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Exit Planning Insights
Important Soft Skills That Every M&A Advisor Should Have
October 20, 2025 / in Business Strategy, Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
When business owners evaluate sell-side M&A advisors, most focus on hard skills: financial acumen, deal execution experience, valuation expertise, and a strong buyer network. Those matter. But here’s the truth—hard skills only get you so far. The best advisors also bring soft skills. These interpersonal and leadership traits often determine whether a transaction closes smoothly and maximizes value—or unravels under pressure. Here are 10 important soft skills that every M&A advisor should bring to the …
Why Founders Must Strengthen Leadership to Maximize Exit Value
June 16, 2025 / in Business Strategy, Exit Planning / by Al Statz
You’ve built a solid business. It’s profitable, growing, and respected in your industry. But here’s the hard truth: if your company can’t run and scale without you—it’s not as valuable as you think. Overdependence on the founder is one of the most common value-killers in lower middle market companies. Buyers and investors spot it quickly, and when they do, they get cautious or lose interest. It introduces transition risk, limits scalability, and creates headaches in …
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 …
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 …
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 …
M&A Glossary: No-Shop Clause
December 2, 2024 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Many M&A negotiations include a no-shop clause. This is a period of exclusivity when the seller cannot solicit offers from other parties. The due diligence process is expensive for buyers, so sellers sign these agreements as an act of good faith. Typically, a no-shop clause has a near-term expiration date and is only in effect for a couple of months (45—90 days). Buyers with a lot of leverage, and those working with inexperienced sellers trying …
Scaling for Sale: Growth Strategies that Double as Exit Plans
December 2, 2024 / in Business Strategy, Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
As a business owner, you’re likely consumed with the daily challenges of building and growing your business. The question of selling might seem like a distant concern—something to worry about years down the road. But the reality is that planning your exit and growing your business are two sides of the same coin. We’ve been conditioned to think about entrepreneurship in distinct phases: First, you build; then, you grow; finally, you sell or pass it …
Exit Strategies Group, Inc. is a leading provider of business sales and acquisitions, business valuations, and exit planning services for family owned and closely-held companies since 2002.
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