Is Your Business Actually Sellable? A Hard-Truth Checklist for Owners

Is Your Business Actually Sellable? A Hard-Truth Checklist for Owners Quick Answer A sellable business has predictable, owner-independent profit, a compelling growth story, and strong operational efficiency with minimal owner reliance. Key indicators include a stable customer base, financial health, clear growth potential, and position in a growing market; if your business lacks these, you […]
How Private Equity Really Prices Small Businesses

How Private Equity Really Prices Small Businesses Quick Answer Private equity firms typically value small businesses using a multiple of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), generally ranging from 4x to 8x EBITDA depending on industry, growth rate, and risk profile. The valuation also considers revenue stability, cash flow generation, market dynamics, and […]
Private Equity vs Strategic Buyer in 2026: Which Pays More and Which Closes Faster

Strategic buyers pay 1-2x higher multiples but slower close. PE buyers pay less but faster. The 5 factors that determine which is right for your business in 2026.
How Confidential Business Sales Work Without Spooking Employees or Clients

How Confidential Business Sales Work Without Spooking Employees or Clients Quick Answer Confidential business sales protect sensitive information by limiting access to authorized personnel, using non-disclosure agreements, and carefully vetting potential buyers before disclosure. This approach prevents employee panic, protects against competitive intelligence gathering, and maintains client confidence throughout the transaction. A discreet advisor manages […]
How to Maximize Your Business Sale Price Before You Go to Market

How to Maximize Your Business Sale Price Before You Go to Market If you want to maximize your business sale price, the work has to start 12 to 24 months before you ever talk to a buyer. The hard truth most owners learn too late: by the time the teaser hits the market, your multiple […]
The Costly Mistakes Owners Make When Selling Their Business

The Costly Mistakes Owners Make When Selling Their Business Quick Answer The most common and costly mistakes owners make when selling their business include poor timing (which can extend the process 6 to 9 months), underestimating emotional and financial complexities, inadequate valuation and planning, and attempting the sale without expert guidance. Since roughly 80 to […]
How to Sell Your Business Without a Broker (Step-by-Step Playbook)

How to Sell Your Business Without a Broker (Step-by-Step Playbook) Quick Answer Selling your business without a broker saves 6-10% in commissions on a typical deal, but requires you to manage buyer sourcing, process execution, and confidentiality yourself or through a partner. The real question isn’t whether to avoid a broker, but which functions you […]
The Exact Checklist to Prepare Your Company for Sale in 90 Days

The Exact Checklist to Prepare Your Company for Sale in 90 Days Quick Answer To prepare your company for sale in 90 days, run a tight week-by-week sequence: weeks 1-2 commission a sell-side Quality of Earnings and pull customer concentration data, weeks 3-4 document SOPs and run an IP assignment audit, weeks 5-6 build the […]
Exactly What Buyers Look for Before Making an Offer

Exactly What Buyers Look for Before Making an Offer Quick Answer Buyers focus on three core criteria before making an offer: strong financial performance and clear growth potential, strategic fit with their existing operations, and sustainable competitive advantages. They evaluate revenue trends, profitability metrics, customer retention, and management quality during due diligence. No fee to […]