GW Equity, a global leader in middle market investment banking, today announced the hiring of Mike Kaptein and Mike Hammer as managing directors for mergers and acquisitions in the firm’s Toronto office.

“We are pleased to add such experienced talent to our Toronto office,” said John Harold Binkley Jr., CEO and chairman of GW Equity. “Our continued growth in Canada reflects our strength across North America as well as the expansion of M&A operations we are experiencing in Western Europe.”

Kaptein will assist with all phases – evaluation through closing – of the mergers and acquisitions process. Kaptein has more than 25 years of experience in the operation and sale of many types of businesses, including insurance, electrical, credit, software and motion picture businesses. He has served as chief financial officer and operations vice president for a major Canadian insurance company and a top executive with a North American software company. He received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia and earned his Chartered Accountant designation in 1979.

Hammer has owned and operated several successful businesses over the past 25 years and has extensive first-hand experience with the dynamics of production, financial administration, sales and marketing. He has conducted business in the Far East, Eastern Europe and South America and has established a network of associates throughout Canada and the United States. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from McGill University in mathematics and psychology.

GW Equity, based in Dallas, is a global investment banking firm assisting middle market clients in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and strategic growth.