Market Pulse – Seller Market Sentiment

Lower middle market M&A is experiencing a dip in seller market sentiment, marking the lowest levels seen since early in the pandemic and resembling figures observed during the recovery from the Great Recession.

In a seller’s market, buyers typically compete for deals, leading to increased values and more favorable deal terms for sellers. However, this recent slide in sentiment signifies a change in market dynamics, where sellers may still receive strong valuations, but buyers may look to shift more risk to the seller through earnouts, seller’s notes, and rollover equity.

About the Market Pulse Survey: Each quarter, the M&A Source and IBBA, in partnership with Pepperdine University’s Private Capital Markets Project, publish the results of a survey of North American lower middle market M&A advisors and business brokers, called the Market Pulse Survey.  For further information on market conditions or to discuss an M&A, exit planning or valuation question or need, Email Al Statz or call him at 707-781-8580.