Request a Strategy Call and we will get in touch with you
Six Benefits of Monitoring Company Value
April 21, 2022 / in Business Strategy, Business Valuation / by Al Statz
Even if your business is not for sale, monitoring its market value can be incredibly helpful. This article describes six ways that understanding value over the life of a closely held business benefits shareholders, directors and managers. 1. Value Report Card Like financial statements, an annual independent business valuation is a type of report card on company health. CEO’s can use this report card to educate, align and focus executive teams on maximizing enterprise value. …
From 60 days to 6 months: Why you need an M&A attorney
April 8, 2022 / in Business Strategy, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
We had a signed letter of intent in April and were set to close the transaction in June – until the seller’s lawyer got in the way. What should have taken 60 days ballooned into a full six months. Luckily, it still closed. Why you need an M&A attorney When selling your business, the M&A attorney looks out for your best interests. They help you understand the risks involved and how to mitigate them. They …
M&A Advisor Tip: And the economist says…”Sell!”
April 8, 2022 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Economist Steven Chiavarone presented at CIA partner’s annual State of M&A conference in February. As he pointed out, there have been 11 rate hike cycles since 1970 of three hikes or more. Of those, nine were followed by a recession. (The other two were followed by a stock market crash and the Mexican peso crisis.) He had about 50 minutes more of economic analysis for us, but his takeaway advice was this: “If you are …
The Importance of Valuation in Business Sales
April 4, 2022 / in Business Valuation, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
With decades of expert valuation and real-world business transaction experience, Exit Strategies routinely values companies and positions them for successful sales. At a minimum, buyers should be willing to pay the fair market value of a business. The initial and perhaps most important step in selling a business is a thorough, objective, and accurate business valuation. Too many sellers and brokers shortcut the valuation phase, not understanding that it is an essential step to accurately …
M&A Deal Terms: Average Capital Structure
March 31, 2022 / in Business Strategy, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
The following chart from GF Data shows the average capital structure over the past 5 years for middle market business acquisitions. Equity contributions have varied only slightly over that time, in the range of 46% to 49%. Overall there was a slight rise during COVID, but nothing major. There are two different stories based on deal size however. In the $10-50 million total enterprise value (TEV) bracket, average equity contribution dropped. However, for deals in …
M&A in 2022: Is this the year to sell?
March 31, 2022 / in Business Strategy, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably had a rough couple of years – and the challenges aren’t over. While COVID-19 may be weakening its grip, talent shortages, supply chain issues, and inflation are still very much at play. And yet, the economy is surging. Many of the business owners we talk to have all the work they can handle and strong balance sheets. So on the plus side, performance is good. On the negative, …
Rep and Warranty Insurance Now Available for Deals Under $10 Million
February 24, 2022 / in Acquire a Business, Sell a Business / by Exit Strategies
By Patrick Stroth In recent years, Representations and Warranty (R&W) insurance has become available to smaller and smaller deals. The eligible deal size dropped to under $20M… then under $15M. This is already quite a feat when you consider that the average transaction value (TV) for deals with R&W coverage in place is $500M. And to be honest, most insurers won’t go lower than $100M—Underwriters are already backed up on processing policies and insurance companies …
Tracking your Business Perks
February 18, 2022 / in Business Valuation, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Perks is an abbreviation of perquisite, which means a benefit, incidental payment, or advantage over and above regular income, salary, or wages. Business owners take any number of perks from their business, from the standards like auto expenses, memberships, and insurance plans to extras like entertainment, vacations, or an additional family member on the books. Perks are a way for owners to be further compensated for their hard work. However, they can complicate valuing a …
M&A Advisor Tip: Avoid key-man risk
February 16, 2022 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
Business owners should ask themselves, if I became incapacitated, could my business run without me? If the answer is no, buyers will be concerned about the business’s ability to operate when you’re gone. If you can’t get away for at least a week of vacation at a time… if you hold key customer relationships… if you’re solely responsible for an essential business function… buyers will see risk, and rightly so. To get the most value …
$1.1 Billion Sets New Record for C.I.A. Members
February 16, 2022 / in Exit Planning, News / by Al Statz
Cornerstone International Alliance (C.I.A.) members completed 146 business transactions in 2021, representing more than $1.1 billion in combined transaction value. Cornerstone International Alliance is comprised of 25 industry-leading M&A and investment banking firms in the U.S. and across the globe, focused exclusively on serving businesses in the lower middle market. Exit Strategies Group is a founding member of the Alliance and our CEO Al Statz serves on its board. “This is an incredible accomplishment and …
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.
DRE #01878920
Member of
