The principal broker for a Grand Junction firm that assists with the sales of pet care businesses has been honored for her efforts.

Teija Heikkila of PET|VET M&A, Sales & Advisory received a 2022 Platinum Club award from M&A Source. The trade association for lower middle market transaction advisors presented awards for individual and firm performance at its recent spring conference in Florida.

“These individuals and firms represent some of the best professionals in the lower middle market, and we congratulate them on their success,” said Kylene Golubski, executive director of the M&A Source.

The Platinum Club award recognizes those whose completed transactions totaling more than $15 million in combined enterprise value in one calendar year.

“2022 was certainly a big year not just for us, but for the industry as a whole,” Heikkila said. “I appreciate the recognition as dealmaking is never easy. But I would also like to thank my clients for trusting me with their biggest asset and my team at PET|VET for their efficiency and support.”

Heikkila said the lower middle market constitutes a hotbed of activity as investors seek alternatives in which they can enter earlier into the value creation cycle. This offers opportunities for sellers in the pet care industry with favorable deal structures and terms.

“Several new private equity firms have entered the space and amid the competition we are able to secure uniquely favorable structures that produce immediate and long-term life-changing wealth for our clients,” she said. “We also have access to capital to grow your brand to a multi-site regional presence. There are rare opportunities where timing matters.”

She has worked in the pet industry since the 1990s, first as the owner of a dog boarding and training facility in Washington state, then as a business broker, mergers and acquisitions intermediary and consultant. She and her team at PET|VET M&A, Sales & Advisory have completed more than 170 transactions with a total sale value of $350 million.

Heikkila was inducted into the DealStats Hall of Fame in both 2021 and 2022 for the number of successful deals in which she was involved.