Justin Thomas, partner and leader of the firm’s Private Equity Group, has been recognized as a Notable M&A Dealmaker for 2025 by Crain’s Cleveland Business magazine. The award recognizes dealmakers across Northeast Ohio who are integral to the M&A ecosystem.
Justin played a pivotal role in Cohen & Co's three most recent high-profile mergers and acquisitions, driving transformative deals that have significantly benefited the firm. The transactions, which included securing a strategic growth investment from Lovell Minnick Partners, acquiring Tax & Wealth Management, and bringing Tassi and Company on board, have expanded the firm's service offerings and geographic presence while increasing the number of employee equity holders. These strategic moves have created substantial opportunities for the firm, its clients and its employees, ultimately strengthening Cohen & Co's position in the market.
Justin also specializes in advising clients through due diligence investigations, contract negotiation support and settlement of post-closing adjustments. With 13 years of experience at a Big 4 accounting firm, 10 of which were dedicated to mergers and acquisitions, Justin has developed deep knowledge of issues facing buyers and sellers, both private equity and corporate, in deals ranging in value from $5 million to more than $4.5 billion. Justin is a member of the Ohio Society of CPAs, American Institute of CPAs.