Chris Cerimele

Managing Partner

Chris Cerimele is the Founder and Managing Partner of Balmoral Advisors, a boutique investment bank he started in 2014. With more than 30 years of experience across investment banking, finance, and public accounting, Chris leads with a simple but powerful philosophy: deliver exceptional results, and long-term success will follow.

Under his leadership, Balmoral has expanded — growing its team, broadening its industry reach, and establishing a strong network of global M&A partners. Since opening its doors, the firm has closed around 50 transactions. While Chris is heavily involved in setting the firm’s strategy and growth plans, he remains hands-on with clients, especially in the Building Products, Chemicals and Materials, and Industrials sectors.

Throughout his career, Chris has advised on deals totaling over $20 billion, mainly in the mid-market space. His expertise spans M&A advisory, corporate divestitures and carve-outs, takeover defenses, fairness opinions, capital raising, and financial restructurings for both debtors and creditors. He’s also provided expert testimony and advised on bankruptcy sales and court-driven processes.

Before founding Balmoral, Chris held key leadership roles at several top investment banks, including Head of Chemicals at Houlihan Lokey and Lincoln International, and Managing Director at Grace Matthews. His career began in public accounting at KPMG, followed by a move into investment banking at DLJ/Credit Suisse. In 2010, he was recognized with a 40 Under 40 Award by The M&A Advisor.

Chris holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Southern California and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and a FINRA-registered financial professional and general securities principal.

Outside of work, Chris is a community leader passionate about supporting youth education. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory in Highwood, IL, and Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, IL. His previous board roles include serving as President of The Adoption Center of Illinois and Chicago Dramatists, as well as being a board member of the Young Executives Club of Chicago.

At Balmoral, Chris has fostered a culture built on excellence, integrity, hard work, creativity, and an unwavering focus on helping clients succeed.