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Sell a Business Insights
Exit Strategies Group Advises Clayton Controls in Sale
February 17, 2025 / in News, Sell a Business, Uncategorized / 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 …
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 …
Goodwill hunting: How to build and finance this intangible asset
December 2, 2024 / in Business Strategy, Business Valuation, Sell a Business / by Al Statz
When it comes to selling a business, the term “goodwill” often arises. But what exactly is goodwill, and how does it impact the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process? Goodwill is the value of a business that exceeds its tangible assets. It arises when a company is sold for more than the worth of its physical assets such as equipment, vehicles and inventory. Most successful companies have some level of goodwill, which is tied to cash …
Exit Strategies Group Advises Afineol in Sale to ITS
November 12, 2024 / in News, Sell a Business / by Roy Martinez
Exit Strategies Group recently served as financial advisor to the owners of Afineol IT Consulting, a Sacramento area-based managed IT service provider (MSP), on their sale to Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), a Tower Arch Capital portfolio company. The acquisition strengthens ITS’ geographic footprint and technical leadership position in the Sacramento region. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Afineol’s founder, Michael Strong, said, “We were looking for a strategic partner to build on Afineol’s decades …
From the M&A Glossary: Search Fund
October 10, 2024 / in Exit Planning, Sell a Business / by Exit Strategies
A search fund is an investment vehicle through which an entrepreneur raises capital from investors to fund the search for and eventually the acquisition of a privately-held company. The search fund model allows the entrepreneur to collect a salary while they search for a suitable target company and negotiate a letter of intent and perform due diligence. Once a target company is acquired, the entrepreneur usually takes an active role in managing and growing the business, …
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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