Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory for Middle-Market Owners

Sell-side M&A advisory is the representation of an owner through a sale, recapitalization, or capital raise, from preparing the company for market through closing. Buy-side advisory represents the acquirer. Sell-side M&A is a core focus of our practice. Our senior bankers work alongside you from day one and lead the process through closing. We use our wide network of qualified buyers to create a competitive process and help maximize the value of your business.

Not necessarily. It depends on your goals as an owner, the type of buyer, and the structure of the transaction. We discuss your preferred level of involvement from the beginning and use it to guide which buyers we approach. Typically, strategic buyers often purchase 100% of the business and may only require a short transition period. Financial buyers commonly acquire a majority stake and ask owners to retain equity and continue leading the business.

We look at your business from several angles. Key measures often include revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). We also consider growth, margins, comparable companies, recent transactions, and buyer demand. Ultimately, the value depends on the market and what qualified buyers are willing to offer.

It describes a recapitalization in which an owner sells a majority stake while retaining a minority position. The first bite is cash at closing. The second occurs when the retained equity appreciates and is later sold.

There is no single right time to sell, but owners often benefit from beginning preparations a year or more before a formal process. Preparation can influence value more than market timing alone, and starting early gives owners more options. An initial conversation carries no obligation.

Potentially both, depending on your objectives. A strategic buyer is an operating company pursuing new capabilities, customers, or geographic reach. A financial buyer is a private equity firm, family office, or independent sponsor focused on investment return.

A formal process generally runs several months from launch to closing, with preparation beginning well in advance. Company readiness, sector dynamics, buyer type, and diligence complexity all affect the timeline.