Your Trusted Sell-Side M&A Advisory Partner
Plan Ahead, Maximize Value, Exit on Your Terms
Thinking of selling your business, now or in the future? It’s smart to start the conversation early; in fact, the earlier the better. Selling any portion of your business is a nuanced and time-sensitive journey that requires strategic preparation and expert execution. Our sell-side M&A advisors help you focus on what you do best, running your business, while we lead the process to optimize value for you.
Why Our Sell-Side Advisory Services
Clarity & Flexible Engagements
We offer flexible, transparent fee arrangements with no hidden costs and no surprises. Trust is central to enduring client relationships.
Specialized in Lower to Mid-Market Transactions
We focus on businesses with EBITDA of $500,000 and above, ensuring focused, expert attention in each engagement.
Tailored, Human-Centric Approach
We recognize that no two businesses are alike. That’s why we deliver fresh, customized strategies, grounded in your objectives and industry dynamics, never a one-size-fits-all plan.
Global Reach, Boutique Experience
With access to a broad network of private equity leaders, to select individual or group buyers, we create competitive scenarios and tailor outreach strategies to maximize your sale outcome.
Empathy, Integrity & Strategy
We listen to your personal and business goals, blending strategic insight with honest, empathetic guidance so alignment stays crystal clear throughout the process.
Senior-Level Experience & Track Record
Our team brings seasoned M&A experience tailored to the mid-market. Our experience is focused, hands-on, and effective at navigating complex deals.
A Proven, Phased Sell-Side Process
Our sell-side advisory services follow a structured, transparent process designed to protect confidentiality, maximize the business’ valuation, and ensure a smooth transaction. Our experienced M&A advisors guide you through the process providing absolute clarity and confidence throughout the entire process.
1. Pricing Analysis And Market Readiness Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive pricing analysis that goes beyond a simple valuation. Our team evaluates your financial performance, market position, growth trajectory, and industry benchmarks to establish a realistic range of value. This ensures you enter the selling process with clear expectations and a strong foundation for negotiations.
2. Prepare the Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM)
A well-prepared Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) is an important tool in the sale process. It presents your company’s story, outlines its strengths, and demonstrates the value of the opportunity to qualified buyers. The CIM shapes first impressions and often determines the level of interest buyers bring to the table.
3. Define and Approach Buyers
Every business attracts different types of buyers (private equity groups, strategic acquirers or individual investors). We build a tailored list of qualified prospects that fits your goals and confidentiality requirements. Our outreach is handled with discretion, ensuring your business is presented only to serious, pre-vetted buyers.
4. Lead Negotiation and Manage Offers
Once we have garnered interest, we begin to manage negotiations on your behalf. We create competitive scenarios and carefully evaluate each offer to help you secure terms that reflect more than just price. Timing, risk allocation, and your long-term objectives are all factored into the deal structure.
5. Manage Due Diligence and Information Flow
Due diligence can be demanding and time-intensive. We streamline the process by coordinating buyer requests, organizing secure data rooms, and addressing questions before they become obstacles. This approach minimizes disruption to daily operations while keeping the transaction on track.
6. Close the Deal
The final phase is about precision and follow-through. We coordinate with legal, financial, and regulatory parties to ensure all requirements are met. From agreements to final negotiations, we help manage the details so you can sign with confidence, knowing the outcome reflects the value you’ve built.
Pricing Analysis
Prepare Confidential Information Memorandum
Define and Approach Buyers
Lead Negotiation and Manage Offers
Manage Due Diligence and Information
Close the Deal!
Flexible Transaction Options to Meet Your Goals
Selling a business doesn’t always mean giving up complete ownership. Every owner has different goals, and choosing the right structure can have a major impact on the outcome. We work with you to assess the available options and design a transaction that supports your financial objectives, succession plans, and long-term vision for the business.
A management buyout allows your existing leadership team to purchase the business. This option is ideal if you want continuity, as it empowers the people who know the company best to take ownership. We guide you through structuring financing, negotiating terms, and ensuring a smooth transition while maximizing shareholder value.
Sometimes it makes sense to sell only part of your company, such as a division, subsidiary, or non-core business unit. Divestitures and carve-outs can unlock value, free up resources, or sharpen your strategic focus. Our team helps prepare the assets for sale, identify qualified buyers, and structure the transaction in a way that optimizes both financial and operational outcomes.
Partial Sales and Minority Investments
In certain cases, you may not be ready for a full exit. A partial sale or minority investment allows you to bring in strategic or financial partners, access growth capital, and reduce personal risk while maintaining ownership and involvement in the business.
Full Sale or Strategic Acquisition
For owners looking to make a full exit, we manage the process of selling the entire business. Whether a strategic buyer is interested in synergies or a financial buyer is focused on growth potential. Our role is to position the company effectively and drive a process that delivers maximum value.
Ready to Begin?
Selling a business is a pivotal moment, whether you’re planning now or years down the road. Let’s start a confidential conversation to explore how a thoughtful, tailored sell-side M&A strategy can help you maximize the value you’ve created and achieve the outcome you envision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How much can I sell my business for?
There’s no single formula for determining what your business is worth. Buyers look first at earnings potential, but other factors like your industry, market conditions, customer loyalty, and the strength of your management team can all influence value.
Tangible assets such as equipment, property, and inventory play a role, but so do less visible factors like goodwill, location, and reputation. Accurate, well-organized financial records are critical, not only for establishing value but also for building buyer confidence.
It’s important to remember that high revenue doesn’t always equal high value. Profitability, cash flow, and future growth potential ultimately drive buyer interest. An experienced M&A advisor can analyze all of these factors, compare your business against similar sales in the market, and help you understand where buyers are likely to place value.
How do I prepare to sell my business?
Selling a business is a process that requires planning and preparation. The main steps include:
- Get your financials in order. Up-to-date, accurate statements and tax returns make the process smoother and instill buyer confidence.
- Understand your market value. Review comparable sales and work with a professional to assess where your business fits.
- Develop an exit plan. Even if you don’t intend to sell right away, a plan helps you act quickly when the timing is right.
- Increase your performance. The best time to sell is when the business is performing well. Strengthen sales, operations, and marketing before going to market.
- Work with an advisor. An M&A advisor can identify qualified buyers, protect confidentiality, and negotiate on your behalf.
How do I know what my business is worth?
Valuation is both art and science. It typically starts with a review of financial performance including net profit, cash flow, and growth trends along with an assessment of your assets, customer base, competitive position, and market conditions.
Common valuation methods include applying an industry multiple to earnings or comparing your business to recent sales of similar companies. Intangibles such as brand strength, contracts, or intellectual property may also increase value.
Because no two businesses are the same, it’s best to have a professional advisor prepare an analysis tailored to your company and industry. This not only gives you a realistic view of current value but also highlights steps you can take to increase it before a sale.
Can I sell my business to a competitor?
Yes, selling to a competitor is a common path, but it requires careful handling. Competitors may already understand your market, which can make them attractive buyers, but confidentiality and timing are key.
- Protect information. Always use non-disclosure agreements before sharing sensitive details.
- Use an intermediary. An M&A advisor can manage communications so you aren’t negotiating directly with a competitor too early.
- Know your value. Have a clear understanding of what your business is worth to avoid being pressured into undervaluing it.
- Stay objective. Competitor negotiations can be emotional. Focus on the deal’s merits, not past rivalries.
- Keep running your business. Don’t let the sales process distract you; buyers pay based on current performance.
Handled properly, a competitor can become a strong acquirer, sometimes even preserving your employees or brand in the process.
Should I sell my business?
Deciding to sell is one of the biggest choices an owner can make. Some common reasons include:
- Retirement. You’ve built a successful business and want to step away while it’s strong.
- Burnout. Running a business can be demanding, and sometimes stepping back opens the door to new energy and opportunities.
- Pursuing something new. A sale can provide the financial flexibility to chase a new venture or lifestyle.
- Market conditions. When buyer demand is high, it may be the right time to capitalize on favorable valuations.
- Risk tolerance. If your appetite for risk has declined, selling can protect the value you’ve built before market conditions or competition change.
The decision is personal, but an advisor can provide objective insight, helping you weigh your goals, market timing, and available options.
How can I keep the sale confidential from my employees, clients, or vendors?
Confidentiality is vital. We handle all communications and materials including buyer outreach, marketing, and agreements with strict privacy protocols to ensure that only qualified, vetted parties are in the loop.
How long does it usually take to sell a business?
The average timeline to sell a business ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on deal complexity, industry, and market conditions.
When should I begin planning my exit strategy?
The sooner the better. Even if you aren’t ready to sell yet. A thoughtful strategy develops over time and puts you in the best position when you are ready to transition.