Bigelow LLC vs BlackOak Partners
Comparing two boutique M&A advisors · Last updated April 9, 2025
| Attribute | Bigelow LLC | BlackOak Partners |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Boutique | Boutique |
| HQ | Boston, MA | Charleston, SC |
| Founded | 2007 | 2012 |
| Sector focus | Lower Mid-Market | Industrials, Lower Mid-Market |
| Deal size | $10M-$150M | $10M-$100M |
| Senior team |
|
|
| Rating | Locked | Locked |
| Reviews | 0 verified | 0 verified |
Choosing between Bigelow LLC and BlackOak Partners
Bigelow LLC and BlackOak Partners both work in Lower Mid-Market. Founders running a sell-side process in those categories often see both names on their advisor longlist, which is why this comparison comes up. Both firms position themselves as boutique advisors, so the choice is less about category and more about pattern recognition, senior attention, and process fit.
Bigelow LLC is headquartered in Boston, MA and was founded in 2007, while BlackOak Partners operates out of Charleston, SC and was founded in 2012. Geography matters here: Bigelow LLC's Boston relationships and BlackOak Partners's Charleston relationships will overlap on national strategics but diverge on the regional private equity buyer set most likely to push price. On deal-size focus, Bigelow LLC states $10M-$150M while BlackOak Partners states $10M-$100M. Beyond shared coverage, Bigelow LLC also reaches into adjacent categories, while BlackOak Partners extends into Industrials.
For founders deciding between Bigelow LLC and BlackOak Partners, the honest recommendation is to take a working session with each named partner before signing. Read the firm-level reviews on BankerNotes for the pattern that matters most: did the partner who pitched the mandate run the buyer calls and final negotiations, or did the work slide down the org chart by week six. That pattern, more than league-table position, is what separates a good outcome from a mediocre one.
Bigelow LLC is a boutique headquartered in Boston, MA and founded in 2007. The firm focuses on Lower Mid-Market and typically advises on transactions in the $10M-$150M range. Key dealmakers include Andrew Bigelow (Managi...
BlackOak Partners is a boutique headquartered in Charleston, SC and founded in 2012. The firm focuses on Industrials, Lower Mid-Market and typically advises on transactions in the $10M-$100M range. Key dealmakers include...
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main difference between Bigelow LLC and BlackOak Partners?
- Bigelow LLC is a boutique HQ'd in Boston, MA (founded 2007), focused on Lower Mid-Market, with a typical deal range of $10M-$150M. BlackOak Partners is a boutique HQ'd in Charleston, SC (founded 2012), focused on Industrials, Lower Mid-Market, with a typical deal range of $10M-$100M. Beyond those facts, the most reliable differentiator is senior banker attention, which BankerNotes reviews are designed to surface.
- Which firm has better founder reviews, Bigelow LLC or BlackOak Partners?
- Bigelow LLC's current rating is Locked (reviews unlock after five verified founders submit ratings). BlackOak Partners's current rating is Locked (reviews unlock after five verified founders submit ratings). Read the individual firm profiles for the full review breakdown.
- Should I shortlist both Bigelow LLC and BlackOak Partners?
- For most founders evaluating sell-side advisors with overlapping sector and deal-size fit, putting both on a shortlist is reasonable. The point of a bake-off is to test how the senior team behaves under pressure, how the firm shapes the buyer universe, and how it handles a difficult diligence question. Treat the shortlist as an interview, not a beauty contest.
- How does BankerNotes verify reviews of Bigelow LLC and BlackOak Partners?
- Every review is submitted by a founder who confirms they hired the firm as their sell-side advisor. We verify the reviewer privately using work email, LinkedIn, and approximate engagement timing. The verified identity is never published. Only the rating, written review, and a generic sector label appear on the public page.
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Last updated: April 9, 2025