Sell-Side M&A Advisory

01 / The problem we solve

Most $1M–$5M sales leave money on the table.

Generalist business brokers run Main Street processes for lower-middle-market deals. Owners don't know what's missing until the LOI comes in 30% under fair value with terms they shouldn't accept.

We run a structured, confidential process that mirrors what an investment bank would do for a $50M deal, scaled appropriately. The difference shows up in the multiple, the deal structure, and what the owner actually nets after the dust settles.

02 / What you get

A full M&A team, not a one-page listing.

Phase 1

Preparation

Defensible valuation backed by industry data
Financial recasting and add-back schedule
Confidential information memorandum (CIM)
Data room organization
Buyer screening criteria

Phase 2

Go-to-market

Confidential outreach to qualified buyers
NDA management and qualification
Management meetings coordinated
Multiple LOIs solicited where possible
LOI evaluation and negotiation

Phase 3

Due diligence

Diligence response coordination
Quality of earnings support
Issue identification and resolution
Deal protection and pace management
Working capital target negotiation

Phase 4

Closing

Purchase agreement negotiation
Reps and warranties review
Indemnification and escrow terms
Closing checklist management
Post-closing transition support

03 / Timeline

Typical engagements close in 6 to 12 months.

Phase	Typical Duration	Key Milestones
Preparation	4 to 8 weeks	Valuation delivered, CIM drafted, data room live
Go-to-market	8 to 16 weeks	NDAs signed, management meetings, LOI received
Diligence and PSA	8 to 14 weeks	Diligence complete, purchase agreement signed
Close	2 to 4 weeks	Funding, wire, transition begins

04 / Common questions

Frequently asked.

What are your fees?

A modest engagement retainer at kickoff plus a success fee paid at closing. The retainer is fully credited against the success fee. Total fee is competitive with full-service M&A advisory in this deal size range and substantially less than investment-bank rates. Full pricing is discussed during the intake call.

How is this different from a business broker?

Business brokers list businesses publicly on marketplaces and wait for inbound interest. We run a structured, confidential outreach process to a curated buyer list and negotiate the terms of the deal, not just the price. The difference shows up in multiple buyer competition, deal structure, and net proceeds.

Will my staff find out?

Not unless and until you decide they should. The entire process is built around protecting confidentiality. Buyer NDAs, blind teasers, controlled data room access, and a deliberate phasing of who knows what. Most owners share with key staff only at LOI or definitive agreement stage.

What if my business isn't ready?

Then we say so. The first call is exploratory, not a sales pitch. If your business needs cleanup before going to market, we'll tell you what needs to happen and recommend either our exit planning service or a referral to a bookkeeper, CPA, or operational consultant.

Run the sale of your business the right way.