CriticalPoint is pleased to announce that Nick Cipiti, and Robert J. Woolway have been selected as “2026 Leaders of Influence: M&A” by the Los Angeles Business Journal (“LABJ”). The LABJ’s annual list honors the most distinguished M&A experts and thought leaders in the Los Angeles region, recognizing outstanding leadership, deep industry knowledge, and significant achievements across the full spectrum of M&A and financial advisory services.
This recognition underscores CriticalPoint’s role as a trusted advisor and partner, known for consistently delivering high-touch, strategic guidance and the right resources to help clients navigate defining moments and beyond. When clients look for high-quality execution and superior outcomes, they rely on CriticalPoint’s proven track record across mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, special situations, deal sourcing, valuation, and special financial advisory situations.
Nick Cipiti
Managing Director
Nick Cipiti joined CriticalPoint in 2020 and quickly established himself as a trusted advisor and emerging leader within the firm. With a foundation in technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT), he has expanded CriticalPoint’s presence in the sector while broadening his expertise across consumer products and business services, contributing meaningfully to the firm’s growth. In a challenging M&A environment, Nick continues to source and close successful transactions, demonstrating resilience, creativity, and strong execution capabilities.
Recent highlights include advising Merrill’s Packaging on its sale to Nelipak, representing Gulbranson Services on its sale to TAK Communications, and advising COMQUEST on its sale to TrueLearn.
Robert J. Woolway
Managing Director, Food & Beverage
At CriticalPoint, Robert Woolway is responsible for sourcing and executing strategic and financing transactions across the food, agriculture, and restaurant sectors. With more than 30 years of investment banking experience, he has advised on a broad range of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and capital raises for both private and public companies. He brings clients a rare combination of large-firm expertise and boutique-level attention, enabling middle-market businesses to access sophisticated advice with highly personalized execution.
Robert has established a leading investment banking food practice in Southern California, advising companies across the entire “farm-to-fork” value chain—from growers and producers to branded food companies and restaurant operators.
To review the LABJ 2026 Leaders of Influence: M&A in full, please click here.
About CriticalPoint
CriticalPoint provides tailored financial solutions through a trusted platform, combining the best of Investment Banking and Private Capital. Backed by decades of diverse transaction experience, the CriticalPoint team delivers the insights clients and stakeholders need to achieve superior outcomes. Founded in 2012 by senior M&A professionals with a passion for deal-making, CriticalPoint stands out for its deep expertise in Investment Banking—including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, deal sourcing, special situations, and valuation advisory—as well as in Private Capital investing, with a focus on corporate divestitures and special situations. When business owners, management teams, private equity firms, and corporate sellers reach a defining moment across a range of industries, they rely on CriticalPoint’s proven expertise.
