Roll-ups are the dominant PE value creation strategy in the lower middle market. Learn how they work, what makes a business an attractive platform or add-on, which industries are most active, and what sellers and buyers need to know.
Your data room is your first impression with buyers. Learn what documents to include, how to organize them, when to build it, which VDR platforms to use, and the common mistakes that slow deals and erode seller leverage.
Recurring revenue is the strongest driver of premium valuations. Learn how buyers classify revenue quality, the valuation spread between recurring and transactional revenue, key metrics buyers analyze, and how to build recurring revenue before selling.
One of the least understood variables in buying or selling a business with real estate is how the financing term on the property affects the buyer’s total debt service, and by extension, what they can afford to offer you. SBA loans used for business acquisitions without real estate are typically structured on 10-year terms. When…
Key person dependency is the most common structural risk in founder-led businesses. Learn how buyers evaluate it, the valuation impact, and a practical framework for building organizational resilience before your exit.
Your management team’s performance during due diligence directly affects deal price and closing likelihood. Learn who to involve, what buyers ask, how to rehearse, and the mistakes that kill deals.
Customer concentration is one of the top five deal killers in lower middle market M&A. Learn how buyers measure it, the valuation impact at different concentration thresholds, and practical strategies to diversify before going to market.
Your M&A attorney choice can make or break your deal. Learn what to look for, what it costs ($30K-$100K), when to engage counsel, and the red flags that signal the wrong fit.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common financing tool for business acquisitions in the $500K-$5M range. Learn how they work, what qualifies, equity injection requirements, seller financing rules, and the common mistakes that stall deals in underwriting.
Representations and warranties define your post-closing legal exposure as a seller. Learn what they cover, how indemnification caps and baskets work, and when R&W insurance makes sense for your deal.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common way to finance business acquisitions under $5M. Learn how the capital structure works, what lenders evaluate, the seller note standby requirement, and expected timelines.
Employee retention is one of the highest-risk factors in selling a business. Learn when to tell your team, how to structure retention bonuses, and how to manage the emotional dimension of an ownership transition.