Our History

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

Business Transition Strategies (BTS) is a trusted M&A advisor for lower mid-market businesses, specializing in companies with annual revenues between $2MM and $20MM. These businesses are often too large for traditional “main street” brokers but not quite big enough for large investment banks—BTS bridges that gap by bringing mid-market M&A expertise to this underserved segment.

With a team of professionals from diverse business backgrounds, BTS offers deep insight into privately held companies across industries such as manufacturing, distribution, and more. The firm applies proven strategies to help owners achieve their goals, whether that means selling, growing through acquisition, or planning for succession.

Originally a division of New Hampshire Business Sales, Inc, a firm with roots dating back to 1976, BTS is built on decades of experience in private business sales.

In December 2023, BTS merged with Touchstone Advisors, a leading M&A firm based in Connecticut. This strategic partnership expanded BTS’s capabilities while preserving its personalized approach to serving lower mid-market clients.

Today, BTS continues to deliver expert M&A advisory, consulting, and exit planning services. With a client-first mindset and a comprehensive approach, BTS helps business owners navigate complex transitions and move confidently into their next chapter.

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...

“It is a privilege to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Business Transition Strategies. …As with any family business, negotiations need to be handled delicately and, as with any sale, both parties need to be satisfied with the end result. Quite frankly, without their help, this could not have been achieved. John Howe and Ken Schaefer skillfully analyzed the books and were able to bridge the gap between the sellers’ belief of what the company was worth and its actual worth. Their style is objective, straightforward, thorough and kind in the delivery of their assessment. After the sale was achieved to both parties’ satisfaction, John and Ken were hired to help with the adjustment of the acquisition and the financial health of the company moving forward. I can highly recommend this talented group of experienced business advisors to any company in need of clear and thoughtful company planning and adjustments.”

- Jane Longden

Decora