Raul Rizo-Patron is Senior Deal Team Leader & Director of Buy-Side Services for Gilbert & Pardue Transaction Advisors (GaP). He has over 20 years of M&A experience sourcing, valuing, structuring, negotiating, closing, and integrating acquisitions across 15+ industries at large international publicly-traded corporations, Private Equity portfolio companies, and as an independent M&A advisor. In addition to M&A, Raul has extensive senior level finance experience leading large, complex businesses at a publicly-traded company. The broad range and depth of his M&A and finance skills bring a valuable perspective to client engagements and maximizing value in transactions.

At GaP, Mr. Rizo-Patron works closely with both buy-side clients and sell-side business owners. As Director of Buy-Side Services, he’s the senior lead overseeing all phases of buy-side engagements from the initial target search through the execution of the acquisition. On sell-side engagements, Raul takes a hands-on approach to ensure every negotiation is carefully managed to ensure optimal results for GaP’s clients. His effective communication and people skills instill confidence that every detail is being managed.

Prior to GaP, Raul founded Deal Advisors, Inc., a buy-side M&A advisory firm focused on sourcing middle market manufacturing and industrial acquisition opportunities for Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies. His efforts provided clients with a pipeline of interested sellers to complement organic growth strategies.

Prior to Deal Advisors, Inc., Raul spent 7+ years in Private Equity leading global M&A for multiple portfolio companies with his most recent role being at NES Global Talent, a $3 billion Private Equity-backed firm with operations in 33 countries. At NES, he closed multiple acquisitions giving the Company strategic entry into two new markets. Raul was a key member of the senior management team with regular Board interaction. Sandwiched between another M&A role in Private Equity, Raul was the senior finance leader for Noble Energy’s $1.1 billion Africa and Gulf of Mexico business units. In total, he led finance teams domestically and internationally for six businesses, including a full finance and accounting team in Africa comprised of U.S. expats and African nationals. His role required significant interaction with joint venture partners and foreign governments.

Mr. Rizo-Patron holds an M.B.A. from Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Business, and a B.S. in Finance from Indiana University, Bloomington. When not supporting client engagements, you can find him on the golf course, coaching his son’s sport teams, or just spending time with his family. Raul was born in Peru and has lived in the US most of his life. He has native fluency in both English and Spanish. He lives in Houston with his wife and three kids.

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