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Mergers & acquisitions

Sell-side and buy-side advice for owners, private equity sponsors, and corporate buyers in the middle market.

Talk to an M&A banker See services

Selling or buying a company

Most owners sell a business once. For a buyer, one acquisition can change the direction of a company. In both cases the outcome turns on preparation, knowledge of the market, and patient negotiation.

We begin with an honest view of value and readiness. Then we prepare materials that hold up in diligence, approach the right buyers or targets, and keep the timeline working in our client’s favor.

A senior banker leads each engagement from the first call to the closing table.

Services

Every engagement is shaped around what matters most to the client: the best price, the right buyer for the team, or a specific acquisition.

  1. Sell-side advisory

    A full or partial sale run as a competitive process, from valuation and preparation through negotiation and closing.

  2. Buy-side advisory

    Acquisition criteria, target search, first approach, valuation, and negotiation for corporate and financial buyers.

  3. Recapitalizations

    A partial sale that gives owners liquidity while they keep a stake and a role in the business.

  4. Management buyouts

    Advice for leadership teams buying the company they run, including valuation, financing, and governance.

  5. Divestitures

    The sale of a division or non-core asset, including the separation of shared people and systems.

  6. Mergers

    Combining two companies, with careful attention to ownership, governance, and integration terms.

How a sale runs

Six stages. We run each one so you can keep running the company.

  1. Readiness

    Goals, a value range, and anything to fix before going to market.

  2. Materials

    An information memorandum, a financial model, and a data room.

  3. Outreach

    Confidential contact with selected strategic and financial buyers.

  4. Offers

    Management meetings and first offers, compared on price and terms.

  5. Diligence

    Buyer diligence and negotiation of the purchase agreement.

  6. Closing

    Final terms with your counsel, and support through the handover.

Common questions

How long does it take to sell a business?

Most sales take six to nine months from engagement to closing. Preparation takes six to eight weeks, marketing and buyer meetings another two to three months, and diligence and documents the rest.

How will my business be valued?

We look at comparable transactions, earnings and cash flow, growth, and how particular buyers are likely to see the company. You will have a realistic range before anything goes to market.

Will my employees or customers find out?

Not from us. First contact uses a summary that does not name the company, and every interested party signs a non-disclosure agreement before seeing any detail.

How are your fees structured?

Typically a modest retainer and a success fee paid at closing, so most of our compensation depends on the outcome. Terms are set out in a written engagement agreement.

Do you work with first-time sellers?

Yes. Most of our sell-side clients are selling for the first time. We explain each step and work closely with their attorneys and accountants.