The M&A Advisor Names CLA Meridian Capital Director Benton Sturt A 2025 Emerging Leader
Published June 4, 2025
SEATTLE, WA (June 4, 2025) — CLA Meridian Capital, a leading independent investment bank serving middle-market businesses, is proud to announce that Benton Sturt, Director and Head of the firm’s Consumer Practice, has been named a 2025 Emerging Leader by The M&A Advisor. This prestigious recognition is part of the organization’s 16th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards, honoring top M&A professionals who have made notable contributions to the industry before the age of 40.
Benton was selected from hundreds of nominees by a panel of independent judges composed of veteran dealmakers and industry leaders. Winners will be honored during a Gala celebration at the 2025 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit, held September 15–16 at the New York Athletic Club.
“Benton has been an invaluable member of CLA Meridian Capital for the past 10 years,” said Brian Murphy, CEO of CLA Meridian Capital. “His contributions have been instrumental to both our growth and culture, particularly through his leadership of our Consumer Practice and oversight of the Salt Lake City office. This honor is a testament not only to Benton’s work ethic and commitment to his clients but to the collaborative energy he brings to our team every day.”
Since joining CLA Meridian Capital in 2015, Benton has advised on dozens of successful transactions, specializing in sell-side M&A for founder-led and investor-backed companies in the consumer, lifestyle, and wellness sectors. His client-first approach and data-driven execution have positioned him as a trusted advisor to business owners navigating complex transitions.
In addition to leading transaction execution, Benton has played a key role in expanding CLA Meridian Capital’s strategic growth in Salt Lake City and the broader Intermountain region.
To learn more about Benton, please visit meridianib.com/team/benton-sturt.
About CLA Meridian Capital
CLA Meridian Capital is a Seattle-based investment bank specializing in mergers & acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic advisory for privately held, middle-market companies across the United States. The firm brings deep industry expertise and a client-first philosophy to every engagement, with a proven track record across the industrial, consumer, and technology sectors.
For more information, visit meridianib.com.
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About CLA Meridian Capital
CLA Meridian Capital is the investment banking division of CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor and broker dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. With 30+ years of middle-market M&A and financial advisory experience, $22 billion in total transaction value, and deep industry knowledge across the Consumer, Industrials, and Technology sectors, CLA Meridian Capital helps our clients preserve the value they’ve built and the legacies they leave behind.
