APEX·ION

Our name reflects our mission to engage with businesses during crucial milestones and inflection points to orchestrate optimal outcomes.

We are a boutique M&A advisory firm with a clear mission: to guide businesses through pivotal moments and drive strategic transformation.

APEX: (noun) the peak of success and excellence.

ION: (noun) a charged particle, symbolizing energy, momentum, and a meaningful change.

Our Services

Our services are designed to maximize value, minimize risks, and position our clients for long-term success.

  • We drive comprehensive support across the deal lifecycle.

    Transaction Readiness & Exit Planning

    • Tailored positioning to command a premium outcome.

    Buy- and Sell-side M&A Advisory

    • Pinpoint and engage the right buyers or acquisition targets.

    Partnered Deal Execution & Support

    • Trusted partner for end-to-end execution of diligence & negotiation.

  • Our advisory services go beyond traditional transactions—unlocking value, minimizing risk, and maximizing outcomes.

    Strategic Growth & Go-To-Market

    • Refine competitive positioning, align leadership, and execute a clear, updated strategy.

    Operations & Cost Optimization

    • Sharpen performance and elevate margins with smarter processes and cost discipline.

    Capital Structure & Financing

    • Craft smarter funding strategies, access capital, cut through financing complexity, and secure favorable terms.

ABOUT THE PARTNERS

  • John Stephenson brings over ten years of professional experience advising on buy-side and sell-side M&A transactions, recapitalizations, and transaction planning. He draws industry expertise across industrial manufacturing and distribution, automotive, food and beverage, information technology, enterprise software, and business-to-business services. Before co-founding Apexion, John executed M&A mandates at PMCF Investment Banking, Invision, and Focus Capital Advisors. He holds a BS in Economics and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with a concentration in Analytic Finance.

  • Ben Benson combines extensive experience in finance, strategy, and M&A, shaped by hands-on experience in private equity, investment banking, and corporate strategy & development. After launching his career at PwC, he later managed financial operations and led investment analysis at a $250 million private equity fund. Afterwards, he executed M&A mandates at KeyBanc Capital Markets and Harris Williams. Most recently, he spearheaded strategic initiatives at Corpay and Agilysys, including the $150 million acquisition of Book4Time, Inc. Ben holds a BS in Accounting, an MBA from the Marriott School of Business at BYU, and is a licensed CPA in California.

  • John Stubbs leverages over a decade of experience across finance, strategy, corporate development, and innovation, focusing on the healthcare and insurance sectors. He advised and operated within organizations ranging from early-stage startups to Fortune 100 companies. His background includes roles in management consulting, corporate innovation labs, and strategic advisory for emerging ventures. John built a reputation for leading initiatives from concept through execution, consistently delivering measurable results. He holds a BS in Accounting, a Master of Health Administration, and an MBA from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.