
FREE BUSINESS EXIT GUIDE
Build your million dollar exit
Comprehensive exit planning checklist for the owners of businesses with $2 - $20 million in revenue.
Psst - book a free value assessment here

Clients with Successful Exit Stories
Hear their full stories on the case studies page here

“Breakwater's expertise was invaluable throughout our acquisition of a competitor. Their third-party perspective helped us navigate emotional dynamics smoothly, keeping negotiations professional and productive.
The acquisition quickly exceeded expectations—delivering immediate returns and positioning us strongly for future growth.”
Murray Seward
“When I first planned on selling my business, I thought I could do it without any support. But now that I have gone through the process, I was relieved to have the Breakwater team there to support me along the way. They certainly added value!”
Zac Roff

Why entrepreneurs trust Breakwater
We prefer to let our results speak for themselves—here’s what our clients have to say about working with us
Breakwater M&A showcased their expertise in helping Valkyrian Canning, Vancouver Island's exclusive mobile canning provider, achieve a successful exit. The company's impressive 198% revenue growth and asset-light business model attracted over 50 interested buyers. Despite an initial setback when the first buyer withdrew, Breakwater's strategic approach of maintaining multiple interested parties led to a successful sale. Post-acquisition, the business continued to thrive with an 89% revenue increase and improved EBITDA margins.
Common Questions
Have specific questions? Schedule a confidential consultation call below:
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Our success fee ranges between 3% to 10% depending on the size of your business (bigger business = small fee).
We also charge a small upfront or monthly fee that is subtracted off the success fee at closing.
The purpose of the upfront fee is to ensure we’re both invested in the process as we invest hundreds of hours on each deal.
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The internet will tell you there is a bunch of ways to value a business.
In reality, most of our clients businesses are valued based on a multiple of the businesses profit.
Note: calculating profit for M&A deals is more complicated than looking at your taxable income. This is why we offer a free valuation for entrepreneurs - even if they are not planning to sell in the near future.
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The boring answer = it depends.
That being said, our general guidance is that it often takes 6-8 months to sell a business.
However it is not uncommon for a sale to take over 12 months.
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Most of our clients already have tons of inbound buyer interest - so why hire Breakwater?
Well, these clients also want to maximize their exit potential with the least amount of work possible. This is where Breakwater comes in to generate far more value than our fees.
Want to learn more about buying and selling?
Read our recent thoughts on buying and selling businesses by visiting our blog.
Selling your cleaning company? This guide explains how to value your business, prepare for due diligence, reduce owner dependency, and maximize your exit. Whether you're planning to retire or shift to new ventures, Breakwater M&A shows you how to get top dollar for your janitorial or commercial cleaning business.
Selling a tech company isn’t like selling any other business. From IP ownership and recurring revenue to customer churn and founder dependence, buyers scrutinize every detail. In this guide, we break down how to prepare your business for a successful exit—covering financial readiness, valuation benchmarks by business model, and what top buyers look for. Whether you're 12 months out or actively considering offers, learn how to avoid costly mistakes and make your exit a strategic win
Learn from a real-world M&A case study where a landscaping owner lost $550,000 by selling at the wrong time. This guide explains how proper exit planning, customer diversification, and financial readiness can boost your business value. Download the Million Dollar Exit Guide and Exit Checklist for Landscaping Owners by registering today!
A no-BS guide for first-time sellers with $2M–$5M in revenue. Learn how to prepare, value, and market your business to North American buyers with confidence.
Thinking of selling your business? Discover why working with a business broker or M&A advisor can increase your sale price by up to 25%—even if you already have buyers.
Learn how to negotiate the sale of your business to maximize value—not just price. Understand key M&A deal terms like earn-outs, seller financing, and risk allocation. Breakwater Advisors helps founders secure better outcomes with higher cash at close and lower risk.
Learn how to sell your IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) business for maximum value. Discover valuation methods specific to MSPs, preparation strategies, and how to work with M&A advisors to achieve the best exit outcome.
Selling your tech company is a major milestone—but it requires more than a good product and solid revenue. This guide walks founders through every step of the tech M&A process, from valuation and exit planning to buyer outreach and due diligence. Ideal for founders with $2M–$20M in revenue and $350K+ EBITDA.
Discover the essential steps to successfully sell your landscaping company. From understanding EBITDA multiples to preparing for due diligence, this guide helps owners navigate the sales process and maximize their exit value. Whether you're planning for retirement or capitalizing on market opportunities, learn how to position your landscaping business for a profitable sale.
Learn how to market your $2M-$20M business to the right buyers, from strategic acquirers to private equity firms. Understand different buyer types and how to position your company for maximum value.
Learn how to sell your plumbing company for maximum value. Discover valuation methods specific to plumbing businesses, preparation strategies, and how to work with M&A advisors to achieve the best exit outcome.
Learn how to structure your business sale—asset vs. stock sale—to minimize taxes, reduce risk, and maximize value. This guide helps $2M–$20M business owners make informed M&A decisions.
Learn how to sell your digital agency for maximum value. Discover valuation methods specific to digital agencies, preparation strategies, and how to work with M&A advisors to achieve the best exit outcome.
What is your business really worth? In Part 2 of The Million Dollar Business Exit Guide, we break down the 7 key drivers of valuation and how to position your company for a premium exit—even before going to market.
With AI disrupting SaaS margins, savvy tech founders are acquiring brick & mortar businesses to diversify. Learn why service-based companies with $2M–$20M revenue are the smart hedge—and how to avoid the myths around SMB acquisitions.
Thinking of selling your business? Start with a strong foundation. In Part 1 of The Million Dollar Business Exit Guide, learn how to increase value, reduce risk, and prepare financially and operationally for a smooth, high-value exit.
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.
Discover essential strategies for selling your home services business, including valuation methods, exit planning, and maximizing your company's worth for a successful transition.
Thinking about selling your $5M revenue company? Discover what really drives value beyond top-line numbers—like profitability, EBITDA, buyer types, and deal structure. Learn how to prep, price, and position your business for a successful exit. Breakwater M&A helps you maximize your outcome with expert, aligned advisory.
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.
Thinking about selling your digital agency, accounting firm, or other high-margin service business? This guide breaks down how to value, prepare, and sell a professional services business the right way. Learn how to reduce owner dependency, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your exit with expert M&A insights.
Finding the right M&A advisor is crucial for entrepreneurs looking to sell their business successfully. This blog explores the key traits to look for in an advisor, common misconceptions about their role, and essential questions to ask before hiring. From industry expertise and negotiation skills to transparent fees and strong networks, learn how the right advisor can maximize your business's value and ensure a smooth sale process.
Selling a business with $500K+ EBITDA is a life-changing opportunity, but preparation is key. Start 6-24 months early by cleaning up financials, updating contracts, and planning taxes to avoid costly mistakes. Engaging an M&A advisor can boost sale value by up to 25%, ensuring competitive offers and favorable terms. Success isn’t just about price—it’s about achieving your financial goals and a smooth transition.