It just ain’t like it used to be.

For the second half of the 20th century, oil and gas was a huge industry in northern Michigan, with certain geologic formations attracting the attention of major multinational companies who – along with smaller players – produced millions of barrels.

Now, production levels are a fraction of what they were in those glory days, particularly in the northern half of the state, and exploration activity is down …

Andrew Nussbaum and his team at Golden Circle Investment Banking are in the early stages of cashing in on a big opportunity.

There’s a very deep pool of capital out there, with a lot of major groups hungry to invest in or acquire businesses. But the investment banks that connect these groups with potential targets are constantly overlooking the little guy, Nussbaum says.

Granted, little in this sense means companies with up to $10 million …