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.

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What our clients are saying...

“Regarding our working relationship with Business Transition Strategies. After 32 years of continuous growth we hit 2009 & 2010 and like many companies we went flat and in 2010 had our first loss. At this point we knew we had to make changes if we where to succeed in this new economic environment. Business Transition Strategies (BTS), particularly John Howe and Ken Schaefer, were brought on as consultants. The BTS team came in, evaluated everything in a professional and thankfully non-threatening manner. They interacted with all employees and our professional partners. Once this was done they presented their findings to the executive group and gave very specific suggestions for improvements. This done and a plan in place, John & Ken continued to help us move forward and implement changes and make adjustments where needed. I am happy to say we are back to being a growing and profitable business and I believe BTS played a big part in making this happen. I would recommend to anyone that they include BTS as part of their business plans for the future.”

- Christina

Advisory Client
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New Hampshire Business Transition. All Rights Reserved.