From Transition Expectations to Getting the Deal Closed

We deliver the expertise, tools and support to guide you past obstacles toward your optimal destination.

1. Discovery & Initial Consultation
Assess goals, market, and feasibility

2. Preliminary Assessment
Gather data, establish benchmarks, and determine optimal positioning

3. Financial Analysis & Due Diligence Preparation
Normalize EBITDA, prepare scenarios, and develop strategic debt structures

4. Negotiation & Legal Documentation
Craft compelling negotiation strategy and secure favorable terms

5. Closing Coordination
Confirm final diligence & transition logistics

Our Process

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Family Buyout, No-Money-Down

  • Challenge: A retiring owner wanting to sell to two adult children who lack the capital.

    • The owner might believe the only options are in giving the company away, allowing the children to ‘buy-in’ after stepping into management, or selling the company to a 3rd party.

  • Our Role: Evaluate the business, structure SBA financing + partial seller note, ensure family harmony.

    • By discovering what cashflows will allow, we can maximize cash-at-close to the seller (debt), allow an unambiguous transition in authority, and provide a roadmap for the buyers to pay off the debt and equity obligations necessary to fund the deal.

  • Outcome: Owner transitions with confidence, children gain a stable business, risk is mitigated.

Scenario 2: Employee Buyout with Partial Seller Financing

  • Challenge: Long-term key employees want to take over but have no experience raising capital.

    • The Owner might look into ESOP and, while liking the idea of handing off the company to the very people who helped build it, struggle with how to plan for a meaningful retirement without receiving compensation for the business.

  • Our Role: Run diligence, evaluate the interested executives, negotiate a fair purchase multiple and keep employees motivated.

    • Through understanding operations, key stakeholders motivations, and the company’s historic performance, we can project a transition plan and deal structure that maximizes payments to the owner and incentives to the remaining team all while preserving the stability of the operation.

  • Outcome: Capital payment to owners, smooth leadership transition, minimal employee disruption

Scenario 3: Employee Buyout with Partial Seller Financing

  • Challenge: Buyer and seller are a match, but the buyer can’t meet SBA down-payment

    • Perhaps, regardless of how reasonable the agreed deal consideration might be, the ‘right’ buyer just doesn’t have the equity on-hand to qualify for traditional SBA terms.

  • Our Role: Craft a layered financing strategy (SBA + local bank + seller note), create robust financial models that satisfy lenders, and outline 3rd party investor strategy.

    • Through understanding the company and buyer profile, we can prepare a plan to use familiar or 3rd party professional investors and make introductions to banks familiar with equity sponsor investment on SBA financing.

  • Outcome: Legacy is preserved, monthly debt service is achievable, and the company has a strong runway for growth, both in capital and motivation.