ABOUT US

experience and expertise

To Sell or Acquire a Business

Hughes Klaiber is a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm based in New York City. We provide trusted advice to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex process to sell or buy a business.

We build lasting relationships with our clients, and are proud to have helped many entrepreneurs sell their businesses, and transition to the next phase in their lives.

We combine transactional expertise with thoughtful advice, extensive acquirer relationships, best-in-class marketing programs, and an unwavering commitment to help our clients achieve their goals.

Sally Anne Hughes

Founder

Sally Anne founded Hughes Klaiber in 2008.

She understands the rewards and challenges of building and selling a privately held business, and the importance of a successful exit that maximizes return to the entrepreneur. Sally Anne brings a high level of experience and expertise, to help clients confidently navigate an important personal and financial transaction. Her career prior to founding Hughes Klaiber included  ten years at Citigroup. She received an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida. After many years living in New York City, she and her husband now live in New Jersey with their two daughters.

Julie Flakstad

Director

Julie has 18 years of experience as an entrepreneur and marketing professional.

She co-founded, ran and then successfully sold Blow, a hair-care products and services company recognized for creating blow outs as a new category in beauty. Prior to Blow, Julie spent seven years with IBM in advertising and marketing. Having sold her own business, she understands the issues, challenges, and concerns associated with making the decision to sell, finding the right buyer, and executing the transaction. Julie holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a B.A. from Hamilton College. She lives in Old Greenwich, CT with her husband and two children.

Christopher Hupp

M&A Advisor

Chris brings a unique perspective as a business leader and advisor.

As a business leader, he and his team successfully built specialty CPG brands that grew into attractive targets, and were acquired by Jarden Brands, The Hoffmaster Group, and American Greetings. Most recently he has worked as an advisor to entrepreneurs and high growth start-up companies including Thrasio, Lovepop Cards and Skinny Coconut. He is experienced in developing exit strategies for niche consumer products companies, and navigating the sale process. Chris completed executive education programs with Harvard Business School; earned an MBA from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business and an undergraduate degree from Ball State University; and held a CPA license in Indiana. He also serves as an Ambassador for Room to Read. Chris and his wife live in Carmel, Indiana and have two adult children.

Alex Kalafatides

M&A Advisor

Alex has a wealth of experience acquiring, selling and running companies in a variety of industries.

Alex has over 40 years of experience in general management, sales and marketing. He has been involved in the purchase, operation and subsequent sale of a variety of companies in home decor, maritime, construction and other sectors. He received an MBA in marketing and international business from New York University, a B.S.E. in computer engineering & science at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Certificate of Director Education from Drexel University. For the past nine years he has also served as an adjunct professor in International Business at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. Alex and his family live in Philadelphia.

JACOB BEERLI

M&A ANalyst

Jake brings strong analytical and research skills to support our clients.

Jake has a background in research, information technology, and technical writing. Jake is a 2019 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received an undergraduate degree in linguistics. When not working, he spends time cycling and, pre-COVID, traveling. He also holds a private pilot's license. Jake currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.