Why a Creative Exit Deal Structure, Especially a Seller Note, May Be a Smart Move for Sellers For most entrepreneurs, the dream of selling their business usually looks something like this: "I get a call from a massive multinational company that offers me all cash,...
Discover the latest updates in the world of forward-thinking investment banking.
Beware of the Preemptive Offer
M&A, M&A Education & Market, Merger and Acquisitions
As a business owner, you’ve likely encountered calls and emails from firms claiming to have buyers ready to purchase your business or introducing you to potential strategic relationships. Private Equity Groups (PE), as well, may be reaching out, touting their ability...
10 Questions For an Ideal Exit – Outlier Outcomes
Industry Insights, Education, M&A, M&A Education & Market
Most owners of privately held business do not know if their business is sellable or what to do to achieve an Outlier Outcome at sale. An Ideal exit is one that is on your time, your terms and at your price. In order to help you think about orchestrating your own...
Outlier Outcomes Part 1 — Differentiation and Growth Rate
M&A, M&A Education & Market, Strategic Advisory
M&A Markets are traditionally pretty efficient. When willing buyers and willing sellers meet and a competitive bidding environment is orchestrated, the market establishes the buy price for the company. So how is it that some companies receive outlier outcomes...
Outlier Outcomes Part 2 — Consistent Profitability and a Defensible Pro-Forma
M&A, M&A Education & Market, Strategic Advisory
In our last blog, we began a conversation about how to achieve an advantageous “Outlier Outcome” when it comes to establishing your company as a market leader and top-quality asset, deserving of premium value. Tracking and Knowing Your Analytics Companies with a...
Outlier Outcomes Part 3 — Good Positioning and a Favorable Tailwind Sector
M&A, M&A Education & Market, Strategic Advisory
When it comes time to leave your company, you want to do it not only profitably, but admirably, right? You not only want top dollar, but you want the fruits of your labor to be recognized, appreciated, and rewarded—above that of the competition. What you’re looking...
How to Prosper in Flight-to-Quality Markets
Industry Insights, M&A, M&A Education & Market
During periods of uncertainty, there is what’s called “a flight to quality.” Understandably, buyers of middle-market companies, when faced with rising costs, market uncertainties, lingering supply chain issues, or recession, etc., inherently become more risk-averse...
30 Ways to Leave Your Company
Selling a Business, M&A, M&A Education & Market
I am slightly embarrassed as I recall Paul Simons’ 1975 release of “50 Ways to Leave your Lover”. As a budding 11-year-old, I giggled at the new term “lover”. However, on reflecting back now, having advised hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEO’s, the context...
Developing an investor’s mindset – a seller’s mindset!
Education, M&A, M&A Education & Market, Industry Insights
Most business owners follow a recognizable leadership evolution during the lifecycle of their companies. They start by working for their business—doing everything from sales to service. Then they shift to working in the business—managing teams, overseeing operations,...
The Trifecta of M&A
Selling a Business, M&A, M&A Education & Market
In our experience at Merit Investment Bank & Co., we have found that there are three foundational elements that must be in place before we can apply a strategic approach to a successful M&A process for Entrepreneurs and CEOs. When these three conditions...
Middle Market Resilience: Confidence vs. Reality?
Industry Insights, M&A, M&A Education & Market
Given the current state of markets, the most common inquiry we hear (not surprisingly) is, “Is now still a good time to sell”? Great question. Historically, the middle market has often been insulated from the volatility of the SMB and public markets, repeatedly...
8 Things you NEED to do before you sell your Business
Exit Planning, Restructuring & Special Situations, Value Creation, Sell-side, Owner Considerations, M&A Education & Market, Corporate Divestitures, Strategic Advisory
While we are surprised by the potential "deal killers" every time we execute the sale of a business, there are a few things that remain constant. Our job as Investment Bankers is to maximize your value in the market by finding the right fit between you and a buyer....