Justin Thomas, partner and market leader for the firm’s Private Equity Group, has been recognized as a 2025 Dealmaker of the Year by Smart Business Dealmakers. The award recognizes exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Cleveland.
Justin has been instrumental in leading Cohen & Co’s last three high-value M&A deals. Transactions included a strategic growth investment from Lovell Minnick Partners, the acquisition of Tax & Wealth Management, and the acquisition of Tassi and Company. Each deal created incredible opportunity for the firm, clients and employees — including enhanced services and geographic footprint, and an increase in employee equity holders.
In Justin’s client-facing work, he 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.