlete on the Women’s Martlet basketball team. For three consecutive years, she received the USports Academic All-Canadian award for her combined excellence in the classroom and on the court.

Maddy’s work ethic and experience has positioned her well to grow and succeed in the finance industry at IJW & Co.

Outside of work, Maddy’s hobbies include baking, cooking, sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Senior Investment Banking Analyst

John Lee

Consumer Operating Partner

With over 20 years of experience in consumer goods, retail, and digital media, John is a seasoned executive and investment banker.

John is a co-founder and former President of Learning Curve International, a global manufacturer of leading developmental toy brands such as Lamaze and Thomas & Friends. He also co-founded Bambini Partners LLC, where he focuses on kids, family, and general consumer products and media investment banking.

With his extensive experience in the consumer goods industry, John is an expert in retail, digital media, and developmental toys. He has served on a number of for-profit and non-profit boards, including Fat Brain Toys, Melissa & Doug, Vyond, Winona Capital Advisor Board, The Eric Carle Museum of Children’s Story Book Art, and Kids-In-Distressed-Situations.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Consumer Psychology and Marketing from The College of New Jersey.

Consumer Operating Partner

Notable Consumer Clients