BUSINESS OWNERS
The M&A Source is here to help. As “the source” for all things involving lower-middle market transactions, the page contains information to help you find the most experienced, knowledgeable and ethical M&A advisor.
Why should I hire an M&A advisor?
Selling a business of any size – no matter how seemingly straightforward – requires hours and hours of meetings, discussions, phone calls, negotiations, reviewing documents laden with “legal-ese,” and other administrative tasks. Can you spare the time away from your business? Do you WANT to take on a project this big and important to your future?
The key benefits to hiring an M&A advisor and member of The M&A Source are:
- You can continue to run your business as you always have while the M&A advisor works in the background to market & sell your business
- Just as a real estate agent acts a buffer between buyer and seller, an M&A advisor can do this for your business sale as well
- M&A advisors have extensive experience in the documentation, which insures they can adequately handle not only the flow of paperwork, but complete everything completely and properly the first time
- Education and Experience!
- M&A advisors have experience in different types of sales – from straightforward to complicated.
- M&A Source members have access to top notch education on a variety of topics. This ensures they are always up-to-date on new rules & regulations, as well as best practices.
- Many M&A Source members hold elite designations – such as the M&AMI and CM&AP.
- Higher sales price
- M&A advisors have existing relationships with potential buyers and know how to market your business. This often translates into higher valuation for your business.
When you decide to work with an M&A advisor:
- Get referrals from your network or use our member directory to find someone in your local area.
- Some M&A advisors specialize in certain types of businesses; while others are more generalists. Ask questions to make sure the M&A advisor you’re working with is a good fit for your business.
- Consider calling & interviewing several M&A advisors in your area to see who is the best fit for both you & your business.
- Most lower middle market M&A advisors require retainer fees at the time of engagement and receive success fees at the close of the transaction. Fees are dependent on the complexity and size of the transaction.
- Ask for client references before getting started.
- Ask how the M&A advisor will market your business. Do they have access to a database of buyers? Do they attend the Dealmakers Expo to meet with Private Equity Groups? Put up ads on the Internet? Share listings with other M&A advisors in the area?
- Find out if your state requires M&A advisors to be licensed (either real estate or otherwise).
- Do they belong to any processional associations, such as The M&A Source, or hold any designations such as the M&AMI or CM&AP?
Now what?
The M&A Source recommends that you use our membership directory to find some M&A advisors near you. Also, feel free to review our other resources to learn more about the pitfalls and best practices in selling a business.
As you prepare to hire an M&A advisor, please also ask yourself the following:
- How much do I need and want after taxes to move to the next chapter?
- Is my expectation of valuation realistic?
- Is my company ready for the due diligence process?
Here to Begin?
If you’re not sure where to start, pick up the phone and call an M&A Source M&A advisor to get the process started. This will also help you wrap your head around all of the steps & paperwork required. Find a reliable M&A Source member & M&A advisor below: