The McFarland Group, a leading Omaha M&A advisor, has appointed John Bruckner as managing partner, a move that solidifies the firm's commitment to its core ownership transition practice. Bruckner, who has led the firm's M&A advisory practice for the past four years and worked alongside founder Byron McFarland for over a decade, will now oversee operations and strategic direction while continuing his client-facing work. This appointment matters because it ensures that the firm's specialized approach—emphasizing preparation and positioning well before a transaction—remains at the forefront as the firm expands.
For owners of closely held businesses, selling a company is often a once-in-a-lifetime event fraught with complexity. Bruckner's legal training and transactional experience are particularly suited to addressing the structural questions that directly impact what an owner walks away with: valuation, deal terms, and the architecture of the agreement. His practice concentrates on the lower middle market, where owners are frequently navigating a sale for the first and only time. By elevating Bruckner to managing partner, The McFarland Group signals that its senior-led, unhurried approach will endure, providing continuity and confidence to clients who need advisors who are not in a hurry.
Byron McFarland, who founded the firm, described the appointment as a reflection of how the group already functions. "John has been carrying this weight for some time, and the title reflects the work rather than announces a change in it," said McFarland. "My job has always been to help owners slow the moment down and think clearly. That continues, with a partner steering the firm who holds the same standard." This endorsement from the founder underscores the seamless transition and the firm's dedication to maintaining its guiding philosophy: Go Boldly.
Bruckner emphasized his commitment to preserving the firm's approach as its reach expands. "Most owners sell a business once. The decisions they make in that window shape everything that follows, and they deserve advisors who are not in a hurry," said Bruckner. "The work that matters happens long before a closing. That is what this firm was built to do, and it is what I intend to protect. I'm honored and excited for the opportunity to build on the foundation Byron created and help guide the firm into its next chapter. I have great respect for what he built and am committed to carrying that legacy forward together." His vision ensures that clients will continue to receive the same level of personalized, senior-led guidance that has defined the firm for two decades.
As an Omaha M&A advisor, The McFarland Group works with owners of closely held businesses across three service tracks: M&A advisory for sales to outside buyers, management buyouts for owners transferring the company to their leadership team, and performance equity plans designed to build value a buyer will pay for. Client engagements remain senior-led, and the appointment does not alter who owners work with on a day-to-day basis. This continuity is crucial for owners who rely on established relationships during what is often an emotional and high-stakes process.
The firm has guided over $3 billion in business value through more than 200 ownership transitions over two decades, a track record that speaks to its expertise. Bruckner's appointment ensures that The McFarland Group is well-positioned to continue helping owners navigate the complexities of ownership transitions, safeguarding their legacies and maximizing their outcomes. For more information, visit themcfarlandgroup.com.
