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Daniel Connolly

Managing Director, Co-Head of Global M&A

About Mr. Connolly

Dan Connolly is a managing director and co-head of global M&A for William Blair based in the firm’s Chicago office. He originally joined William Blair’s investment banking team in 1999 where he has previously served as head of technology M&A and head of software banking. Before joining William Blair, he worked for Merrill Lynch & Co. and Kidder, Peabody.

Community Involvement

Chicago Jesuit Academy Board of Directors
Chicago Archdiocese Assembly of Catholic Professionals
University of Notre Dame Wall Street Leadership Committee

Awards & Affiliations

Mergers & Acquisitions - 2019 Deal of the Year for the Middle Market – Fortive’s acquisition of Gordian
The Deal - 2019 Deal of the Year – Trimble's acquisition of e-Builder
M&A Advisor - 2012 40 Under 40 M&A Advisor Award
M&A Atlas - 2011 Technology & Telecom Deal of the Year – Rovi Corporation Acquisition of Sonic Solutions

Education

Harvard Business School, M.B.A.
University of Notre Dame, B.B.A.

 

Notable Transactions

Not Disclosed
Granicus

has received a joint investment from
Harvest Partners and Vista Equity Partners

January 2021
USA USA
Technology
Not Disclosed
365 Retail Markets

has been recapitalized by
Providence Equity Partners

December 2020
USA USA
Technology
Not Disclosed
Welsh, Carson, Anderson, & Stowe

has been acquired by
Welsh, Carson, Anderson, & Stowe

December 2020
USA USA
Technology
Not Disclosed
Zywave

has acquired
Insurance Technologies Corporation

December 2020
USA USA
Technology
$430,000,000
Upserve

has been acquired by
Lightspeed HQ

December 2020
USA Canada
Technology
Not Disclosed
Syndigo

has announced a growth equity partnership with

Summit-Partners

December 2020
USA USA
Technology
Not Disclosed
CapVest

has agreed to acquire
Datasite

Pending
United Kingdom USA
Technology
Not Disclosed
Zywave

has been acquired by
Clearlake Capital

November 2020
USA USA
Technology
Not Disclosed
Sovos

has received a majority & minority investment from
Hg Capital_TA Associates

October 2020
USA United Kingdom
Technology
Not Disclosed
eSolutions

has been acquired by
Waystar

September 2020
USA USA
Healthcare

Rigorous pursuit of your success. Every transaction. Every time.

Our investment bankers are 100 percent committed to your organization’s sustained success. By drawing on our deep industry and product experience as well as our dedicated global resources, we provide advisory and financing services that allow you to capitalize on today’s opportunities and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.

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Mergers & Acquisitions

Publicly traded and privately held companies around the globe count on our M&A Advisory Group for comprehensive financial advisory services and expert guidance. We serve buyers and sellers by providing in-depth financial and strategic analysis, identifying optimal potential transaction partners, developing creative deal structures, and negotiating complex transaction terms.

Our long record, leadership position in the middle market, and high level of transaction activity enable us to clear the market globally in search of the best transaction partners. Our bankers are true experts in your industry and understand the competitive landscape and deal environment facing our clients.

More about our M&A expertise

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About William Blair

William Blair is a premier global boutique with expertise in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet our clients’ evolving needs. As an independent and employee-owned firm, together with our strategic partners, we operate in more than 20 offices worldwide.*

*Includes strategic partnerships with Allier Capital, BDA Partners, and Poalim Capital Markets.