M&A
Business and Operations
Avoiding Acquisition Pitfalls: Stick to the Basics
Even experienced acquirers overlook fundamental risks when pursuing business acquisitions. Follow these proven principles to evaluate targets objectively
October 25, 2013Insights
M&A insights & market research
Perspective on valuation, deal structure, and sector dynamics across the middle market — written for founders, owners, and investors.
M&A
Business and Operations
Phasing Out of the Business Without Selling Out of the Business
Explore how business owners can gradually step back from operations, pass leadership to a successor, and retain income without selling the company outright.
October 18, 2013M&A
Tax Strategy
A Primer on Small Business Taxes
Get a plain-language introduction to small business taxes, covering federal and state obligations, key planning concepts, and the foundational knowledge every
October 10, 2013M&A
Compliance Risk Management
Why Are Securities Laws Such a Big Deal?
Securities laws govern how businesses can legally raise capital from investors. Learn the post-1929 regulatory framework that every business owner must
September 30, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
What buyout triggers should be structured into the buy-sell agreement?
Identify the most common buyout triggers to structure into a buy-sell agreement, including owner death, disability, divorce, bankruptcy, and voluntary exit, to
September 30, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
A Primer on Corporations
Learn the essentials of how corporations work, including the differences between public and closely held companies, ownership structure, and how stock
September 30, 2013M&A
Financial Services
Common Misconceptions About Start-ups and Capital Raising
Many entrepreneurs misunderstand securities laws, investor expectations, and capital-raising realities. Learn which misconceptions most often derail startup
September 24, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Benefits of Timely Spin-outs
Spin-outs allow business owners to retain assets that a buyer would undervalue before going to market. Learn how timely spin-outs protect owner interests and
September 15, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Four Myths About Employment Agreements--And a Few Other Helpful Tid-Bits
Many small business owners resist employment agreements, but these contracts protect proprietary rights and reduce litigation risk. This post debunks four
September 14, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Will the business survive?: 7 Leading Indicators
Seven leading indicators help determine whether a business can survive an ownership transition. Evaluate relationship dependency, systems, and succession
September 9, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Outline for Business Interview Discussion for M&A by Industry
Use this structured M&A interview framework to assess industry-specific financial risks, operational factors, and value drivers across distribution
September 5, 2013M&A
Valuation
Transparent Business Valuations: Recycling & Reengineering the Data
Understand why repurposing a valuation across different companies or using internal valuations for external negotiations leads to flawed deal pricing and
September 3, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Blind Profiles: A Few Considerations
Blind profiles protect seller confidentiality during the early stages of an M&A process. Learn how investment bankers use anonymous business summaries to gauge
September 3, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Reps and Warranties for Buying and Selling Businesses
Reps and warranties define each party's obligations in a business sale. Understand what buyers and sellers typically represent, and how deal structure affects
September 2, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
M&A Deal Closing Speed: Why Some Deals Often Take Longer than Others
Due diligence lasting beyond 60 to 90 days raises the risk of deal failure in the middle market. Explore the key factors that slow M&A closings and how to
August 31, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Functions of the Acquisition Agreement
The sale and purchase agreement defines financial terms, obligations, and legal rights for all deal parties. Learn the core functions of acquisition agreements
August 30, 2013M&A
Valuation
Alternatives to the Discount Rate Method for Business Valuation
Review business valuation alternatives to the discount rate method, including capitalization of earnings and other approaches suited to stable or slowly
August 28, 2013M&A
Personal Growth Career
Brevity is Your Ally
Clear, concise communication wins in business. Learn why brevity in pitches, presentations, and writing drives stronger results and how to apply the discipline
August 27, 2013M&A
Valuation
Market Comparable Analysis for Corporate Valuations
Market comparable analysis compares private companies to public peers to support corporate valuations. Learn how to apply it appropriately given structural
August 21, 2013M&A
Valuation
Seller's Discretionary Cash Flow Business Valuation
Explains when and how seller's discretionary cash flow is used to value a business, including the specific conditions that make this method appropriate for
August 14, 2013M&A
Valuation
When to Use Excess Earnings to Value a Company
The excess earnings method suits businesses with established earnings histories and predictable growth. Learn when this valuation approach is appropriate and
August 13, 2013M&A
Valuation
When to Use Industry-Specific Valuation Multiples for Business Valuation
Industry-specific valuation multiples are appropriate when sufficient comparable companies and transactions exist. Learn the conditions under which
August 11, 2013M&A
Valuation
Capitalization of Earnings for Business Valuation
The capitalization of earnings method works best when a business has stable, predictable earnings. Explore when to apply this valuation approach and how to
August 9, 2013M&A
Valuation
Liquidation Value Method: When To Use When Valuing a Company
The liquidation value method is appropriate when a company faces bankruptcy, low cash flows, or controlling-interest sales. Learn when and how to apply it
August 8, 2013