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Work “on” your business to build transferable value
May 20, 2025 / in Business Strategy / by Al Statz
If you’re a business owner, you know how easy it is to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of running the business—I inhabit that space myself most of the time! It’s all too common to find ourselves knuckling down on our inboxes, serving clients, and managing employees, and putting out fires However, this hands-on approach, while often necessary in the early stages of a business, can create a business that’s overly dependent on us as owners. …
Wine Industry Insights: Exploring a Different Kind of Exit
May 19, 2025 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Joe Orlando
The M&A market is in the midst of an extended “time out.” According to a Reuters article in May 2025, “the number of M&A contracts announced across the world – an indicator of global economic health – fell in April to the lowest level in more than 20 years, according to data compiled by Dealogic for Reuters.”[1] This fact is striking when you consider that over the last 20 years, the global economy has endured …
Exit Strategies Group Advises on Ruland Manufacturing’s Acquisition of RoCom Couplings Corp.
April 11, 2025 / in News, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
We are pleased to announce that our client Ruland Manufacturing recently acquired Santa Maria, California-based RoCom Couplings Corp., a company with deep expertise in the design and manufacturing of flexible shaft couplings used in aerospace, medical devices, robotic systems, automated conveyors and all types of industrial machinery. By integrating RoCom’s expertise with Ruland’s manufacturing processes and resources, both Ruland and RoCom customers will be able to select from a broader range of beam couplings and …
How SBA’s New Citizenship Requirement Impacts Business Owners
March 25, 2025 / in Business Strategy, Exit Planning, News / by Adam Wiskind
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced significant updates to the eligibility requirements for its 7(a) and 504 loan programs, effective March 7, 2025. These changes focus on the citizenship status of borrowers and have a major impact on business operation loans and business transactions financed through the SBA loan guarantee program. What’s Changed? Previously, small business owners qualified for SBA loans even if up to 49% of their ownership was held by foreign …
Exit Strategies Group Advises Clayton Controls in Sale
February 24, 2025 / in News, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Exit Strategies Group recently served as financial advisor to the owners of industrial automation solutions provider Clayton Controls, on their sale to KKR portfolio company Flow Control Group. Effective February 3, 2025, this acquisition adds market coverage, talent and technical services to FCG’s growing industrial automation group. Transaction terms will not be disclosed. Founded in 1967, Clayton Controls is an automation solutions provider serving California, Nevada and Arizona manufacturing clients in several industries. ISO-9001 registered …
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUY-SELL AGREEMENTS IN BUSINESS CONTINUITY
February 17, 2025 / in Business Valuation, Buy-Sell Agreements / by Joe Orlando
For business owners, a well-structured buy-sell agreement is essential for ensuring a seamless transition of ownership in the event of death, disability, or retirement. These agreements define who has the right to purchase ownership interests and at what price, mitigating potential disputes among partners, heirs, and buyers. Valuation: A Critical Component A properly structured buy-sell agreement includes a clear valuation method to determine the fair market value of a departing owner’s shares. Common valuation approaches …
What is the purpose of a letter of intent (LOI) in a business sale?
February 16, 2025 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
A Letter of Intent (LOI) in a business acquisition serves as a blueprint for the deal by establishing key terms, as well as process and timeline, before moving into due diligence and final agreements. It signals serious intent, based on what is known today, without final commitment. It helps both parties align their expectations and minimize wasted time and costs. Key Purposes of an LOI in Business Acquisitions 1. Establishes Key Deal Terms Defines the …
Beyond price: What matters most when selling your company
January 28, 2025 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Most of our seller clients go into a sale thinking their highest priority is getting top dollar. And sure, price matters—it’s your financial reward for years of hard work. But many clients learn along the way, that other factors often carry just as much weight—sometimes more. If you want a successful and satisfying sale, look beyond the headline sale price. Strategic Fit: Will the Buyer Honor Your Legacy? The right buyer isn’t just the one …
U.S. Private Equity M&A Activity and 2025 Outlook
January 28, 2025 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Exit Strategies Group sees 2024 as a turning point for U.S. acquisitions by private equity groups, for both new platform and strategic add-on acquisitions, and we’re optimistic that market conditions will continue to improve in 2025. U.S. M&A activity, particularly in private equity (PE), rebounded strongly in 2024, with deal value rising 19.3% and deal count up 12.8%; fueled by stabilizing inflation, improved credit access, and a more favorable interest rate environment. The hottest sectors …
How important is the management team when selling a business?
January 20, 2025 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Selling a lower middle-market business involves various factors that can impact the price buyers are willing to pay, the cash amount they offer, and the likelihood of a successful sale. One of the most crucial elements is the strength and stability of the management team and key contributors within the organization. Continuity and Stability A strong management team is essential for ensuring continuity and stability, which are highly attractive to buyers. Investors are more inclined …