Category: Content

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 […]

Why Some Deals Fall Apart in Due Diligence and How to Keep Yours on Track

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are high-stakes ventures, with nearly half of all deals failing before closing. Research shows that up to 50% of M&A transactions don’t make it to the finish line. The biggest stumbling block? Due diligence. This phase is where financial, legal, and operational realities come to light sometimes derailing deals entirely. But […]

3 Ways to Identify an Exceptional SMB Due Diligence Provider

When diving into the world of small and medium-sized business (SMB) acquisitions, one of the most crucial steps is selecting the right due diligence provider. Their insights and analysis can make or break a deal, and finding someone exceptional can greatly influence the outcome. So, how do you spot a truly outstanding due diligence provider […]

Two Secrets to Growing Your SMB: Delegation and Automation

Building or acquiring a business is a thrilling journey, especially in the first year. Yet, it often means sacrificing vacations and being deeply involved in daily operations. Entrepreneurs find themselves wearing many hats, handling everything from marketing to customer service, leaving little room for relaxation. This level of involvement, while necessary initially, can become unsustainable. […]

How to Balance Persistence and Adaptability in SMB Acquisitions

Acquiring a small or medium-sized business (SMB) is a significant challenge. From the initial search to the final deal, the journey can be full of challenges and setbacks. Based on experience working with numerous searchers, the key traits that distinguish successful searchers from those who eventually give up are their ability to persist and pivot […]