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Sell-Side, Investment Banking, Exit Planning, Business Valuation, M&A Market Trends
Most 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...
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Hiring 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
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Raising 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...
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1. 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...
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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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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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1.) Finding the Right Target 2.) Due Diligence Complexity 3.) Valuation & Pricing Risk 4.) Financing the Deal 5.) Integration Risk
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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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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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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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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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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, mergers & acquisitions
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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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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Networking is crucial for business success. It helps build connections that can lead to opportunities, partnerships, and new customers. Relationships are the key to building your business and by gaining successful collaborations, this can drastically accelerate business growth as a whole. In this article, we will be discussing the true power of...
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Are you ready to sell? Transferring business ownership is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure a smooth transition to the buyer. Whether it's in real estate, business, or any other type of asset transfer, several key steps make the process seamless and legally
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5 Common Mistakes New Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them) Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming. As an entrepreneur, you’re juggling countless tasks, managing your finances, and working to build your brand—all at the same time. While passion and determination are key ingredients for success, certain...
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Sell-Side, Business Preparation
In this article, we are to talk to you about five things to consider when selling a business from an operator's perspective. I have spent almost my entire career as an operator owner of businesses, buying and selling those businesses. So, by nature, I look at things from an operator's
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Buying or Selling a Franchise In this article, we're going to talk about franchise businesses and a few things to consider if you're in the market for buying or selling a franchise business. Why Franchises Can be Good for You Franchises can be great businesses, especially for first-time business owners in the market to find an established...
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Acquiring a business is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Here are the top five things to consider when structuring an offer to acquire a business: 1. Valuation The first step in structuring an offer is to determine the value of the business. This can be done through various methods such...
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