Fred Petito, DBA, JD / CMAA, CEPA

M&A Advisor II Business Intermediary II Growth Advisor

Jersey City, New Jersey, United States

About

As President of Transworld Ascend, my mission is to help the owners of high-quality Main Street and lower mid-market companies successfully sell their businesses. With over 25 years of experience as a C-level executive and senior leader in large multinational firms, roll-up mergers, and startups, I have advised some of the largest global companies across numerous industries. My business training includes a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Pace University and Columbia Business School's Executive Development Program. I am also a former attorney specializing in commercial, estate planning, and tax law. My professional certifications include Certified Mergers & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Board Certified Coach (BCC), and Certified Leadership Coach. Specialties: Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Brokerage, Exit Planning, Strategic Growth Planning, Business Coaching, CEO Coaching, Leadership Development, Mentoring, Successor Coaching, Leadership Team Development, Business Leadership, Business Development

Experience

  • Managing Director at Transworld M&A Advisors
    2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Transworld M&A Advisors has a team of experts focused on mid-market deals for companies with revenues between $5 million and $100 million. Transactions of this size require a unique mix of experience, insight, and skilled negotiation, which is why we have a dedicated division to serve the specific needs of these buyers and sellers. Whether you are a buyer or seller, our highly knowledgeable team can add significant value to your transaction by advocating for your best interests and negotiating the Greatest Value. We see the “Greatest Value” as that unique mix of Price, Terms, and Cultural Fit between both sides of a transaction. We have solid relationships with strategic buyers both domestically and around the globe, allowing us to maximize the potential of a timely and successful closing. From identifying the market value of your company to keeping you informed of the various options and wide range of potential transaction structures, we strive to provide you with the resources, counsel, and insight you need to make these important decisions from a thoroughly informed position. *Securities offered through Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Transworld M&A Advisors and Finalis Securities LLC are separate, unaffiliated entities.

  • President at Transworld Business Advisors Ascend
    2023 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

    Transworld Business Advisors Ascend supports business sales, acquisitions, and sell-side M&A transactions from approximately $500K to $25M. Serving business owners across Northern and Central New Jersey, with offices in Jersey City, Montclair, and Iselin, we help business owners prepare, value, market, and sell their companies through a disciplined and confidential process. Transworld Business Advisors has helped thousands of companies sell their business. As business advisors, we provide the following services related to buying or selling a business: + Business Valuations + Exit Planning + Business Brokerage + Mergers & Acquisitions + Business Sales & Marketing + Deal Structuring + Due Diligence & Negotiation + Transition Planning 40+ Years Experience || Over 20,000 Businesses Sold || 1000+ Advisors || 140+ Offices Worldwide If you’re interested in learning more, contact us at: + 201-978-5700 + [email protected] + www.tworld.com/ascend

  • Executive Committee Member at Alliance of M&A Advisors
    Oct 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    Executive Committee Member and founding member of the New Jersey Chapter of the Alliance of Mergers & Acquisitions Advisors

  • Founder & Managing Partner at Attain Growth Advisors
    2021 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mos

    The mission of Attain Growth Advisors is to help the owners and CEOs of lower mid-market companies develop and implement plans to optimize their businesses' value in preparation for a successful exit. We do this by supporting them in four key areas: + Creating an inspired growth vision and plan focusing on value creation while galvanizing the organization for what’s next. + Instilling the processes and discipline to ensure the organization is aligned and organized to execute the growth plan successfully. + Business coaching for current and future leaders to remove barriers to growth and prepare for future success. + Elevating leadership team performance to implement the value creation agenda defined in the growth plan. Learn more at www.attainadvisor.com

  • Head of Strategy at Edelman
    Jan 2021 - Jan 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Led integrated and digital marketing strategy for Edelman's $200mm global health business. Focused on bringing integrated marketing and digital transformation best practices to Edelman's best-in-class communications offering, driving growth, and providing strategic counsel to C-level clients: AstraZeneca, AbbVie, Amgen, GSK, J&J, Novartis, Regeneron, and Sanofi. + Drove 300% growth in digital and integrated strategy fees, and increased team headcount from 15 to 55+ FTEs + Led integration of multiple strategic marketing disciplines to ensure cohesive campaign planning and execution: digital, brand, social, content, paid social, programmatic, and influencer + Worked closely with client and agency data analytics teams on KPI definition, campaign analysis, and campaign optimizations to ensure programs exceeded performance benchmarks