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Buying Online Businesses Podcast

What Makes And Breaks Most Online Businesses Acquisitions with Flippa M&A Advisor Fiona Laidlaw

Feb 12, 2025
37:00

In this latest episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause, dives into the intricacies of online business acquisitions with guest Fiona Laidlaw. Fiona is a senior M&A broker and certified M&A advisor at Flippa.com, bringing over six years of experience and a track record of more than 100 successful deals. Specializing in high-value transactions, Fiona works with SaaS, e-commerce, and app-based businesses, often exceeding the seven-figure range, and focuses on clients across the APAC region.

In this episode, Jaryd and Fiona explore the common pitfalls that can derail online business acquisitions, revealing unexpected mistakes made by both buyers and sellers. They discuss what it takes to become an attractive buyer or seller, the importance of relationship-building in transactions, and how trust can make or break a deal. The conversation also touches on navigating different deal structures, price ranges, and strategies for fostering collaboration between parties.

With Jared’s extensive experience evaluating thousands of businesses and Fiona’s expertise on both the buy and sell sides, the episode offers advice for anyone interested in buying or selling an online business. Packed with actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for those looking to succeed in the online business marketplace.

Let’s get started!

 

 

Episode Highlights

02:30 Fiona’s M&A journey

11:00 Are deals easier when working with sophisticated buyers?

20:00 What is the key ingredient to successful deals?

30:00 What should you ask to sellers?

36:00 Where to find Fiona?



Key Takeaways

➥ A proper due diligence framework removes the guesswork in acquisitions, helping buyers make informed decisions. Jared’s free framework is recommended for anyone starting in the space.

➥ Deals tend to run smoother when buyers are sophisticated. However, sophistication doesn’t only mean experience; it also means being empathetic, understanding the seller’s goals, and being open to various deal structures.

➥ Not all sellers prioritize upfront cash. Some are motivated by seeing their businesses grow under new ownership. Buyers who align with these motivations tend to achieve better outcomes.



About The Guest

Fiona Laidlaw is a Senior M&A Broker with over six years of experience in account management and online business brokerage. As a Certified Merger and Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) at Flippa.com Fiona excels in helping clients on both the buy-side and sell-side navigate the complexities of the sale process, including valuation, negotiation, and closing.

In her role as Senior Broker Fiona specializes in high-value transactions involving SaaS, app, and e-commerce businesses exceeding $1 million. With over 100 deals successfully closed, she leverages her deep understanding of technology and entrepreneurship in working with clients across the APAC region.



Connect with Fiona Laidlaw

➥ Flippa -  https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-laidlaw/

 

Resource Links

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ Site Ground (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3JBEC1u

➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM

➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx



🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

 

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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