Ep 475 Inside the Mind of an Acquirer: Adam Kerrigan on Selling His Service Business, Acquiring 16 More, and Moving From a 1X to a 15X Multiple
Jan 3, 2025
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Adam Kerrigan, the founder turned M&A leader, shares his journey from selling his managed service provider to completing 16 acquisitions. He reveals how acquirers often prefer cashless deals and tips for sellers to negotiate better outcomes. Adam discusses the emotional complexities of entrepreneurship, the significance of trust in acquisitions, and the challenges of merging company cultures. He emphasizes the need for clear communication and the importance of relationship-building in the evolving MSP market.
Adam Kerrigan's transition from business owner to M&A leader revealed how personal challenges can lead to transformative life improvements.
Understanding valuation arbitrage allows smaller businesses to elevate their worth from common EBITDA multiples to as high as 15x, enhancing sale potential.
Building relationships with potential sellers through a relational approach instead of aggressive tactics fosters trust and eases their apprehension about selling.
Deep dives
The Transformation Through Selling a Business
Selling his IT services company was a transformative experience for Adam Kerrigan. Despite appearing successful on the outside, he faced personal struggles, including health issues and a challenging marriage. The sale allowed him to regain control over his life, leading to significant personal improvements such as losing weight and finding newfound happiness. Through this journey, he realized that stepping away from business ownership could bring about positive change in both his personal and professional life.
Understanding Valuation Arbitrage
Adam discussed the concept of valuation arbitrage, highlighting how smaller businesses can significantly increase their value multiples through strategic positioning. He explained that many managers in the managed service provider (MSP) sector struggle to sell due to unrealized potential in their business valuations. By leveraging partnerships and aligning with larger firms, smaller businesses might lift their valuations from common multiples of 2-4x EBITDA to as high as 15x. This understanding of valuation can be critical for business owners looking to prepare for a potential sale.
Building Relationships in M&A
In the world of mergers and acquisitions, Adam emphasized the importance of building relationships when approaching potential sellers. Rather than using aggressive sales tactics, he focused on offering solutions by educating business owners about options to sell. This relational approach often made hiring an advisor seem less daunting for potential sellers who might be apprehensive about the process. By sharing his personal experiences, Adam helped forge a connection with potential sellers, making them feel understood and valued.
Navigating Cultural Integration Post-Acquisition
After acquiring other businesses, Adam stressed the importance of managing cultural integration effectively. Each acquired company might have its unique identity, and ITS allowed regions to maintain their individual cultures while establishing overall corporate values. He noted that recognizing the ending of a company’s legacy, navigating the transition, and starting anew is crucial during integration. This acknowledgment helps reduce employee turnover and fosters a harmonious working environment post-acquisition.
Private Equity's Role in Business Growth
The introduction of private equity significantly changed the landscape for Adam’s company, enabling access to capital that had previously been restricted. With private equity backing, the company could pursue acquisitions more aggressively using cash, providing sellers with immediate liquidity. This shift allowed the company to acquire larger businesses, expanding its footprint and capabilities. The goal of achieving higher valuations through strategic growth reinforces the importance of building a robust foundation before considering a sale.
Adam Kerrigan started as the owner of a managed service provider (MSP) business, which he built and eventually sold. After his exit, he joined the acquiring company to lead its M&A group, where he completed 16 deals and helped build a private equity-backed organization.
In this episode of Built to Sell Radio, Adam pulls back the curtain on how acquirers often push for cashless deals, offering equity instead of cash—and how sellers can negotiate to ensure they get the deal they deserve.
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