SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Marx Group Advisors has announced that Ray Datt has joined the firm as vice president. In addition to continuing as president of R D & Associates, a strategic and business planning company, he will serve as a consultant for mergers and acquisitions in Canada and the United States for Marx Group Advisors and will become a member of the firm’s Advisory Board. Marx Group Advisors assists automotive, commercial vehicle and heavy-duty aftermarket companies with strategic consulting services for mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, as well as with capital formation for private equity placements.
 
Datt is the former president of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA). Upon his retirement from AIA in 2007, Datt formed R D & Associates Inc. located in Oakville, Ontario. In addition to his role as an AIA employee, Datt served for many years as a volunteer leader with the association, becoming chairman of the board in 1989. In 1997, Datt received AIA’s Distinguished Service Award recognizing his contribution to the aftermarket and the community.  
 
“Ray will bring to us extensive knowledge of our industry, particularly in the Canadian aftermarket," said Tom Marx, CEO, Marx Group Advisors. "We are pleased to have this well-respected and experienced industry leader join our team."
 
Datt spent many years in leadership at Wells Manufacturing Canada, first as vice president of sales and marketing and later as president and CEO. His aftermarket career also included employment with GE Canada and Purolator Products.  
 
Paul Cooperstein, president of Marx Group Advisors, added, “The Advisory Board of Marx Group Advisors plays a critical role within the organization, providing strategy and relationships within the aftermarket industry network. We are grateful for the contributions that all of our Advisory Board members make to the success of our clients’ objectives.”