Michael Watt Joins Portage Point Partners
In a recent announcement, Portage Point Partners, LLC, a leading name in advisory and financial services, has welcomed Michael Watt as the new Managing Director of its Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) practice, based in New York. With over two decades of rich experience in the industry, Michael is set to bolster the firm's presence in the competitive middle market.
Michael joins Portage Point with a wealth of expertise developed over his 20-year career, in which he has successfully guided numerous clients through various phases, such as acquisitions and operational enhancements, to realize substantial value. His track record includes leading multidisciplinary teams on transactions ranging in size from $25 million to over $5 billion, showcasing his aptitude for navigating complex financial landscapes.
His areas of expertise cover essential elements of transaction advisory, including performing financial and operational due diligence, in-depth contract analysis, optimizing cash flow and working capital, and facilitating post-merger integration and transformation efforts. Michael’s diversified industry experience spans consumer products, distribution, industrial manufacturing, and retail sectors, where he has supported both large-cap and middle-market private equity firms as well as major domestic and international enterprises.
According to Rob Wedinger, Managing Director and Head of TAS at Portage Point, “We are excited to welcome Michael to the TAS team. His deep transaction expertise, proven leadership, and ability to guide clients through complex, high-stakes transactions make him an outstanding addition.” This sentiment is echoed by Matthew Ray, Founder and CEO of Portage Point, who commended Michael’s proven ability to generate measurable value for stakeholders through his strategic insights and effective execution.
Michael expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am thrilled to join Portage Point and contribute to the continued expansion of the TAS practice and overall platform. The Portage Point reputation for delivering exceptional results through rigorous analysis, collaborative execution, and hands-on leadership perfectly aligns with my professional approach. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to drive impactful outcomes for clients across all practice lines.”
Before this new appointment, Michael held the position of Partner within KPMG's Deal Advisory Practice, where he honed his skills in transaction services and advisory roles.
Portage Point Partners prides itself on being a business advisory firm with a focus on the middle market, offering a blend of interim management and investment banking services. The firm is recognized for its top-tier team that leverages extensive experience across consulting, operations, finance, accounting, and investment banking. This integrated approach enables them to provide unmatched transactional, operational, and financial insights, thus enhancing the landscape for middle-market stakeholders.
In October 2024, a strategic minority growth investment was made in Portage Point by New Mountain Capital, demonstrating confidence in the firm's vision and capabilities. Building on their established foundation, the addition of Michael Watt is a significant step forward in continuing to drive value for their clients across various facets of the business lifecycle—from ideation through to monetization.
Learn more about how Portage Point Partners can make a positive impact on your business by visiting their website:
www.portagepointpartners.com.