In a move that formalizes an existing leadership structure, The McFarland Group has named John Bruckner as managing partner. Bruckner, who has led the firm's M&A advisory practice for four years and worked with founder Byron McFarland for over a decade, will now oversee operations and strategic direction while continuing his client work. The appointment underscores the firm's dedication to continuity and its specialized focus on lower middle market business owners navigating a sale for the first and often only time.
For owners of closely held businesses, the transition of leadership at an advisory firm can be a critical factor in their own succession planning. Bruckner's expanded role signals that The McFarland Group intends to maintain its established approach, which emphasizes preparation and positioning well before a transaction. His legal training and transactional experience are particularly relevant to the structural elements that determine an owner's outcome: valuation, deal terms, and the architecture of the purchase agreement. In the lower middle market, where owners frequently lack prior transaction experience, having a senior advisor who understands these complexities is essential.
Byron McFarland, who founded the firm, described the appointment as a reflection of how the group already operates. "John has been carrying this weight for some time, and the title reflects the work rather than announces a change in it," he said. "My job has always been to help owners slow the moment down and think clearly. That continues, with a partner steering the firm who holds the same standard." This continuity is likely reassuring to clients who value long-term relationships and the deep expertise that comes from years of guiding owners through high-stakes decisions.
Bruckner emphasized his commitment to preserving the firm's core philosophy. "Most owners sell a business once. The decisions they make in that window shape everything that follows, and they deserve advisors who are not in a hurry," he said. "The work that matters happens long before a closing. That is what this firm was built to do, and it is what I intend to protect." He also expressed respect for McFarland's legacy and excitement about guiding the firm into its next chapter.
The McFarland Group, based in Omaha, Nebraska, has guided over $3 billion in business value through more than 200 ownership transitions over two decades. It offers three service tracks: M&A advisory for sales to outside buyers, management buyouts for owners transferring the company to their leadership team, and performance equity plans designed to build value a buyer will pay for. Client engagements remain senior-led, and the appointment does not alter who owners work with on a day-to-day basis. As an Omaha M&A advisor, the firm's guiding idea is simple: Go Boldly. For more information, visit https://themcfarlandgroup.com.
