Tech, Media & Telecom

Joe Anto is a Managing Director in PCE’s investment banking group. With more than 20 years of finance, M&A, and C-level experience in various industries, he is well-equipped to advise middle market clients on potential M&A and financing opportunities.

Throughout his career, Joe has executed more than $3.5 billion in M&A and financing transactions across a variety of sectors. As a former business owner and C-suite executive, Joe understands the challenges clients face when evaluating strategic transactions.

Prior to joining PCE, Joe was CEO and CFO for a publicly-traded retail and pharmacy chain with 550+ stores and $2 billion+ in revenue. Joe also served as SVP of M&A and Investments for one of the largest newspaper holding companies in the U.S. Earlier in his career, Joe served as Director of Investments for a distressed and special situations hedge fund and also worked in venture capital and investment banking.

Certifications & Affiliations

• FINRA Series 24 and 79 Securities License
• Member - Association for Corporate Growth, South Florida Chapter

Education

• Emory University, BBA with Concentrations in Finance & Information Technology
• Columbia University, MBA with Concentration in Finance

Located in PCE’s Chicago area office, Eric Zaleski is a part of PCE’s ESOP Advisory Group. With over 20 years of experience advising middle market clients with liquidity and growth financing initiatives, often involving ESOPs, Eric understands the challenges that business owners face in growing and funding their companies.

With tremendous insight into the benefits associated with ESOPs, Eric has the analytical and organizational skills to guide business owners through the most complex ESOP structures. Over the years, Eric has established a proven track record of providing business owners with strategic advice for the implementation and financing of ESOPs to meet their objectives.

Prior to joining PCE, Eric served as Senior Vice President – ESOP Division Manager of a Chicago based bank. Throughout his career, Eric has managed nearly half a billion in commitments on middle market senior loans. Additionally, over the past 15+ years, Eric was responsible for sourcing more than $1 billion in ESOP and leveraged financed opportunities.

Certifications Affiliations

• Member – National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
• Member – The ESOP Association
• Member – The Ohio Employee Ownership Center
• FINRA Series 24 & 79 Securities Licenses

Service

• Executive Committee Member – Small Business Growth Corporations
• Former Board Member – Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation (2006 – 2009)

Education

• BA, Criminal Justice/Psychology, Aurora University, Chicago, IL

Ali brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to PCE's M&A practice. As Vice President, he spearheads critical deal execution, from crafting compelling presentations to managing meticulous due diligence processes. Ali specializes in buy-side and sell-side mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, and general corporate advisory transactions.

Prior to joining PCE, Ali honed his expertise at several globally recognized investment banking firms, leading transactions across diverse industries, including a strong focus on software and technology. He possesses a deep understanding of the entire deal lifecycle, having actively participated in origination, execution, and post-closing support. His proven ability to effectively manage teams and clearly communicate with stakeholders has been instrumental in closing numerous successful deals.

Ali's qualifications extend beyond his financial acumen. He holds a Master's degree in International Finance and Economics, bringing a strategic mindset to every transaction. His experience as a Turnaround CEO further underscores his adaptability and problem-solving skills. With his collaborative spirit and passion for the industry, Ali is committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients.

Certifications & Affiliations

• FINRA Series 7, 63 and 79 Securities License
• Member - Association for Corporate Growth, New York Chapter

Education

• Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs, Master of International Finance and Economics

• University of New Mexico, Master of Science, Physics