Frank Terkelsen started his career as a financial analyst in the Treasury Department of American Brands.  Within a few years he was asked to join the Mergers and Acquisitions group where he excelled at modeling the financial impact of acquisitions.  He quickly learned the diligence process and made contributions to acquisitions of Moen Inc., Invergordon Distillers, Cobra Golf and divestitures like Acushnet Rubber and American Tobacco (one of the twelve original Dow Jones Industrial Companies).

After being recruited to General Electric Frank’s passion for strategy and working on M&A transactions continued to grow.  His sound rational approach allowed him to gain greater responsibilities leading teams and presenting opportunities to GE’s senior management deal board.  He led the process for acquiring Ireland’s largest electrical distributor, Kelliher Ltd., Wabco’s locomotive parts and services segment and Germany/Belgium based Agfa-Gavaert’s non-destructive testing equipment for aerospace and industrial applications.  Frank also drove the sale process of GE Aircraft Engines’ Garrett Aviation Services FBO unit to The Carlyle Group.

In 2004, Frank joined VF Corporation and served on the Operating Committee of this apparel and retail Company with revenue and market capitalization of $5B.  He was hired to lead the global business development initiatives and was responsible for acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures.  The strategic objectives included transforming the Company from slower growth legacy brands to purposeful activity-based aspirational brands that better connect emotionally to consumers.  Frank was able to see the big picture and exercise intuitive skills while remaining solidly grounded in data acquisition/analysis to inform recommendations.  Frank led the efforts to close more than twenty transactions including the acquisition of Timberland and the divestiture of VF Intimates to an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway.  Revenue more than doubled to $11B and market capitalization expanded to over $28B through 2016. 

Since 2017, Frank has been providing strategic insight and M&A process assistance to others who can benefit from his expertise and business experience.  He also serves on the boards of a credit reporting firm and fraud verification business which assist commercial banks and mortgage originators mitigate risk during the lending process.

Frank Terkelsen

 Principal