Show Summary: Guest Mark Tarchetti rates the importance of preparing a company for sale at 10 out of 10, saying that inadequate preparation can lead to rapid buyer loss and diminished competition, potentially reducing a business’s value by 20-30%. Mark highlights the power of a clear, compelling business story and shares his experiences from doing $40 billion in M&A deals, stressing the importance of strategic planning, team readiness, and having a robust growth plan focused on potential rather than past performance. View the complete show notes for this episode. Want More? Related Resources:  Pick a Lane: Growth strategy in a fast-changing world by Mark Tarchetti Tips on Preparing Your Business for Sale Preparing Emotionally for the Closing Strategies for Successfully Preparing Your Company for Sale with Jim Stevenson Additional Resources: Selling your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Download The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business Download Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue Download Food and Beverage M&A: An Insider’s Guide to Selling a Food or Beverage Manufacturing, Distribution, or Grocery Business. If you have any topic or guest suggestions please email them to podcast@morganandwestfield.com.  

Show Summary: Get the inside scoop on how to maximize the sale of your business and help the process run smoothly through the help of an M&A advisor during the critical preparation stage. Simon Leroux, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Optionality.AI, discusses the importance of early collaboration with M&A advisors. He highlights the inefficiencies in the M&A process, particularly for lower mid-market businesses, and emphasizes the need for advisors to help business owners prepare mentally and financially for an exit.  View the complete show notes for this episode. Want To Learn More?  Tech & Software M&A Dynamics Tips on Preparing Your Business for Sale M&A Basics | Why Do Business Owners Sell Their Business? Additional Resources: Selling your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Download The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business Download Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue Download Food and Beverage M&A: An Insider’s Guide to Selling a Food or Beverage Manufacturing, Distribution, or Grocery Business. If you have any topic or guest suggestions please email them to podcast@morganandwestfield.com.

Show Summary: Josh Springer, head of M&A for Hawke Media, discusses the acquisition and integration strategies he has used in closing 18 deals over the past 4 years, offering sellers a perpetual revenue share instead of a lump-sum payment. He shares insights into how this approach works, the benefits for sellers, lessons learned for the acquirers, how creative deal-making can beat market multiples, and how this strategy aims to provide stability and growth opportunities for sellers. This is all about the art of M&A. View the complete show notes for this episode. Want To Learn More?  Business Valuation: A List of Factors to Consider Earnouts When Selling or Buying a Business | Complete Guide Acquired – The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Annual Revenue Additional Resources: Selling your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Download The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business Download Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue Download Food and Beverage M&A: An Insider’s Guide to Selling a Food or Beverage Manufacturing, Distribution, or Grocery Business. If you have any topic or guest suggestions please email them to podcast@morganandwestfield.com.

John Hannum, a fractional CFO, shares valuable insights on how financial professionals can significantly impact business growth and sales. He explains the distinct roles of accountants, controllers, and CFOs, emphasizing the importance of clean financials for maximizing company value during sales. Listeners learn about the strategic advantages of hiring a fractional CFO, common pitfalls sellers face, and key preparatory steps for a successful business sale. Hannum's expertise helps clarify why proactive financial leadership is essential for entrepreneurs navigating M&A.

Rich Kottmeyer, an investment banker and specialist in food and agriculture turnarounds, dives into the evolving landscape of M&A in the food sector. He discusses how consumer preferences are shifting significantly, driven by tech advancements and the impact of global events. Kottmeyer explains the crucial role private equity plays and the importance of providing measurable data to consumers. He highlights opportunities in the transition to value-added markets and the complexities of navigating regulations and labor challenges in this dynamic industry.

Katrina Nacci, a cross-border accounting advisor with expertise in international M&A transactions, delves into the intricacies of converting accounting standards. She explains the critical differences between U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and local GAAP. Katrina emphasizes the necessity of thorough documentation and a knowledgeable internal team to streamline the conversion process. She also discusses the challenges companies face during this transition, particularly regarding currency considerations and the importance of maintaining a solid audit trail for compliance.

Jude David, a seasoned buyer with extensive experience in middle market transactions, shares invaluable insights for business owners contemplating a sale. He discusses key exit strategies, including the stark differences between financial and strategic buyers. Jude emphasizes the importance of understanding buyer motivations and the nuances of deal structures. He also highlights critical self-inventory questions for sellers and the role of management teams in making businesses attractive. A must-listen for those looking to navigate the complexities of selling their company!

Marc Beginin, an entrepreneur who faced significant challenges including a halted $80 million sale due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shares his remarkable journey. He discusses his resilience in navigating through a merger and launching a new business despite setbacks. Listeners learn about the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship, the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions, and the lessons of grit gained from overcoming obstacles. Marc's insights highlight the power of persistence and strategic growth in the ever-evolving business landscape.

In this insightful discussion, Matt Sharrers, an expert in CEO transitions, tackles the intricate challenges of replacing a founder. He stresses the need for a solid transition plan and emphasizes self-awareness and ego management for founders. The conversation dives into the importance of aligning visions, using structured assessments for potential successors, and maintaining the founder's vision during the transition. Matt also outlines key steps for a successful handoff and the role of financial considerations in this critical process.

This discussion features Patrick Stroth, an expert in reps and warranties insurance for M&A transactions. He reveals how this insurance has become accessible for small and middle-market businesses. Patrick elaborates on its vital role in facilitating smoother exits by alleviating the burden of escrow accounts and legal disputes for sellers. He delves into the emotional challenges faced by first-time sellers and the financial intricacies of the insurance landscape, emphasizing clear communication during negotiations. Ideal for sellers approaching retirement, this insight ensures a clean exit.