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Uniondale Today
By the People, for the People
Marquis Who's Who Honors Legacy of Business Consultant J. Michael Ertel
The organization recognizes Ertel's decades of experience guiding entrepreneurs through mergers and acquisitions.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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Marquis Who's Who has honored the life and legacy of J. Michael Ertel, a respected business consultant and mergers and acquisitions advisor who passed away in 2025. Ertel served as managing director at Transworld M&A Advisors LLC and was an investment banking registered representative with Finalis Securities LLC, applying his decades of experience to assist entrepreneurs and business owners with strategic transactions and business transitions.
Why it matters
Ertel's career spanned multiple industries, and he was widely recognized for his integrity, professionalism, and ability to build meaningful relationships with the business owners he advised. His legacy continues through the many entrepreneurs and companies he helped navigate complex transitions over the years.
The details
Ertel earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in industrial administration from Purdue University, where he graduated at the top of his class. He began his career at 3M Co. and later held executive roles at companies like Batesville Casket Co., where he played a key role in implementing a modernized distribution model. Ertel also served as managing director and broker at Legacy M&A Advisors LLC before joining Transworld M&A Advisors.
- Ertel earned his degrees from Purdue University in 1969.
- He began his career at 3M Co. in 1969, working there until 1976.
- Ertel served in leadership positions at Batesville Casket Co. from 1981 to 1997.
- He was managing director at Legacy M&A Advisors LLC from 2009 to 2016.
- Ertel joined Transworld M&A Advisors LLC as managing director in 2016 and remained there until his passing in 2025.
The players
J. Michael Ertel
A respected business consultant and mergers and acquisitions advisor who passed away in 2025.
Transworld M&A Advisors LLC
The firm where Ertel served as managing director beginning in 2016.
Finalis Securities LLC
The investment banking firm where Ertel served as a registered representative from 2021 onward.
Batesville Casket Co.
The company where Ertel held leadership positions, including vice president of marketing and executive vice president of operations, from 1981 to 1997.
Legacy M&A Advisors LLC
The firm where Ertel served as managing director and broker from 2009 to 2016.
The takeaway
Ertel's legacy serves as a testament to the impact that dedicated business consultants can have in guiding entrepreneurs and companies through complex transitions. His recognition by Marquis Who's Who underscores the lasting impression he made on the industry and the business owners he advised over his decades-long career.
