For more than 20 years, Charter Capital Partners has advised privately held businesses across West Michigan and the Midwest through some of the most important moments in their company’s history – from ownership transitions and acquisitions to capital raises and strategic growth initiatives.
Today, the firm is entering its next chapter as KSM Corporate Finance, building on its January 2026 integration with KSM (Katz, Sapper & Miller), a nationally recognized advisory, tax, and audit firm.
While the name has evolved, the firm’s relationship-driven approach and commitment to middle-market business owners remain unchanged. KSM Corporate Finance continues to advise clients on sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, capital raises, and other strategic financial decisions, now backed by the broader resources and multidisciplinary expertise of KSM.
Sustained by local leaders
Importantly, the same local leadership team remains in place, including partners Mike Brown and Mark Streekstra, who have long guided the firm’s work throughout the lower middle market.
Streekstra was recently recognized by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business as M&A Advisor of the Year, reflecting both the depth of experience on the team and the trust the firm has built with business owners throughout the region.
“Joining KSM allows us to build on the strong foundation Charter created while expanding the resources and capabilities available to our clients,” said Streekstra. “At the same time, clients continue to work with the same local team they’ve known for years.”
THE NEXT CHAPTER
As part of KSM, KSM Corporate Finance now combines its middle-market transaction experience with the broader capabilities of a nationally recognized advisory platform. Clients benefit from expanded access to multidisciplinary expertise across advisory, tax, assurance, and consulting services, while still receiving the personalized attention and relationship-focused guidance that has always defined the firm’s approach.
That combination is especially meaningful in today’s environment, as many business owners continue to navigate succession planning, evolving capital markets, growth opportunities, and increasingly complex transaction decisions.
“Our focus has always been helping clients navigate critical moments with confidence,” said Brown. “Being part of KSM enhances our ability to support clients throughout the full lifecycle of their business while continuing to provide the responsive, hands-on approach that has always been central to our team.”
West Michigan’s business community has long been defined by strong relationships, entrepreneurial leadership, and privately held companies that continue to shape the region’s economy. KSM Corporate Finance is proud to continue serving that community as part of a stronger, more integrated platform.
While Charter Capital Partners now operates as KSM Corporate Finance, Charter Growth Capital continues to operate independently as a mezzanine debt and minority equity investment fund focused on supporting lower middle-market businesses. The organizations maintain a longstanding relationship while continuing to serve distinct roles within the market.
This next chapter is not about changing who the firm is. It is about strengthening its ability to serve clients, deepen relationships, and help business owners move forward with confidence.
The team is grateful to the clients, partners, and community members who have supported Charter Capital Partners over the years and looks forward to continuing that work as KSM Corporate Finance.