M&A insights for business owners
Valuation multiples, buyer guides and exit planning for owners of $5M–$50M revenue businesses. Written by the team that runs the deals.
Company Acquisition: The Complete 2026 Guide for First-Time and Strategic Buyers
Acquiring a company is one of the fastest ways to grow, but only if you get the process right. This step-by-step guide covers how to find, evaluate, finance, and close a company acquisition in 2026.
How to Buy a Home Services Business: A Practical Guide for First-Time and Strategic Acquirers
Home services businesses - HVAC, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, cleaning, roofing - are among the most sought-after acquisition targets in the lower middle market. This guide walks buyers through every step of the process, from sourcing deals to closing day.
Using Debt to Buy a Business: How Leverage Works in Acquisitions
For most business buyers, debt is not a risk. It is a tool. Here is how leverage works in acquisitions, how SBA loans make it possible, and what lenders actually look for when financing your deal.
How to Conduct Due Diligence When Buying a Business
Buying a business can be a fast track to growth, or a costly mistake. This guide walks through practical due diligence steps across finance, legal, and operations so you can separate solid acquisitions from painful surprises and move forward with confidence.
Growth Through Acquisition: The Entrepreneur’s Playbook
Thinking about buying businesses instead of building from scratch? This playbook walks through how entrepreneurs and small PE-backed operators can use acquisition as a growth engine: from identifying the right targets, to funding your deals, to integrating new teams without blowing up culture. Learn how to structure a roll-up strategy that compounds value instead of chaos.
10 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make When Acquiring a Business
Buying a business can be the fastest way to grow, or the quickest way to blow up value. This post walks through 10 common mistakes first-time buyers make when acquiring a business and how to avoid them so your next deal actually moves your strategy forward.
Management Buy-Out: How to Buy Out Your Boss
Ready to buy the business you help run? Learn how to structure the deal, secure funding, and become an owner, even with limited capital.
Buying a Competitor: How to Value their Business
Buying a competitor business can fast-track your growth, but only if you evaluate the right factors. Learn how to assess synergies, cultural alignment, and deal risks before making your move.
How to Value a Business Before You Buy It
A practical guide for acquisition entrepreneurs on how to value a small business before submitting an LOI. Learn to normalize EBITDA, apply risk-adjusted multiples, compare similar deals, and sense-check payback periods. Includes a simple framework and advice on when to hire professionals.
The Truth About Buying Businesses with $0 Down
Discover the truth about "$0 down" business acquisitions and learn how independent sponsors actually structure deals to buy companies without using their own capital. While social media influencers promote unrealistic expectations about no-money-down business buying, this article reveals the legitimate path of independent sponsorship. Learn about working with SBIC lenders, structuring deals, and achieving successful exits like Chris Edwards' 24x return. Perfect for aspiring acquisition entrepreneurs seeking to understand the realities of modern business buying strategies.
Buy a Business or Start One? Why Buying Often Wins
Should you start a business or buy one? For most entrepreneurs, acquisition is the smarter move. Learn why buying a business offers faster growth, lower risk, and a clearer path to exit, plus how to know if you're cut out for acquisition entrepreneurship and where an M&A advisor fits in.