M&A research and insights

When to Sell Your Business: Timing, Signals, and How to Prepare

The best exits don't happen at a perfect moment—they happen when owners recognize the right window and are prepared to act. This guide covers the personal, business, and market signals that tell you it's time to sell, and what to do before you go to market.

How Much Do Brokers Charge to Sell a Business, and Are They Worth It?

Business broker commissions typically range from 8–12% for small businesses to 1–2% for large enterprises. This guide breaks down every fee structure—success fees, retainers, and Lehman Formula—so you know exactly what you're paying and why.

Digital Marketing Agency Valuation Multiples: What Your Agency Is Worth in 2025

Digital marketing agencies trade at 4x to 12x EBITDA in 2025, but where your agency lands depends on factors you can control. This guide breaks down current multiples by agency type, the key value drivers buyers pay premiums for, and how to position your agency for a top-of-range exit.

What Is Deal Flow? Definition, Sources, and How It Works

Deal flow refers to the rate and volume of investment or acquisition opportunities a finance professional receives. This guide explains what deal flow means, where it comes from, and how to manage it effectively.

Selling Your Dental Practice: Valuation, Buyer Types & Timeline

Selling a dental practice involves unique valuation methods, a choice between private buyers and DSOs, and a multi-step timeline that can span 6–18 months. This guide walks you through every stage of the process.

Rollover Equity: An M&A Guide for Business Owners

Rollover equity lets you reinvest a portion of your sale proceeds into the buyer's entity and profit again at the PE firm's eventual exit. This guide explains how it works, what sponsors gain, and how to protect yourself at the negotiating table.

How to Maximize Business Value Before You Sell

Most businesses that go to market never close a deal. This guide breaks down exactly how lower middle market owners can build EBITDA, expand their valuation multiple, and position their business for a premium exit.

Selling Your HVAC Company to Private Equity: What Owners Need to Know

Private equity firms acquired nearly 800 HVAC and home services companies between 2022 and 2024. Here's what PE buyers look for, what your business is worth, and how to structure a deal that maximizes your payout.

Due Diligence Checklist for Buying a Business

Before you close on a business acquisition, due diligence is your opportunity to verify financials, uncover hidden risks, and confirm you're getting what you paid for. This comprehensive checklist covers every critical area for buyers in the $1M–$25M range.

Venture Capital Management Company: Structure, Fees, and LP Considerations

A venture capital management company is the legal and operational backbone of a VC firm, distinct from the fund itself. This guide covers how management companies are structured, how fees flow, and what LPs should scrutinize before committing capital.

Selling a Business Checklist: 14 Steps to a Successful Exit

Selling a lower middle market business involves dozens of moving parts across valuation, preparation, negotiation, and closing. This step-by-step checklist walks you through every phase of the process so you can maximize your sale price and avoid costly mistakes.

The Role of the C-Level in M&A Transactions

More than 50% of acquisitions fail to meet expectations—and leadership quality is usually the reason why. This guide breaks down what only you as a C-level buyer can own, and what you can safely delegate to advisors.