Christopher Stradling

Managing Director & Co-head of Consumer
Chicago Mergers & Acquisitions Consumer +1 (312) 580-8325
My passion is positioning high-quality businesses for maximum valuation. I thoroughly enjoy partnering with business owners to reach their goals through life-changing transactions.

As co-head of Lincoln’s Consumer Group in the U.S., Chris leads the firm’s consumer product initiatives and advises companies on mergers and acquisitions. Through a hands-on style of processing deals, Chris develops close relationships with owners and management to learn the priorities of all stakeholders and position companies for maximum valuation.

Chris has deep knowledge of the key dynamics, such as e-commerce and direct-to-consumer marketing, that drive the consumer industry. He brings significant experience leading transactions in the active lifestyle, e-commerce, functional apparel, food and beverage, home furnishings and merchandising sectors. Chris and his teams lead processes that yield outlier valuations by identifying and positioning his clients’ unique points of differentiation.

Chris brings practical life experience having spent his pre-college years deeply involved in running his family’s business, as well as post-educational stints working in operations and corporate development in a Fortune 500 company and auditing large companies at a major global accounting firm.

Chris holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University.

Perspectives featuring Christopher Stradling

News & Media featuring Christopher Stradling

Takeaways from bauma 2025

PitchBook | PE Exits Decline 25% in Q2 as Deal Activity Cools

Originally published by PitchBook on July 8, 2025 New PitchBook data shows the long-awaited resurgence of deal activity in private markets was delayed once again in Q2, confirming the private… Read More

Lincoln International adds Joe Sparacino as Managing Director, Expanding Auto Aftermarket Coverage

New hires join in newly introduced Boston office Lincoln International, a global investment banking advisory firm, is pleased to announce that Joe Sparacino has joined as a Managing Director. His… Read More

Photo of downtown Los Angeles for Ryan O’Toole and Eric Cartier announcement

Lincoln International adds Brian Little as Managing Director

Lincoln International, a global investment banking advisory firm, is pleased to announce that Brian Little has joined as a Managing Director in the firm’s Consumer Group in Los Angeles. Brian will provide… Read More

Lincoln International Awarded M&A Advisor Chapter 11 Reorganization and Restructuring Deal of the Year Awards

Lincoln International is pleased to share that we have received The M&A Advisor’s Chapter 11 Reorganization of the Year ($100-$250 million) and Restructuring Deal of the Year ($250-$500 million) awards.… Read More

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Meet our Senior Team in Mergers & Acquisitions & Consumer

David Houser

Managing Director

Chicago

Firm details on FINRA’s BrokerCheck