How to Buy a $13m Business with No PG, No Investors
Jan 13, 2025
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Carlo Santelli, an acquisition entrepreneur and owner of Tri-M Industries, shares his journey of buying a $13 million revenue business without traditional financing. He discusses his unique strategies, like sale-leaseback and asset-based lending, that empowered him to secure ownership. Carlo also delves into his transition from finance to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of proprietary deals and maintaining deal momentum. His experiences navigating challenges, learning along the way, and ambitious goals for future acquisitions provide listeners with valuable insights into strategic business ownership.
Carlo Santelli's unique journey of persistence through education and career setbacks shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and approach to acquisitions.
The successful acquisition of a $13 million business was achieved through innovative deal structuring, utilizing asset-based lending and sale-leaseback strategies.
Networking and proactive outreach played crucial roles in identifying acquisition opportunities, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building in the business acquisition process.
Deep dives
Carlo Santelli's Unique Journey
Carlo Santelli’s background reveals a non-traditional path to success in the finance world. After taking three years off after high school, where he worked with a nonprofit and lived in Alaska, he faced rejections before finally gaining acceptance to Columbia University. His persistence played a critical role as he applied three times before being admitted, demonstrating his determination to achieve his educational goals. This unique journey shaped his mindset, preparing him for future challenges in the business world and reinforcing the value of tenacity.
Transition to Acquisition Entrepreneur
Despite experiencing setbacks in investment banking, including being fired from his analyst role, Carlo leveraged his background to pivot into acquisitions. He successfully closed on a substantial acquisition of a decades-old fastener manufacturer with impressive figures, generating $13 million in revenue and $3.5 million in EBITDA. Utilizing a strategic approach, Carlo structured a deal that allowed him to avoid both personal guarantees and cash contributions while acquiring 100% ownership of the business. His shift towards acquisition entrepreneurship signifies a remarkable transition from traditional finance roles to entrepreneurial ventures.
Innovative Deal Structuring
Carlo's acquisition exemplifies innovative deal structuring and the power of sale leasebacks. He secured the business for $16 million while using a sale leaseback model for the associated real estate, allowing him to finance much of the acquisition through the proceeds of that transaction. By buying the real estate before immediately selling it back while retaining operational control, he minimized his cash outlay significantly. This unique financial strategy resulted in him effectively acquiring a thriving business for less than two times its EBITDA.
Adapting to Challenges with Resourcefulness
The acquisition journey also underscored the importance of entrepreneurial spirit and persistence in overcoming obstacles. Carlo faced challenges in gathering necessary financial documentation from the seller, requiring him to adapt and proactively engage in gathering the information needed for due diligence. His approach involved personally visiting the seller’s facilities and extracting critical data, establishing a partnership mentality essential in a situation with limited resources and experience on the seller's side. This resourcefulness and willingness to adapt reflected his broader entrepreneurial strategy.
The Role of Technology in Acquisitions
Carlo highlighted the crucial role of technology in modern business operations, especially in the context of acquisitions. Many businesses rely on outdated systems, which can hinder growth, and he identified the necessity of updating these systems post-acquisition. Enzo Technologies, represented in the podcast, offers IT solutions that assist businesses during the transition phase, providing support for searchers and creating a smoother technological integration. This advancement can significantly impact the efficiency and success of an acquired business in today's fast-paced environment.
The Power of Persistence and Networking
Throughout the podcast, Carlo emphasized the significance of persistence and networking in building relationships in the acquisition space. Leveraging his network for on-the-ground insights into potential acquisition targets and tapping into existing vendor relationships provided invaluable support during his search. He initiated proactive outreach to owners and industry insiders to identify potential opportunities, leading to warmer introductions and smoother negotiations. Carlo's narrative exemplifies how leveraging existing relationships and maintaining connections can be essential for success in acquiring businesses.