Acquiring Minds From Searcher to Sponsor: How to Buy a $22m Business
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Jul 17, 2025 Yan Vinarskiy, CEO of FloorGuard, shares his journey from self-funded searcher to independent sponsor, acquiring a $22 million business. He discusses the use of buy-side brokers for strategic acquisitions and the trade-offs of independent sponsorship. Yan also highlights the challenges of transforming a toxic company culture post-acquisition and navigating financial commitments. He emphasizes the importance of empowering employees and adapting business strategies, particularly in the epoxy flooring market, to foster growth and efficiency.
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Hire Buy-Side Broker
- Use a buy-side broker to maintain your full-time job and make your search more credible.
- Paying a retainer to a good buy-side broker can accelerate finding deals while reducing personal outreach stress.
Big Deal Discovery and Pivot
- Yan Vinarskiy found a business initially described as about $1 million EBITDA but discovered it was closer to $4 million after visiting.
- A key call with Nicholas James shifted his approach to pursue an independent sponsor deal for the larger business.
Independent Sponsor Economics
- Independent sponsor economics involve significant management oversight and smaller equity slices compared to self-funded search.
- The sponsor gets carry above a preferred return but works with a board and shareholders, changing ownership dynamics.
