Introduce a business seller. Get paid.

REFERRAL PARTNER PROGRAM

Have a large network of business owners thinking about selling? Breakwater’s affiliate program lets you monetize those relationships without building an M&A practice yourself.

BECOME A PARTNER

How It Works

  1. You introduce us to a qualified seller (business with $1M+ in revenue considering an exit)

  2. We handle everything else. Valuation, CIM, buyer outreach, negotiation, and closing.

  3. You get paid when we sign the engagement and again when the deal closes

Component Your Share
Success Fee 10% of Breakwater's total commission at close
Engagement Fee 50% of the upfront retainer, paid when the seller signs

How the money works

Example deal: $5,000,000 transaction value = total affiliate payout of $35,000.

Amount
Total success fee (6%) $300,000
→ Your share (10%) $30,000
→ Breakwater net $270,000
Engagement fee (upfront) $10,000
→ Your share (50%) $5,000 at signing
→ Breakwater net $5,000
BECOME A PARTNER 
NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT

Why Partner With Us

  • No infrastructure required. We handle CIMs, buyer outreach, negotiations, and close.

  • Cash upfront. You're paid when the engagement is signed, not just at close.

  • Aligned incentives. We only succeed when the deal closes, so we're motivated to perform.

  • Lower middle-market focus. Businesses with $1M to $20M in revenue, which means realistic timelines and motivated sellers.

Who Is This For

  • Exit planners and CEPAs: with clients preparing for a transition

  • Deal Sourcing Agencies: already prospecting business owners looking to sell

  • Search funds: passing on deals that aren't a fit for acquisition but where the owner lacks an advisor

  • Channel partners: including accountants, attorneys, wealth advisors, and fractional CFOs

Common Questions

Have more questions? Send us an email: deals [at] breakwaterma.com

BECOME A PARTNER

  • You receive 50% of the engagement fee when the seller signs with Breakwater, and 10% of our success fee when the deal closes. Payments are made via wire or ACH within 10 business days of each milestone.

  • A business with at least $1M in annual revenue and an owner who is actively considering an exit within the next 12–24 months. We focus on lower middle-market companies up to $20M in revenue.

  • No. As a referral partner, you are introducing sellers to Breakwater NOT representing them or negotiating on their behalf. We handle all advisory and brokerage work.

  • Most transactions close within 6–9 months from engagement. You'll receive your engagement fee share at signing, so you don't have to wait for close to get paid.

  • You keep your engagement fee share regardless of outcome. The success fee portion is only paid if and when the deal closes.

  • Absolutely. There's no cap on referrals. Each qualified introduction is tracked separately and compensated per the standard terms.