John C. Johnson of IBG Business Inducted into the IBBA Hall of Fame

A Landmark Honor for One of the M&A Profession’s Most Respected Leaders

IBG Business is proud to announce that John C. Johnson, Principal and Managing Partner of the Tulsa, Oklahoma office, has been named a 2026 inductee into the International Business Brokers Association® (IBBA) Hall of Fame. This honor, among the most prestigious in the business brokerage and M&A advisory profession, recognizes individuals whose contributions have permanently shaped the industry.

John’s induction reflects more than a career’s worth of transactions and credentials. It reflects four decades of mentorship, advocacy, and selfless dedication to the professionals and business owners he has served.

What Is the IBBA Hall of Fame?

The IBBA Hall of Fame is reserved for the most extraordinary contributors to the business brokerage profession; those
whose leadership, vision, and service have left a permanent impact on both the IBBA and the broader M&A industry.

“The IBBA Hall of Fame honors more than achievement alone. It honors years of selfless commitment, quiet leadership behind the scenes, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.” — Jim Parker, IBBA 2026 Chair

Inductees are not simply high performers. They are the individuals who helped define what excellence looks like in this profession.

The Man Behind the Milestone - Who Is John C. Johnson?

John C. Johnson is a Founder of IBG Business and has served as Managing Partner of its Tulsa, Oklahoma office. He holds two of the profession’s most respected credentials: the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation from the IBBA and the Lifetime Master Merger & Acquisition Intermediary (M&AMI®) from The M&A Source.

Before founding IBG Business, John built his foundation at two Fortune 100 companies — Standard Oil of Indiana (Amoco) and Union Pacific Corporation — where he held senior roles in strategy, investment analysis, and mergers and acquisitions. He earned a Petroleum Engineering degree and later an MBA from Texas Christian University.

As an entrepreneur himself, John has owned and operated a land and cattle business, grew a petroleum gathering and distribution venture to a $12 million business before a strategic sale, and has bought and resold private businesses across manufacturing, business services, and oil processing. That firsthand experience as a business owner gives him a perspective that resonates deeply with the clients he serves.

A Career Defined by Industry Leadership

John’s contributions to the M&A profession extend far beyond his client work. He has served in virtually every major leadership capacity within the two most important organizations in the industry:

IBBA (International Business Brokers Association)

Past President • Fellow and Life Member • Member of the President’s Advisory Council • Director and Treasurer • Strategic Planning Chair • Co-Author of the M&A Course and Certification Exam • Instructor and Speaker

The M&A Source

Founding Member • Past Chairman • Officer and Director • Strategic Issues Task Force Co-Chair

Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF)

Founder and Director, dedicated to advancing professional education across the business brokerage community.

He has also served as a court-appointed receiver, an expert witness in business valuation and petroleum property management, and has written "M&A Expert" series articles for international business publications.

Recognition From Across the Profession

John’s Hall of Fame induction joins a long list of honors recognizing his impact on the field:

• IBBA Chairman’s Award for Leadership
• Darrell Fouts Award - The M&A Source, for visionary leadership in the M&A profession
• Tom West Award - for exceptional contributions to goals and ethics in business brokerage
• USA M&A Broker of the Year - Acquisition International
• Oklahoma Financial Services Advocate of the Year - U.S. Small Business Administration

What This Means for Business Owners Working With IBG Business

For business owners considering a sale or acquisition, working with an advisor of John’s caliber means more than access to credentials and experience. It means working with someone who has helped shape the professional standards, education, and ethics of the entire M&A industry, and who brings that depth to every engagement.

IBG Business has advised on over 1,200 successful transactions from coast to coast since 1986. John’s recognition as a Hall of Fame inductee reflects the firm’s broader commitment to excellence, integrity, and results for every client it serves.

Ready to talk about selling or acquiring a business?

IBG Business has been helping owners navigate the M&A process for nearly 40 years. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to move forward, our team brings the expertise and dedication that earned John C. Johnson a Hall of Fame distinction. Contact IBG Business today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IBBA Hall of Fame?

The IBBA Hall of Fame is one of the most prestigious honors in the business brokerage profession, awarded by the International Business Brokers Association to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, service, and lasting impact on the industry.

Who is John C. Johnson?

John C. Johnson is a Founder and Managing Partner at IBG Business, a leading M&A advisory firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is a past President of the IBBA and The M&A Source, a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), and a Lifetime Master Merger & Acquisition Intermediary (M&AMI®).

What does IBG Business do?

IBG Business is a Mergers & Acquisitions advisory firm that helps business owners sell and acquire privately held middle-market companies. Founded in 1986, the firm has completed over 1,200 transactions across 10 offices nationwide.