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Equity Splits

Andy Riethmaier, June 30 2025

Splitting Equity with co-founders, early hires, or investors might feel like a casual handshake at the beginning, but its one of the most critical decisions you'll make in your startup journey. Get it wrong, and you could face resentment, legal headaches, or even the collapse of your business. Get it right, and you'll build a strong foundation...

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Should You Wait for The "Right Time" to Take Out a Loan?

Andy Riethmaier, June 23 2025

When it comes to borrowing, timing can feel like everything. Interest rates, market trends, and economic conditions all play into the decision. Yes, Interest rates are important. A lower rate can certainly reduce your cost of borrowing, but waiting for rates to drop can come at a cost too, like missed opportunities, delayed growth, or even...

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A detailed guide: Buying vs Selling

Andy Riethmaier, June 16 2025

1.) Finding the Right Target 2.) Due Diligence Complexity 3.) Valuation & Pricing Risk 4.) Financing the Deal 5.) Integration Risk

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How to Structure Capital for Growth Without Killing Profitability

Andy Riethmaier, June 9 2025

Growth is exciting - but if your capital structure isn't built right, it can quietly erode your margins and leave you with a bloated business and stressed-out balance sheet. The Common Trap Many businesses raise capital too quickly, too expensively, or in the wrong form. They chase scale with high interest debt or premature equity dilution - all...

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How Interest Rates Are Impacting Deal Valuations

Andy Riethmaier, May 26 2025

Interest rates are at their highest in over a decade, dealmakers across the industry are revaluating how they assess risk, value assets, and structure deals. The effects for both buyers and sellers has made deals more complicated and has lead both parties to adapt to a shifting valuation

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5 Steps to Prepare for a Successful Business Exit

Andy Riethmaier, May 19 2025

Exiting your business is one of the biggest financial moves you'll make. Whether you're planning to retire, pivot, or cash out, preparation is key. Here are 5 essential steps to help you maximize value and exit on your terms: 1. Define your exit strategy: Decide early- are you selling to a competitor, private equity, or passing it on? Each route...

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Sell-Side

Understanding the Timeline of a Business Acquisition

Andy Riethmaier, May 19 2025

The process of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is complex and can vary widely in terms of duration. While every transaction is unique, understanding the typical stages and the factors that influence the timeline can help you navigate the process more efficiently. In this post, we’ll break down the M&A timeline and discuss what can impact its

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Debt vs Equity Financing: Which is Best for Your Business?

Chase Piotrowski, April 21 2025

When it comes to raising capital, businesses typically face two primary options: debt financing and equity financing. Each method offers its own set of benefits and challenges, and the right choice depends on a company's specific goals, financial condition, and risk tolerance. Understanding the differences between these financing options is...

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Investment Banking

What's the difference between Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Investment Banking, and Capital Advisory?

Chase Piotrowski, April 14 2025

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Investment Banking fall under the broader umbrella of corporate finance, yet each serves distinct functions within that framework. M&A primarily focuses on the strategic restructuring and consolidation of businesses. This area involves identifying and evaluating potential acquisition or merger targets,...

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What are the benefits of working with Black Diamond when buying or selling a business?

Andy Riethmaier, April 7 2025

Why Work with Black Diamond When Buying or Selling a Business? Buying or selling a business can be a complex process, but partnering with Black Diamond offers several key benefits that can help ensure a smoother, more successful transaction. Here's how they can make a difference: 1.  Expert M&A

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