What’s Next Really Matters
Author and former Inc Magazine editor at large Bo Burlingham says there is more than money at stake during a business owner’s exit. He delivered a luncheon address at the M&A Source spring conference in Dallas Tuesday. He revisited research done for his book Finish Big. The book explores the exits of owners ranging from […]
Using a Specialist in M&A
Often one of the first questions we are asked during an initial meeting with a company owner is if we have experience in an industry. We do – in the transaction industry, researching and finding a target list of likely acquirers, preparing marketing documents, managing the sales process, and the diligence process through to the […]
Good Options for Owners: ESOP versus Third Party Sale
Taking the ESOP route is not an all or nothing approach to business ownership transition. A presentation “Comparing the Big Exit Decision” by Steve Cohen, Esq and Tabitha Croscut, Esq. at AMAA New England in Boston September 28 made this clear. The two attorneys with Devine Millimet engaged in a back and forth, point counter-point […]
Acquisition trend continues with sale of NH company
Laconia-based ODM acquired by Ripley Tools Evidence continues to mount that companies are buying other companies to grow, and that does not necessarily solely involve mega mergers or equate into a dismantling of founder-run operations. An example of this is the just-announced acquisition of a New Hampshire firm by a Connecticut company. Laconia-based Optical Design Manufacturing, […]
Preparing next gen leadership for transition
Advance preparation can be helpful in creating a smooth transition in ownership, particularly for manufacturers owned by Boomer founders seeking retirement. “When company owners prepare for a sale or transfer of leadership, they must be able to clearly and effectively communicate with the next generation about how to best steer the organization through these choppy […]
M&A among top priorities of CEOs
CEOs in wide range of sectors are optimistic about the current business environment and significant segment listed mergers and acquisitions among their top priorities. The CEO Survey was just released by Marcum, accountants and advisors. Half of the sectors surveyed rated their business outlook an 8 on a scale a 10-point scale. Top Priorities of […]
The exit decision- timing and issues
When should a business owner start thinking about planning their exit? Early! This is a high-stakes decision and should not be first contemplated when it is imminent. We would suggest that the exit assessment and planning begin three years before the planned transiton. It could be compressed to 18 months, if the owner has already […]
Growth through acquisition isn’t just for the big companies
It is not unusual to hear of a conglomerate acquiring another company to achieve market share or to help it branch into a new field. However, the trend does not just involve mega companies. Growth through acquisition is a valid strategy for businesses in the lower mid-market as well as the mid-market. Like their larger […]
What to expect in the LOI exclusivity period
A question that often emerges when reviewing proposals for acquisition with owners is the exclusivity period. Most Letters of Intent contain a “no shop” phase of 60 to 90 days where ownership and advisors are prohibited from formally seeking other interested parties or entertaining any other offers. Why agree? First, it gives the buyer time […]
In an M&A Program: Why Consider a Business “Carve Out”?
When businesses consider a growth through acquisition or merger effort, generally most consideration is given to target businesses that offer the same goods and services. This is logical since it would add market share or increase their geographic footprint. However, another target consideration is a “carve out” from an established business. “What is a business […]