The Merger Partners Team
Merger Partners brings together investment bankers, operators, executives, and sector leaders who have built companies, led acquisitions, advised owners, and navigated consequential decisions.
Founder and President
A better sale process begins by understanding why the right buyers choose to engage.
Joe Saad founded Merger Partners and developed Sniper Process®, a buyer-friendly process for selling a private company. His perspective was shaped on both sides of the market: advising sellers on company sales and conducting retained acquisition searches for buyers across the United States. Joe began his career in venture capital with Texas Pacific Capital Corporation and in business development and consulting with Kreller Consulting Group. He earned a B.B.A. in Finance from Southern Methodist University.
Managing Directors
Each Managing Director brings a distinct body of operating, sector, leadership, and transaction experience to the firm.
San Francisco
Senior Managing Director
Tony Frederickson is an executive leader with deep experience building and leading high-growth defense technology businesses. He served as CEO of Defense Group Inc. and held senior roles with The Titan Corporation, Schafer Corporation, and Sage Management. Tony has led acquisition programs that supported organic growth, strategic expansion, and successful exits. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Engineering from UCLA.
Washington, D.C.
Managing Director
Garrison Coward brings experience across business leadership, data analytics, public affairs, and government. He has served as chief operating officer of a data analytics firm, advised a member of Congress, and co-founded Result Refinery, a public affairs firm built around modern technology and creative execution. Garrison earned a B.A. in Economics from Hampden-Sydney College and an M.B.A. from George Washington University.
Stuart, Florida
Managing Director
Ryan Allison is a senior executive with experience leading growth, turnarounds, and transformation across manufacturing, consumer products, and private equity-backed businesses. His work has included multi-site operations and initiatives that strengthened revenue, profitability, and market position. Ryan earned an M.B.A. from Norwich University and a Master of Public Policy from The University of Texas at Dallas.
Senior Advisors
Senior Advisors contribute sector and operating perspective in an advisory capacity.
Denver
Senior Advisor, Healthcare Services
Ben McElhiney advises Merger Partners on healthcare services matters. His more than 25 years of healthcare and pharmaceutical experience include CEO and senior leadership roles in private equity-backed and Fortune 500 organizations, including Village Fertility, Apothecary by Design, CVS Health, and GlaxoSmithKline. Ben earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Build with Merger Partners
Merger Partners is building a national team of professionals who want to contribute to origination, client service, and transaction execution.
Explore Opportunities at Merger Partners