What is Westlake Securities?
Westlake Securities is a middle-market investment bank founded in 2003 and headquartered in Austin, Texas. They describe themselves as the longest-running independent investment bank in Central Texas and provide buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory, capital raising, and strategic financial advisory services to lower-middle market companies.
Who It's For
Westlake Securities targets lower-middle market companies—typically businesses with enterprise values in the tens of millions to low hundreds of millions—that are preparing for a transaction, raising capital, or seeking strategic advisory around a specific financial event.
Their ideal client is a business owner or executive team that needs experienced investment banking representation for a buy-side acquisition, sell-side process, or capital raise. They do not serve companies seeking ongoing accounting, bookkeeping, or operational finance support.
Services Offered
Westlake Securities' core services are buy-side M&A advisory, sell-side M&A advisory, and capital raising. They also offer strategic planning and financial advisory services, refinancing strategies, and general investment banking services for the middle market.
Their advisors each bring 10+ years of investment banking experience, providing a level of seniority typical of boutique investment banks. The focus is squarely on transactions and capital markets—not on running a company's ongoing finance function.
The firm is not an accounting or bookkeeping provider. Companies that need daily transaction processing, financial statement preparation, and controller-level oversight will not find those services at Westlake Securities.
Pricing & Plans
Investment banking fees are typically structured as success-based fees (a percentage of transaction value) or fixed fees for specific advisory mandates. Westlake Securities does not publicly disclose fee schedules—their model requires a direct conversation to scope an engagement.
For sell-side mandates, success fees typically range from 1-5% of transaction value depending on deal size and complexity. Buy-side and capital raise mandates may carry different structures. Companies should expect a bespoke engagement discussion rather than a menu of standard options.
Key Strengths
Westlake Securities' longevity and independent status in Central Texas is a meaningful differentiator. As the longest-running independent investment bank in the region, they have built relationships and a track record that larger banks may not match at the middle-market deal size.
Each advisor brings 10+ years of investment banking experience, meaning clients work with senior practitioners rather than junior staff. This seniority level is typical of boutique investment banks but not always available at larger institutions.
Their focus on the lower-middle market (rather than trying to compete with bulge-bracket banks on large-cap deals) means they are purpose-built for the deal sizes and business sizes that define the middle market.
Common Criticisms
Westlake Securities is an investment bank, not a finance function provider. They advise on transactions and capital markets—once a deal closes, their engagement typically ends. Companies that need ongoing finance function support will need to look elsewhere.
Geographic focus on Central Texas and the middle market limits relevance for companies outside that region and size range. Larger companies or those in different geographies may not find Westlake a practical fit.
Investment banking fees, while success-based, can be significant. Small business owners unaccustomed to investment banking fee structures may find the cost structure unfamiliar. Fixed-fee advisory mandates are available but less common.
How It Compares to Eagle Rock CFO
Westlake Securities and Eagle Rock CFO serve entirely different needs. Westlake Securities is an investment bank that advises on M&A transactions and capital raising—engagements with a defined start and end date tied to a specific financial event. Eagle Rock CFO is a complete outsourced finance office providing ongoing accounting, controller, treasury, and CFO/FP&A services through our outsourced accounting services, controller services, and treasury management."
A business owner might engage Westlake Securities to sell their company, then engage Eagle Rock CFO to manage the finance function of the acquiring entity. The two firms are complementary in a transaction context, not substitutes.
For established businesses that need an ongoing finance function partner—not just transaction advisory for a one-time event—Eagle Rock CFO is the appropriate comparison. Westlake Securities' relevance ends when the transaction is complete.
Key Takeaways
- •Westlake Securities is a middle-market investment bank founded in 2003, headquartered in Austin, Texas
- •Provides buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory, capital raising, and strategic financial advisory for lower-middle market companies
- •Each advisor brings 10+ years of experience; focus on the longest-running independent investment bank in Central Texas
- •Westlake Securities is NOT an accounting, bookkeeping, or ongoing finance function provider—they are transaction advisors only
- •Investment banking fees are typically success-based or fixed-fee; not publicly disclosed
- •Best for business owners preparing for a transaction or capital raise; not relevant for ongoing operational finance needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Westlake Securities' primary business?
Westlake Securities is a middle-market investment bank providing buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory, capital raising, and strategic financial advisory. They are not an accounting, bookkeeping, or CFO services firm.
When was Westlake Securities founded?
Westlake Securities was founded in 2003, making them one of the longest-running independent investment banks in Central Texas.
Where is Westlake Securities located?
Westlake Securities is headquartered in Austin, Texas. They serve lower-middle market companies across the region.
What size companies does Westlake Securities work with?
Westlake Securities targets lower-middle market companies—businesses with enterprise values typically in the tens of millions to low hundreds of millions range.
How is Westlake Securities compensated?
Westlake Securities uses investment banking fee structures—typically success-based fees tied to transaction value or fixed fees for specific advisory mandates. Exact fee schedules are not publicly disclosed.
Does Westlake Securities provide ongoing finance function services?
No. Westlake Securities is a transaction advisor. Their engagements are tied to specific M&A or capital raise events. They do not provide ongoing accounting, controller, or CFO services.
What is the difference between buy-side and sell-side advisory?
Buy-side advisory represents the acquirer in an M&A transaction—helping identify, evaluate, and acquire target companies. Sell-side advisory represents the seller—positioning the business for sale, managing the process, and maximizing deal value.
Is Westlake Securities relevant for a company that just completed a transaction?
Westlake Securities' engagement typically ends when a transaction closes. For post-transaction finance function needs—integration, ongoing reporting, [controller services](/blog/outsourced-controller)—companies should engage a firm like Eagle Rock CFO.
See our outsourced controller services and accounting services for what that includes.
Ready to find your finance partner?
Eagle Rock CFO offers a complete outsourced finance office for growing businesses—accounting, controller, treasury, and CFO/FP&A under one roof. If you want a dedicated team that treats your finance function as a strategic asset, let's talk.