New York, November 14, 2024 – The M&A Advisor is excited to announce that Cyrus Nikou, Founder and Managing Partner at Atar Capital, will be recognized as the 2024 Thomas Farrell Memorial Award recipient. Mr. Nikou will be honored for his outstanding contributions to the M&A industry at the 23rd Annual M&A Advisor Awards, a black-tie gala and a highlight of the 2024 Future of Dealmaking Summit, on Wednesday, November 20, at the iconic New York Athletic Club in New York.
“We are proud to honor Cyrus Nikou with the 2024 Thomas Farrell Memorial Award,” said Roger Aguinaldo, Founder and CEO of The M&A Advisor. “Cyrus is an exemplary leader who truly embodies the values this prestigious award represents—industry leadership, transactional excellence, and a strong commitment to community involvement. Each year, for more than two decades, The M&A Advisor has had the privilege of recognizing the most accomplished and impactful dealmakers, and Cyrus is undoubtedly a deserving recipient of this honor.”
The M&A Advisor established the Thomas Farrell Memorial Award in 2017 to honor the memory of Thomas “Tom” Farrell, former Executive Vice President of investment banking firm Generational Equity, and to celebrate his outstanding contributions to the M&A industry. The Award is presented each year to the individual chosen by their peers to have made the most remarkable contribution to the advancement of the industry.
“This year’s Thomas Farrell Memorial Award recognizes Cyrus Nikou, whose career achievements to date exemplify the excellence of industry stalwarts who give back to the community,” said Roger Aguinaldo, Founder and CEO of The M&A Advisor. “Cyrus has consistently distinguished himself not only through his intelligence and strategic vision but also through his integrity and impact. I have no doubt that Tom Farrell, whose legacy this award honors, would be immensely proud of Cyrus as this year’s recipient.”
Mr. Nikou is the Founder and Managing Partner at Atar Capital, which he founded in 2016. Atar Capital, a leading lower-middle market private investment firm, is dedicated to socially responsible investing and sustainable solutions for global challenges. Mr. Nikou is committed to making smart, targeted investments that benefit future generations; as well as guiding Atar Capital’s mergers and acquisitions, corporate development, and overall operations to bring that vision to life. He serves as an advisor to several companies in the Atar Capital portfolio, including WinCup Corporation, Clarvida, Keypoint Intelligence, Frontier Integrity Services, and Solero Technologies. Atar’s global holdings span more than a dozen companies, with combined annual revenues of $1.8 billion and upwards of 14,500 employees worldwide.
Beyond his work at Atar, Mr. Nikou is deeply committed to community service, supporting organizations like the I Have a Dream Foundation, Upward Bound House, and Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. He also serves on the board of The Sierra Canyon School, furthering his dedication to giving back. A native of British Columbia, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and corporate finance from the Marshall School of Business at USC, where he laid the foundation for his successful career in business and investment.
In addition to being recognized as the Thomas Farrell Memorial Award recipient, Mr. Nikou will also be inducted into The M&A Advisor’s Hall of Fame, a feature of the 2024 Future of Dealmaking Summit, during The M&A Advisor’s Signature Awards Gala on November 20.
The M&A Advisor was founded in 1998 to offer insights and intelligence on mergers and acquisitions through the industry’s leading publication. Today, the firm is recognized as the world’s premier “think tank” and leadership organization for M&A, restructuring and financing professionals, providing a range of integrated services including: M&A Advisor Summits; M&A Advisor Awards; M&A Connects Online Community; M&A Connects Networking and One-on-One Meetings; M&A TV; M&A Alerts; and M&A Advisor Podcasts. For additional information about The M&A Advisor’s leadership services visit www.maadvisor.com.
