M&A
Valuation
Net Asset Value Method: When to Use it in Business Valuations
Learn when to apply the net asset value method in business valuations, including the conditions under which tangible asset-based approaches produce the most
August 7, 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
Tax Strategy
Stock Swaps: Tax Free Reorganizations
Explains how Section 368(a)(1)(B) stock swaps qualify as tax-free B reorganizations, detailing the conditions sellers and buyers must meet to defer capital
August 6, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
From Services to Products to Finance
Many companies naturally evolve from service businesses to product companies to financial models. This analysis explores that progression and the strategic
August 5, 2013M&A
Valuation
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Discount Rate
Walk through the key qualitative and quantitative factors — earnings quality, asset marketability, and barriers to entry — that determine the appropriate
August 3, 2013M&A
Insight
Favorite Investments
A pragmatic look at investment philosophy — why sticking to cash-flow-generating assets beats chasing binary wins, and how disciplined investors balance safety
July 29, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Corporate Value Maximization
Corporate value maximization requires strategic choices about staffing, margins, and business model design, illustrated through contrasting approaches taken by
July 27, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Adding Business Value: Integrating Systems
Discover how software and systems integration after a merger unlocks cost-cutting synergies and contributes to achieving the elusive 2+2=5 outcome in M&A deals.
July 25, 2013M&A
Private Equity
Angels or Devils: The Perils of Angel Financing
Understand how angel investing has evolved over the past decade, including changes in investor sophistication, deal terms, and the risks founders face from
July 23, 2013M&A
Tax Strategy
Statutory Mergers: A Reorganization
Explains how statutory mergers can qualify as tax-free reorganizations under Section 368(a)(1)(A), covering seller tax treatment, stock consideration
July 22, 2013M&A
Valuation
Business Valuation Information Request
A structured business valuation information request covers five years of financials, owner salaries, adjustments, and forecasts. Use this checklist to prepare
July 21, 2013M&A
Tax Strategy
338 Election: Stock Sale
Learn how a Section 338 election allows a stock purchase to be treated as an asset acquisition for tax purposes, and when this strategy still makes sense for
July 19, 2013M&A
Personal Growth Career
Can We Count on Social Security?
Many retirees question whether Social Security will deliver promised benefits as program solvency concerns grow. Explore the facts and planning implications
July 18, 2013M&A
Private Equity
How to Start Your Own Private Equity Fund
Understand the accredited investor rules, JOBS Act implications, and practical steps involved in launching your own private equity fund or investment pool.
July 17, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Selling Your Business: Predictable Questions in Due Diligence
Prepares business owners for the difficult due diligence questions buyers ask during an acquisition process and explains how to avoid common deal-killing
July 13, 2013M&A
Financial Services
The Democratization of Capital
Analyzes the JOBS Act's impact on capital formation, explaining how changes to SEC solicitation rules open new fundraising opportunities for investment
July 12, 2013M&A
Private Equity
How to Start Your Own Private Equity Fund
A concise overview of solicitation methods, investor sourcing strategies, and subscription approaches for starting a private equity fund from the ground up.
July 12, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Dealing With The Antagonizing Questions In M&A
Prepare for the detailed, probing questions buyers ask during M&A due diligence and learn why thorough, meticulous answers build trust and help close deals
July 5, 2013M&A
Real Estate Investment
Entrepreneurial Investments in Real Estate
Discover why entrepreneurs turn to real estate as a complementary investment strategy, leveraging property appreciation and rental income to fund long-term
July 4, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Delivering Strategy
Execution drives results, not strategy alone. Learn how data-centric processes, aligned advisors, and disciplined deal management help business owners achieve
July 2, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Choosing An Exit Strategy That Fits Your Needs
Choosing the right exit strategy depends on your future role, financial goals, and timeline. Explore how to evaluate your options before committing to a
June 27, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Four Questions to Ask When Researching Potential Buyers
Researching potential acquirers early in your business lifecycle improves exit outcomes. These four questions help sellers identify strategic buyers and
June 25, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
What Questions Should You Ask Before Buying A Business?
Prepare for a business acquisition with a practical checklist of questions covering financials, operations, customer concentration, liabilities, and seller
June 19, 2013M&A
Valuation
Personal Goodwill: An Asset Belonging to the Individual
Understand how personal goodwill is defined, proven, and valued in business transactions, and why it matters for tax treatment and purchase price allocation.
June 17, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Deal Terms: Matching to the Owners� Needs
Explore how deal structures — cash offers, stock offers, and earn-outs — can be matched to business owners' specific exit goals when negotiating the sale of a
June 15, 2013