https://www.sikich.com

Sikich Principal Kurt Estes Named to Crain’s Chicago Business Notable M&A Dealmakers

Sikich

Aug 18 2025

4 min read

CHICAGO – August 18, 2025 – Sikich, a Chicago-based leading global technology-enabled professional services company, today announced that Kurt Estes, principal at Sikich, has been named to Crain’s Chicago Business 2025 Notable M&A Dealmakers. Estes is recognized among 51 Chicago-area dealmakers who are essential to navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.

With more than 26 years of industry experience, Estes helps lead M&A activities for Sikich and supports the execution of acquisitions throughout the year. He is also a senior member of the Sikich investment banking practice, where he provides leadership to the teams that facilitate client M&A activity.

Since joining Sikich in 2008, Kurt has helped drive the company’s growth strategy and lead dozens of transactions for the company’s investment banking practice. After stepping into his role leading corporate development in 2018, Estes has been the driving force behind 23 acquisitions that have added more than $230 million in revenue to Sikich’s top line. In 2024, Sikich announced a $250 million minority investment from Bain Capital to help fund future acquisitions.

“Kurt’s recognition by Crain’s is a testament to his strategic leadership and deep expertise in M&A,” said Sikich Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer Ryan Spohn. “His ability to identify opportunities, structure complex deals and execute with precision has played a key role in fueling our growth and expanding our capabilities for clients.”

Estes holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, as well as a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He is registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority as a Series 24 general securities principal, a Series 7 general securities representative, a Series 79 investment banking representative and a Series 63 uniform securities agent.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Estes is a prolific innovator with more than 25 patents and published work in international scientific journals. He served on the board of advisors for the Illinois Institute of Technology Stuart School of Business for nine years and actively mentored numerous students. He has also been a board advisor to many early-stage companies.

To view the full list of honorees and learn more about the selection methodology, click here.

For more information on Sikich investment banking services, visit https://www.sikich.com/advisory-services/investment-banking/.

About Sikich

Sikich is a Chicago-based global company specializing in technology-enabled professional services. With approximately 2,000 employees, Sikich draws on a diverse portfolio of technology solutions to deliver transformative digital strategies. From corporations and not-for-profits to state and local governments and federal agencies, Sikich clients utilize a broad spectrum of services and products to help them improve performance and achieve long-term, strategic goals.

Sikich practices in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Sikich CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm that provides audit and attest services to its clients, and Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries provide tax and business advisory services to its clients. Sikich CPA LLC has a contractual arrangement with Sikich LLC under which Sikich LLC supports Sikich CPA LLC’s performance of its professional services. Sikich LLC and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms.

“Sikich” is the brand name under which Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC provide professional services. The entities under the Sikich brand are independently owned and are not liable for the services provided by any other entity providing services under the Sikich brand. The use of the terms “our company”, “we” and “us” and other similar terms denote the alternative practice structure of Sikich CPA LLC and Sikich LLC.

### 

This publication contains general information only and Sikich is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should you use it as a basis for any decision, action or omission that may affect you or your business. Before making any decision, taking any action or omitting an action that may affect you or your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. In addition, this publication may contain certain content generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. You acknowledge that Sikich shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by you or any person who relies on this publication.

About the Author

Sikich

Sikich is a global company specializing in technology-enabled professional services. With more than 1,900 employees, Sikich draws on a diverse portfolio of technology solutions to deliver transformative digital strategies and is comprised of one of the largest CPA firms in the United States. From corporations and not-for-profits to state and local governments and federal agencies, Sikich clients utilize a broad spectrum of services* and products to help them improve performance and achieve long-term, strategic goals. *Securities offered through Sikich Corporate Finance LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sikich Financial, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. 