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The middle market M&A landscape is changing. New stability may create opportunities for sellers who understand current dynamics and act strategically. This week, we’re looking at ways sellers can build negotiating leverage going into the new year. Of course, the outcomes of any transaction are contingent on market conditions and a range of...
Read MoreThe M&A market in 2025 has been defined by a sharp, late-year turnaround. After a hesitant start in the lower middle market, conditions “thawed” in the final quarter as two Federal Reserve rate cuts in September and October lowered the target range to 3.75%–4.00%, injecting a much-needed bright spot for dealmaking. Financing conditions have...
Read MoreEven as winter settles in, the M&A market is finally starting to thaw. 2025 opened with hesitation baked into every corner of the lower middle market. Deals were getting done, but only for companies that had cleared an unusually high readiness bar. Buyers had record levels of capital yet approached each transaction as if the downside risk...
Read MoreThe 2025 M&A market isn’t quiet, but it is selective. While the number of global private equity and venture deals is down nearly 6% year-over-year, the total value of those deals is up nearly 19%, according to S&P Global. That tells us one thing: fewer deals, higher premiums. Buyers are showing up. But only for the best-prepared
Read MoreMost business owners assume they will be ready to sell when the time comes. Profitability is strong. The team is capable. Customers are loyal. The number in their head feels reasonable. Generous, even. But in 2025, readiness is not a feeling. It is a discipline. Buyers are no longer rewarding potential; they are rewarding proof. And...
Read MoreHiring a capital advisor can be a game-changing move for your business, but not all advisors are created equal. Before you sign a contract, here are key questions you should ask to make sure you're choosing the right partner for your needs: 1. What experience do you have in my
Read MoreRaising capital is often seen as a major milestone and rightly so. But too often, founders and business owners celebrate a successful raise without fully understanding the long-term cost of that capital. The true cost of capital goes far beyond interest rates or equity dilution. Whether you're funding growth, an acquisition, or a runaway...
Read More1. Googles $50 Million Bet on Android (2005) Back in 2005, Google quietly bought a small mobile startup called Android Inc fir just $50 million. At the time, it barely made headlines, But today that move is considered one of the best tech acquisitions of all time. Android now powers the vast majority of smartphones globally, and Googles ecosystem...
Read MoreSplitting 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...
Read MoreWhen 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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