Two leaders central to forging The Alta Group’s reputation as a trusted global advisory dedicated to equipment finance were recognized as industry standard-bearers during the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association’s 63rd Annual Convention this week.

The ELFA named Bruce Kropschot, Senior Managing Director of The Alta Group and founder of Alta’s Merger & Acquisition Advisory Practice, to the 2024 class of the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame.

John C. Deane, a co-founder of The Alta Group and past CEO, received a 2024 Industry Icon award from the Monitor magazine, which recognized his role as a pioneer in the equipment finance industry in its conference-themed issue, which was distributed at the event.

“Bruce and John embody the breadth of experience and forward-thinking approach that Alta’s advisors bring to every client engagement, 32 years after John and his co-founders set Alta in motion,” said Alta co-CEO Valerie L. Gerard. “The entire team at The Alta Group congratulates them for these well-earned honors.”

The ELFA called Kropschot “a pivotal figure in the equipment finance industry for over 50 years,” and the industry’s leading merger and acquisition advisor, having facilitated approximately 200 transactions—more than any other M&A advisor in the field. In 1986, after having served in leadership roles at Price Waterhouse, Magnavox and Master Lease Corporation, he founded Kropschot Financial Services to provide M&A advisory services to equipment finance companies. The firm became part of The Alta Group in 2008.

“Alta continues to benefit from the guiding principles and solid foundation built by these two industry leaders,” said Alta co-CEO Jim Jackson, who has led the M&A practice since 2017. “Bruce’s vast experience and the sheer volume of M&A transactions that he has initiated in our industry continue to guide our values today. We maintain a sharp focus on providing our valued clients with knowledge-based, trusted industry advisory at the highest levels.”

Deane founded The Alta Group in 1992 with Norm Chapman, Bill Montgomery and John Giddens to serve the equipment finance industry with global expertise garnered from advisors with experience at the highest levels of leadership. Prior to The Alta Group, Deane’s career included roles as a principal in the firm of Amembal, Deane & Associates, CEO of both Great Western Leasing and BancOne Leasing, and CFO and president of several major financial corporations. Deane was named to the ELFA’s Equipment Finance Hall of Fame in 2021.

Over the last 32 years, Alta’s team has grown to encompass more than 60 advisors representing the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“John created a culture of intellectual curiosity, integrity and visionary thinking at The Alta Group,” said Gerard. “Those foundational qualities are still integral to the Alta DNA. Our team of advisors puts them to work daily, as we continue to evolve to address key issues currently facing the industry, including artificial intelligence, the growth of managed services and the challenges around financing climate-focused equipment.”