M&A
Private Equity
Selling a Business to a Private Equity Group
A guide for business owners selling to private equity groups, covering what PE buyers prioritize, how they evaluate cash flow, and what sellers can expect from
March 22, 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
Finding The Right Buyer
Identify the qualities that distinguish the right buyer for your business — from deal-closing capability to long-term value creation and respect for your
March 18, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Selling a Business to a Strategic Acquirer
Examines why strategic buyers acquire businesses, how they evaluate targets, and what sellers should know about negotiating a deal with a strategic acquirer.
March 14, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Four Tips for Getting Your Financial House in Order
Strong financial projections are essential when building a business plan for lenders and investors. These four tips help entrepreneurs prepare accurate
March 11, 2013M&A
Tax Strategy
Tax Advantages To Selling Your Business
Outlines the tax advantages available to business sellers under the U.S. tax code, including capital gains treatment and structuring strategies that can reduce
March 6, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Business Structure Decisions Help Guide Business Planning
Choosing the right business organizational structure is a critical step in business planning. Learn how to define your management team, decision-making
March 5, 2013M&A
Valuation
Software M&A: Valuation Models
Explains how software companies are valued in M&A transactions, including revenue multiples, free cash flow analysis, and term structure for deal negotiations.
March 2, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Frequent Deal-Making Mistakes
Deal-making failures often stem from poor preparation, lack of strategy, and failure to anticipate obstacles. This guide covers the most frequent mistakes that
March 2, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Shareholder Agreement Triggers
Outlines the standard triggers in buy-sell shareholder agreements, including disability, death, and other events that activate a buyout obligation among
February 27, 2013M&A
Marketing
Marketing Strategy: An Integral Part of Your Business Plan
A strong marketing strategy is essential to any business plan. Learn how market research informs your sales approach, customer acquisition, and growth
February 25, 2013M&A
Financial Services
Exhausting all Options for Business Financing
Review the full spectrum of business financing options — from equity partners to debt instruments — and understand the trade-offs every founder must weigh
February 21, 2013M&A
Market Research
Pent-up Supply for Middle Market M&A
Assess the realities of pent-up middle-market M&A supply, the gap between broker optimism and actual deal closings, and what softening activity means for
February 20, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Three Steps to Take Before Creating Your Business Plan
Complete three essential preparation steps before writing a formal business plan, including clarifying your value proposition, researching the competitive
February 19, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
The Strategic Role of IP in Corporate M&A
Analyzes how patents, trademarks, and copyrights drive M&A strategy, with examples from smartphone patent wars and the Hostess brand acquisition highlighting
February 19, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Creating a Bidding War for Your Business
Creating competitive tension among multiple buyers during a business sale can significantly increase your final valuation, even when an early offer seems
February 15, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Why Business Funding Can Be a Complete Waste of Time
Fundraising consumes founders' time, creates distraction, and often produces no capital. Learn why business funding can be a strategic mistake and when
February 14, 2013M&A
Market Research
Fine-Tune the Scope of Your Business With Relevant Research
Learn how thorough market research shapes a stronger business plan, helping owners attract investors, secure financing, or position their company for a
February 14, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Three Pointers for a Superb Executive Summary
Apply three practical techniques to write a compelling executive summary that captures investor attention quickly, communicates your core idea clearly, and
February 13, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
How Due Diligence in Business Planning can help Avoid Costly Write-Offs
Skipping due diligence in business planning can lead to massive write-offs. This post examines Caterpillar's $580M goodwill write-off to show what thorough
February 12, 2013M&A
Private Equity
Internet VC Investment Analysis Questionnaire
A practical VC investment analysis questionnaire covering product differentiation, target customers, and how to approach venture capitalists for internet
February 11, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Rules to Help Companies Remain Successful After an Acquisition
Post-acquisition success depends on preserving what made a company valuable. Learn the key rules acquirers and sellers should follow to maintain performance
January 26, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Why Do M&A Deals Fall Apart?
M&A deals collapse for many reasons, from due diligence surprises to valuation gaps and poor advisory. Understand the most common deal-breakers and how to
January 22, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Common Mistakes of Entrepreneurs Looking for an Exit
Entrepreneurs often overvalue their businesses when planning an exit. Discover the most common valuation mistakes and how to align expectations with what
January 21, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Developing A Business Plan For An Acquisition
Buyers must prepare a post-acquisition business plan that outlines short- and long-term goals, operational changes, and a transition strategy before closing on
January 18, 2013