M&A + CAPITAL ADVISORY
Built by operators. For operators.
PE-grade execution. Founder-to-founder credibility. For lower middle market business owners planning their next move.
Every conversation is confidential
How We Help Business Owners
Whether you are ready to sell, raise capital, or plan your next move, Icon brings operator credibility and investment bank sophistication to lower middle market business owners.
Icon Exit
Full sell-side M&A advisory for lower middle market business owners ready to exit on their terms.
Icon Capital
Growth capital and acquisition financing advisory for owners who want to scale, acquire, or recapitalize.
Exit Planning
Strategic exit planning for owners 1-5 years out. Get your business ready to command maximum value.
Why Business Owners Choose Icon
We Have Been in Your Chair
Our team has built, scaled, and sold businesses.
Your Size Is Our Focus
The lower middle market is underserved. We built Icon to fill that gap.
Tech-Forward Process
We leverage modern technology and AI to deliver better results, faster.
Confidentiality First
Your employees, customers, and competitors never know a thing until you are ready.
You Are Not a Transaction
We take on a limited number of engagements so every client gets our full attention.
Results That Speak
Higher valuations, better deal terms, and deals that actually close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Icon Business Advisors?
Icon Business Advisors is a Nashville-based M&A advisory firm serving lower middle market business owners. We help owners sell their businesses, raise growth capital, and plan exits – with the sophistication of an investment bank and the credibility of operators who have built and sold businesses themselves.
How much does it cost to sell a business?
M&A advisory fees typically range from 4-10% of transaction value for lower middle market deals. Icon charges a success fee based on deal value, with most engagements falling in the 4-6% range. Many structures allow the buyer to cover the advisory fee, meaning you get sophisticated representation without writing a check.
How long does it take to sell a business?
Most business sales take 6-12 months from engagement to close. The timeline depends on business complexity, buyer availability, market conditions, and deal structure. Well-prepared businesses with clean financials typically sell faster.
What is my business worth?
Business value depends on revenue, EBITDA, growth trajectory, customer concentration, industry multiples, and strategic factors. Lower middle market businesses typically sell for 3-7x EBITDA. Icon provides professional valuation services starting at $500 through our Icon Toolkit.
What is the difference between a business broker and an M&A advisor?
Business brokers typically handle smaller transactions with a listing-based approach. M&A advisors provide comprehensive representation including buyer targeting, deal negotiation, and full transaction management. Icon serves the middle ground – bringing institutional-quality M&A advisory to the lower middle market businesses that brokers cannot serve well but investment banks will not touch.
Where is Icon Business Advisors located?
Icon Business Advisors is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. We serve clients throughout the Southeast and nationwide through a combination of in-person and virtual engagement.