As an early member to the United Rentals Mergers and Acquisitions Team, Paul played a key role in many of the platform and add-on acquisitions forming the foundation that United Rentals (URI) is today. Paul was responsible for all aspects of the transaction from market assessment, deal-sourcing, diligence, negotiation and closing. In three years the M&A team acquired over 700 locations comprising $3.5 billion in revenues, forming the North American industry leader in the process.
This experience launched Paul’s 20+ year career in M&A advisory services and consulting. After URI, Paul formed Powers Associates, a mid-market consulting firm focused on M&A advisory services, working closely with private equity, the capital markets and strategic partners to engineer the best outcome for his clients. Projects include engagements in equipment rental, equipment sales, agriculture, manufacturing and other heavy industries.
In 2010, Paul joined one of the founders of URI and other members of the United Rentals M&A Team to found Catalyst Strategic Advisors, with a focus on M&A advisory services for the equipment rental industry.
In addition to his work as an M&A advisor, Paul has successfully launched, built and sold a number of businesses in the equipment rental, equipment sales, truck and recreational vehicle industries. He brings the unique aspect of operating on both sides of the table to his M&A advisory projects, and has the ability to connect with sellers and buyers of a business using his past operational experiences, a rarity in investment banking and M&A advisory. Paul speaks the language and understands the issues and challenges of the entrepreneur, as well as that of the private equity and capital markets, and has a deep knowledge and experience base of transactions to draw from. Because no two deals are the same, this foundation is invaluable in each new engagement.