For over three decades, Robert Koenig has been a leading force in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) industry, revolutionizing the way middle-market businesses transition ownership. As the Founder and Senior Managing Partner of Woodbridge International, Robert has built an industry powerhouse that consistently delivers maximum value for business owners. His career spans strategic leadership, financial innovation, and a commitment to excellence that has helped shape the modern M&A landscape.
Robert’s journey in business began with Koenig Corporation, an art supply retail distribution and manufacturing company that he successfully grew from $5 million to $100 million in sales. Over a 15-year tenure, he orchestrated 30 add-on acquisitions, ultimately capturing 10% of the U.S. art supply market before executing a strategic sale. This hands-on experience in scaling businesses and negotiating deals gave Robert a firsthand understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face when selling a business—an insight that would later become the foundation for Woodbridge International.
In 1993, Robert founded Woodbridge International, a firm designed to provide business owners with a superior M&A process driven by marketing innovation, global reach, and a results-oriented strategy. He pioneered the use of video marketing in sell-side transactions, creating a compelling storytelling approach that has significantly increased buyer engagement. Under his leadership, Woodbridge built a proprietary database of over 300,000 strategic companies and 4,500 private equity groups, ensuring that every client receives multiple bids from highly qualified buyers.
Robert’s commitment to delivering premium valuations has been central to Woodbridge’s success. Unlike traditional business brokers, Woodbridge operates on a timeline-driven auction model, ensuring maximum competition and deal certainty. On average, the firm’s recent 30 closed transactions attracted 20 competitive bids, proving the effectiveness of its unique approach. His ability to anticipate market trends and create structured processes has solidified Woodbridge as a leader in middle-market M&A.
In August 2024, Woodbridge International was acquired by Mariner Wealth Advisors, a move that marked a significant milestone in Robert’s career. This strategic acquisition further enhances the firm’s capabilities, allowing clients to benefit from an integrated wealth management and M&A advisory experience. By aligning with Mariner, Robert has extended his legacy of excellence, ensuring that business owners not only achieve optimal exit strategies but also secure their long-term financial future.
Beyond his success in corporate finance and private equity, Robert is a recognized thought leader in M&A. His expertise spans capital markets, investment banking, due diligence, valuation, and strategic planning. He has been featured in business publications such as the Hartford Business Journal and frequently speaks on topics related to exit strategies, business valuation, and financial structuring. His insights and experience have made him a trusted advisor for business owners navigating complex M&A transactions.
Robert’s international exposure has been instrumental in expanding Woodbridge’s global reach. He has worked extensively across Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, facilitating cross-border transactions that create global opportunities for middle-market companies. His ability to navigate diverse economic landscapes and regulatory environments has contributed to the firm’s continued success on a global scale.
A firm believer in empowering business owners, Robert has dedicated his career to creating life-changing liquidity events. His mission is to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies needed to maximize the value of their businesses, ensuring they exit on their terms. His process-driven approach, combined with a deep understanding of buyer psychology, has led to record-breaking deal closures and unmatched client satisfaction.
Robert’s leadership style is defined by innovation, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to client success. His ability to inspire his team, adapt to market shifts, and push the boundaries of traditional M&A practices has established him as one of the most influential figures in the industry. As he continues his journey with Mariner Wealth, he remains focused on driving value, expanding opportunities, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in M&A.
Under his leadership, Woodbridge International has celebrated over 30 years of successful deal-making, generating over $619 million in liquidity for business owners in 2022 alone. His legacy is one of innovation, dedication, and results, proving that with the right strategy, the right buyers, and the right team, business owners can achieve financial success beyond expectations.
Character:
Robert is known for his integrity, perseverance, and client-first mindset, ensuring that every deal he facilitates is executed with transparency and professionalism. His leadership is built on trust and a commitment to ethical business practices.
Knowledge:
With over 32 years of expertise in M&A, finance, and business strategy, Robert possesses an in-depth understanding of market dynamics, valuation techniques, and negotiation strategies that drive successful exits for business owners.
Strategic:
Robert has developed a data-driven, timeline-based auction model that maximizes competitive bidding, increasing valuations and ensuring high success rates for clients looking to sell their businesses.
Communication:
His ability to articulate complex financial concepts, engage buyers through innovative marketing strategies, and effectively guide business owners through the M&A process has made him a sought-after advisor and thought leader in the industry.
