One of the big reasons entrepreneurs come to us is that they’re feeling the weight of risk and liability on their shoulders more than they used to. Sometimes they just want to distribute the responsibility a bit and free up their time and energy, and other times the...
Discover the latest updates in the world of forward-thinking investment banking.
How to Prepare for Retirement as a CEO or Entrepreneur
Selling a Business, Owner Considerations
Retirement as a CEO or entrepreneur isn't just about stepping away from the office—it's about transitioning from a role you've lived and breathed for decades into a life of freedom, purpose, and financial independence. Unlike salaried professionals, entrepreneurs...
Thinking ahead about restructuring before you need it
Industry Insights, Managing Risk, M&A, Owner Considerations, IP & Patents
Restructuring is typically not on the tip of the tongues of CEO’s that are running profitable companies. However, we can take a page from restructuring to address the current market and position many companies find themselves in today. “Sometimes the best offense is a...
How to Avoid Seller’s Remorse in an M&A Deal
M&A, Owner Considerations, Business Valuation, Industry Insights
Selling your company can be an emotional rollercoaster. Many entrepreneurs, after dedicating years of hard work to build their business, often find themselves facing seller's remorse—that sinking feeling of regret after the deal is done. This regret often stems from...
Absolute or Relative Earn-Outs in M&A Deals
Industry Insights, M&A, Owner Considerations, Business Valuation
What Is an Earn-Out in M&A? How It Works and When to Use It In a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal, an earn-out is a contractual arrangement between the buyer and the seller that allows the seller to receive additional compensation after the...
Why would you sell your company – Know your why.
Strategic Advisory, Industry Insights, Selling a Business, M&A, Owner Considerations, M&A Education & Market
Selling your company is one of the most pivotal decisions you'll ever make as an entrepreneur. It's not just a financial transaction—it's a deeply personal crossroads that can shape your identity, your legacy, and your next chapter. After 30+ years as a serial and...
5 Reasons Why Most Business Owners Fail to Sell Their Companies
M&A, Owner Considerations, M&A Education & Market, Strategic Advisory, Industry Insights, Selling a Business, Managing Risk
Who Really Benefits from the Sale of Your Company? You do.Monetizing your life’s work is a monumental moment—the crowning achievement for most CEOs and founders. But here's the harsh truth: most businesses never sell. According to industry research, only about 20%–30%...
Who Benefits from the Sale of your Company?
Selling a Business, M&A, Owner Considerations, M&A Education & Market
At first glance, the obvious winner in the sale of a private business is the founder or CEO—you. But the ripple effect extends far beyond your own financial gain. The truth is, when executed thoughtfully, a successful business exit creates a cascade of benefits that...
Merit Investment Bank Guides Herco Jewelry Company in Sale to Quality Gold
Selling a Business, M&A, Owner Considerations, Case Study, Merger and Acquisitions
Client Overview Established in 1979 by Reuven and Zehava Itelman, Herco is one of the largest gold jewelry wholesalers in the United States. Herco’s catalog is a mainstay for thousands of independent jewelers who rely on it to source unique and high-quality...
The high cost of “Do Nothing.”
Selling a Business, Education, M&A, Owner Considerations
While few middle-market companies ever reach the finish line of a successful M&A exit, nearly every entrepreneur I’ve met dreams of one day selling their business for a premium—unlocking the funds to power their next venture, retire in comfort, or create...
Five Common Blind Spots Business Owners Have That Reduce Business Value and Limit Exit Options.
Selling a Business, Owner Considerations, Exit Planning
Dodge these common pitfalls that jeopardize your business value. 1. Failure to have an exit plan I firmly believe that the biggest blind spot is not having goals for the ultimate and inevitable exit. Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Even if a business owner never...
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....