Seller Financing: Risks, Rewards, and Structuring Tips
In small business M&A, seller financing isn’t just common—it’s often essential. For buyers, it reduces upfront capital requirements and aligns incentives post-close. For sellers, it can help bridge valuation gaps and accelerate a deal. But as with any powerful tool, seller financing comes with risks, and the structure matters more than most people realize. In […]
10 Common M&A Myths
If you’re buying your first business, there’s a good chance you’ve already run into conflicting advice, outdated assumptions, and well-meaning but misleading hot takes from internet forums or your broader network. The truth is, small business M&A doesn’t work like buying real estate or investing in public stocks. It’s messy, personal, and often more art […]
When to Walk Away From a Deal
If you’re deep into diligence and starting to second-guess things, you’re not alone. Every buyer eventually asks themselves: Is this just cold feet? Or is it time to walk away? In M&A, walking away can feel like failure—especially if you’ve spent months building a relationship with the seller, racked up legal and diligence costs, or […]
The Buyer’s Guide to M&A Negotiations: Strategies, Structures, and Pitfalls to Avoid
For most acquisition entrepreneurs, negotiating a deal is both exciting and intimidating. It’s where strategy meets psychology — and where the success of your acquisition can be won or lost. M&A negotiations are about far more than just “price.” Deal structure, risk allocation, timelines, and post-close dynamics all get shaped at the negotiating table. And […]
Why the Bank’s Due Diligence Shouldn’t Replace Yours
If you’re financing your deal with an SBA loan or working with a lender to close a business acquisition, chances are you’ve heard something along the lines of: “The bank will do their own due diligence.” That’s true. But it’s also incomplete. Because here’s the catch: a bank’s due diligence isn’t designed to protect you. […]
What Happens After a Quality of Earnings Report?
For many first-time or early-stage acquirers, getting the Quality of Earnings (QoE) report feels like a big milestone—and it is. But it’s also the beginning of the most important conversations in your deal process. If you’re holding a fresh QoE and wondering, “Now what?”—this guide is for you. Let’s walk through what you should do […]
Broker vs. Private Sale: What to Expect (For Buyers and Sellers)
When you’re getting ready to buy or sell a small business, one of the first decisions you’ll face is how to approach the deal: work with a broker or go the private route? Both options can work. But the process, the people involved, and the potential pitfalls vary significantly depending on the path you take. […]
How a Skilled Due Diligence Team Protects Your Bottom Line
When evaluating a potential acquisition, having a clear and accurate understanding of the business is crucial. Without the right expertise, it’s easy to overlook red flags, miscalculate risks, or even overpay for a business that isn’t as strong as it appears. A solid due diligence team ensures you get the full picture, protecting you from […]
Understanding Add-Backs and How They Impact a Deal
When evaluating a business for acquisition, one of the most critical aspects of financial due diligence is understanding add-backs. These adjustments can make a business look more profitable than it actually is – or, in some cases, reveal hidden value. Either way, if you don’t know how to analyze add-backs properly, you could end up […]
What to Look Out for Before Submitting an LOI
When evaluating a business acquisition, the period before submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) is critical. This is your chance to conduct high-level due diligence, assess deal viability, and ensure you’re not about to buy a business held together by duct tape and wishful thinking. Buyers at all levels should approach this stage with a […]