M&A Talk: #1 Podcast on Selling a Business

Patrick Stroth returns to M&A Talk to discuss the ins and outs of directors and officers insurance – also known as D&O insurance – and why it is a standard component of a transaction for buyers of middle-market businesses. Patrick highlights how the D&O tail can work along with reps and warranties insurance and tips on how to make it fairly painless for a seller to get D&O insurance even if they have never had this type of insurance before. This must-know topic applies to sellers now or planning to sell in the future. View the complete show notes for this episode. Want To Learn More? M&A Roundtable M&A Reps & Warranties | A Complete Guide Indemnification in Purchase Agreements | M&A Basics 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.

In this insightful discussion, Kevin Moyer, an expert in business valuation and M&A, dives into the critical world of EBITDA multiples and their pivotal role in company valuation. He explains how these multiples vary by industry and the importance of accurate adjustments. The conversation touches on the influence of Capital Expenditures on EBITDA, the need for recent market data, and how net working capital affects purchase price calculations. Moyer also emphasizes the common pitfalls to avoid for sellers aiming to maximize their business value.

How much do M&A advisors and investment bankers charge? Bill Snow returns to M&A Talk to explain why there is not a straightforward answer to this common question. He shares insights into the difference between finding a buyer and closing the deal, the positive aspects of monthly retainer fees and how they are a sign of shared risk, how success fees are calculated in various transactions, the importance of understanding the scope of work, and the single most important skill needed for an M&A advisor.  View the complete show notes for this episode. Want To Learn More?  M&A Roundtable The Art of the Exit Acquired Business Broker and M&A Advisor Fees: A Comprehensive Guide 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.

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.  

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.

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!