When it comes to investment banking, middle-market companies often face unique challenges. They need a partner who understands their specific needs, and that’s where Comerica Investment Banking steps in.
With decades of experience and a team dedicated to delivering results, Comerica offers tailored investment banking solutions for businesses ready to grow, merge, raise capital, or prepare for sale. Let’s explore everything Comerica brings to the table, from mergers and acquisitions to private placements and more.
What Is Comerica Investment Banking?
Comerica Investment Banking is a special service offered by Comerica Bank that helps mid-sized businesses with major financial decisions. The bank officially launched its Investment Banking Group in early 2023 through its subsidiary, Comerica Securities. This marked a strategic move for the bank as it aimed to expand beyond traditional commercial lending and tap into the growing demand for advisory services in mergers and capital raising.
Their services go beyond typical banking. Instead, they work with business owners who are planning big moves such as selling their company, buying another business, or raising large amounts of money from private investors.
This division of Comerica is designed for businesses that are growing or going through a major transition. The team behind Comerica Investment Banking brings deep experience in finance, strong connections with potential buyers and investors, and a clear understanding of how deals get done in the real world. They will help plan, manage, and close transactions that can shape a company’s future.
What makes Comerica stand out is its relationship-first approach. While it may not have the global scale of Wall Street giants, it offers clients a more personal, responsive, and regionally informed experience. Their approach is always tailored to fit your specific business goals and market position.
Core Services Offered by Comerica Investment Banking
Comerica doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, their investment banking team designs custom strategies depending on your business stage, industry, and objectives. Here’s what they offer:
Sell-Side Advisory
If you’re thinking about selling your company, whether a small portion or the entire business, Comerica can help make the process smoother and more profitable. Selling a business is a significant choice that requires multiple steps, such as:
- Valuation guidance
- Marketing your company to potential buyers
- Negotiating favorable deal terms
- Managing due diligence
Comerica Investment Banking works closely with business owners to design and execute a smooth sale process. Whether you’re selling part of your business or the entire company, Comerica helps you maximize value and minimize stress.
Buy-Side Advisory
Comerica Bank Investment Banking can also assist if you want to expand by buying another business. They support businesses that want to buy competitors, suppliers, or even companies in new markets. Their buy-side services include:
- Evaluating targets
- Performing due diligence
- Negotiating pricing and terms
- Structuring transactions
Comerica helps ensure that you’re making a smart investment, not just a fast one. They focus on deals that will create long-term value.
Target Evaluation and Due Diligence
Before you buy a business, you need to understand exactly what you’re getting. Comerica offers detailed evaluation and due diligence services, which help uncover hidden problems or spot golden opportunities.
They examine:
- Financials
- Operational performance
- Legal compliance
- Strategic fit
With Comerica Bank Investment Banking, you’ll get the full picture before making a commitment, so you can move forward with confidence.
Carve-Outs and Business Restructuring
Sometimes, a company might want to split off one of its divisions or business units. This process is known as a carve-out. It’s a strategic move that can help a company focus on its most important areas or raise cash from a non-core asset.
Their team:
- Identifies potential buyers
- Structures carve-outs
- Handles negotiations
- Assists with the transition
This is ideal for companies looking to streamline operations or focus on core business.
Private Capital Raising (Equity and Debt)
Not every company wants to go public or deal with the demands of shareholders. Comerica helps businesses raise private capital instead. They connect you with investors who are interested in supporting growth-stage companies.
There are two types of capital that Comerica Investment Banking helps you raise:
Equity Capital
Equity means selling a share of your business to investors in exchange for cash. Comerica’s equity services are great for businesses that need long-term funding without adding debt. They help with:
- Series B and later funding rounds
- Finding strategic investors who can also bring expertise or partnerships
- Working with both active and passive investors
- Creating preferred or hybrid equity structures that offer flexibility for both sides
This is a great option for fast-growing companies looking to expand, develop new products, or enter new markets.
Debt Capital
For businesses that prefer not to give up ownership, Comerica also offers debt financing options. These include:
- Junior debt securities: loans that are riskier but more flexible than traditional bank loans
- Subordinated notes: a type of debt that sits behind senior debt but still offers capital access
- Hybrid structures: a mix of debt and equity-like features
With Comerica Investment Banking, you can design a capital structure that supports your goals without giving up too much control or taking on excessive risk.
This gives you the flexibility to raise funds without giving up control or over-leveraging your business.
Why Middle-Market Businesses Choose Comerica
Many mid-sized businesses find themselves in a tough spot when it comes to investment banking. They’re often too large for small local firms but too small to get much attention from big Wall Street banks. That’s where Comerica Investment Banking comes in. It focuses on middle-market businesses, typically those with annual revenues between $20 million and $500 million. Ideal clients include:
- Family-owned businesses exploring a sale
- Growing companies seeking Series B funding
- Businesses preparing for generational transitions
- Companies restructuring or spinning off divisions
- Owners looking for strategic partners or partial exits
So why do so many business owners trust Comerica Investment Banking with their most important financial transactions? Here are a few key reasons:
- Tailored Strategies Just for You: Comerica doesn’t believe in using cookie-cutter plans. Instead, their team takes time to understand your business: your industry, your goals, and your challenges. Then they build a customized game plan that fits your specific situation.
- Personal Guidance from Real Experts: You’re not just a number at Comerica. You’ll work directly with seasoned advisors who know the ins and outs of mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising. Their personalized approach means you always have a partner to guide you.
- Access to the Right Investors: Comerica has strong relationships with institutional investors, private equity firms, and family offices. That means when you’re ready to raise capital or sell your business, they can connect you to serious, qualified buyers or investors.
- Industry Know-How: Their team understands how different industries work, from manufacturing to tech to healthcare. This deep knowledge helps them offer smart advice and avoid common pitfalls, no matter what market you’re in.
- Big-Bank Power, Boutique-Firm Service: Comerica combines the scale, credibility, and resources of a large financial institution with the care and flexibility of a smaller boutique firm. You get the best of both worlds, strong backing and personal service.
Backed by Comerica Bank’s Strength
When you work with Comerica Investment Banking, you’re not only getting expert advice, but also getting the full support of Comerica Bank, one of the most trusted names in American banking. Comerica Incorporated is a well-established financial institution headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It has a long history of helping businesses grow, and its financial strength gives you extra confidence when making big decisions.
As of March 31, 2025, Comerica ranked #1 among U.S. bank holding companies with more than $70 billion in assets, based on the percentage of assets tied to commercial and industrial loans. That means Comerica is deeply committed to supporting real businesses.
This kind of financial strength, industry leadership, and proven stability adds a layer of credibility to every deal you make. Whether you’re selling a business, acquiring one, or raising capital, you can move forward knowing you’re backed by a well-established financial institution that stands behind its clients.
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Awareness
Comerica takes compliance and investor protection seriously. All investment banking services are provided through Comerica Securities, Inc., which is a registered broker-dealer and a member of FINRA and SIPC. These regulatory bodies help ensure fair, transparent, and ethical practices in the financial world.
However, it’s important to understand a few key things about investment banking with Comerica:
- Comerica investments are not FDIC insured. Unlike bank deposits, investments carry risk.
- There is no guarantee from Comerica Bank. The value of your investment can go up or down.
- You could lose money. Like any market-based investment, returns are not guaranteed.
Also, Comerica Bank Investment Banking does not provide tax or legal advice. If your transaction involves complex tax implications or legal questions, they strongly recommend working with your own accountant or attorney to make sure everything is handled properly.
By staying transparent about these risks and responsibilities, Comerica builds long-term trust with its clients.
Getting Started with Comerica Investment Banking
If you’re thinking about taking the next big step in your business, Comerica makes it easy to begin. You don’t have to be an expert in finance to start the conversation.
Comerica offers no-pressure consultations where you’ll speak directly with an experienced investment banker who understands your industry. They’ll take the time to learn about your goals, challenges, and future plans. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Identify your goals: Decide what you need, whether it’s selling a business, buying one, raising capital, or restructuring. Understanding your goals will help Comerica build the right plan for you.
- Schedule a free consultation: Reach out to Comerica Investment Banking for a no-pressure call. You’ll talk directly with an experienced banker who understands your industry and can guide your next steps.
- Set your strategy: Comerica will work with you to define the project’s scope and design a custom strategy to match your needs and timeline.
- Sign the agreement: Once both sides agree on the plan, you’ll sign an engagement letter. Then, Comerica builds your deal team, outlines key steps, and starts preparing materials.
- Prepare and review: Their team will gather financials, analyze your business, and organize due diligence to create a strong profile for potential buyers or investors.
- Go to market: Comerica will introduce your deal to qualified investors or buyers, manage meetings, and handle all outreach confidentially and professionally.
- Negotiate the deal: When offers come in, Comerica helps negotiate price, terms, and structure. They’ll also assist with contracts and closing paperwork.
- Finalize and transition: After closing, Comerica stays involved to support any transitions, like fund transfers, carve-outs, or integrations.
- Ongoing support: Even after the deal is done, Comerica can continue offering advice for future deals, capital planning, or strategic growth.
Starting early gives you more time to prepare, make smart decisions, and position your business for success. Whether you’re looking to act in six months or two years, Comerica is ready to support your journey at your pace.
Comerica Investment Banking FAQs
What types of businesses does Comerica Investment Banking work with?
- Comerica primarily serves middle-market businesses, typically with revenues between $20 million and $500 million, across various industries.
Does Comerica help with IPOs or going public?
- No, Comerica focuses on private capital solutions, not public offerings. They help businesses raise funds through private placements instead of IPOs.
How is Comerica Investment Banking different from Comerica Securities?
- Comerica Bank Investment Banking offers advisory services for mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising. Comerica Securities is the broker-dealer that executes those investment services under FINRA/SIPC.
How long does a typical M&A process take with Comerica?
- While timelines vary, a standard merger or acquisition process with Comerica usually takes 6 to 9 months, depending on deal complexity.
Can Comerica help businesses find the right buyers or investors?
- Yes. Comerica leverages its national network of institutional investors, family offices, and strategic buyers to match clients with the right partners.
If you’re a middle-market business owner ready to make a big move, Comerica Investment Banking could be your ideal partner. They bring experience, strategy, and deep market connections to every deal. Whether you’re raising capital, acquiring a competitor, or preparing to sell your business, Comerica provides the guidance and tools to get it done right.
