Our History

Business Transition Strategies was formed in 2009 to work with privately owned companies in the lower mid-market located in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and throughout the New England area.

The firm was established to assist businesses with annual revenues between $2MM and $20MM. These companies are too big to be effectively sold through the “main street” brokerage process. BTS brings the mid-market mergers and acquisitions process to the lower mid-market, better serving this important segment.

BTS leadership and associates come from a variety of business backgrounds, which gives them unique insights into private companies and makes them effective in handling engagements ranging from manufacturing to distribution and beyond. The firm uses time-tested techniques to achieve the goals of owners.

Originally established as a division of New Hampshire Business Sales, Inc., a firm with a legacy in selling private businesses dating back to 1976, BTS has a foundation built on decades of industry experience and success.

In December 2023, BTS underwent a significant development as founder John Howe retired and the firm merged with Touchstone Advisors, a prominent Mergers and Acquisition firm headquartered in Connecticut. This merger has allowed BTS to maintain its commitment to delivering personalized service to lower mid-market privately held companies while expanding its resources and expertise through collaboration with Touchstone Advisors.

Today, Business Transition Strategies (BTS) remains dedicated to excellence in customer service and quality. With extensive experience in the lower-middle markets, BTS has established itself as a trusted partner for M&A advisory, business valuation, consulting, and exit planning services. Their continued focus on client needs and comprehensive approach ensures that they effectively navigate the complexities of business transitions, supporting owners in achieving successful outcomes.

Not ready or don't know where to begin?

If your transition timeline is a year or more out, BTS can assist you in preparing and positioning your business for a transition down the road. Through advisory engagements, we help owners maximize the value of their businesses and enhance operations in ways that will pave the way for the next step whether that is an exit or a growth strategy. Our experience in the industry along with our associations and affiliations, give us insight into what is expected for a transition to successfully occur. Only a small fraction of privately held businesses successfully transfer either to the next generation or to an outside entity. Those best prepared with a strong foundation will achieve the best results.

Want to learn more? Contact us.

What our clients are saying...

“New Image Coatings, owners of Seal-Once, retained Business Transition Strategies in April of 2015 to locate a strategic buyer for the company. This was successfully completed during April of 2016 when we were acquired by UC Coatings of Buffalo, New York. Working at our side throughout this process were John Howe director, and Ken Schaefer, deputy director, of Business Transition Strategies. From the start of the project, where the information memorandum was developed, to helping us create the management presentation to acquirers, through negotiating the letter of intent and then the definitive agreement, they were there with me and our professional team every step of the way. It took nearly one year to the day to complete the project, but they never lost focus on my best interests and helped me keep my eye on business. This sale was very complex. It included transfer of trade secrets from the product developer, …as well as the transfer of a manufacturing and licensing agreement we had with the core compound producer… John and Ken marketed the company to a range of strategic acquirers, including a number of private equity groups and their platform companies, which ultimately resulted in an agreement with United Coatings… BTS’s level of expertise in the process and close attention to detail enabled us to successfully navigate the deal. I would recommend John Howe and Ken Schaefer to any company owner considering selling.”

- Hank Croteau

New Image Coatings