Managing Partner

Since 1999, Lawton has been providing Argus' clients with various investment banking services related to mergers and acquisitions, asset divestitures, equity placements, financial restructuring, and refinancing. He also works with clients on strategic or sensitive projects for which they do not have internal staff. He has worked in a wide variety of industries including construction, telecommunications, industrial contracting, power, plastics, and machine tools.

Specific engagements have included the following:

Modern Continental Construction Company, Inc. — Boston-based heavy construction contractor. Currently completing the sale of a $60+ million real estate portfolio which includes industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, and development properties.

Jay Cashman, Inc. — $250 million diversified heavy/marine construction contractor. Worked directly with the chairman on a variety of strategic initiatives and investment opportunities over a 6+ year ongoing engagement.

MedQuest, Inc. — $300 million medical imaging company. Served as financial advisor and worked on a variety of strategic and sensitive projects including executive separation agreements, equity placement, and litigation support.

UNIFI Communications, Inc. — Multinational telecommunication company operating in 10 countries. Marketed and negotiated separate sales of the US and Hong Kong business divisions.

K2 Industrial, Inc. — Industrial contractor. Sourced, negotiated, and closed a new senior loan facility and follow-on equipment finance facility.

SupportKids, Inc. — Child support collections business. Sourced, negotiated, and closed a new senior loan facility.

Gitto Global, Inc. — $30 million plastics compounder. Marketed and sold the assets of the company to a strategic buyer for $10 million.

Education

Lawton received his AB from Princeton University and an MPA from Cornell University.

Background

Prior to joining Argus, Lawton worked in the telecommunications industry in China, Hong Kong, and the United States. He resides in New York City.