• Business Recovery and Exit Planning in Uncertain Times (Part 2):

    Three Stages to Navigating from Crisis to Success Three to six months of cash to cover business expenses? That ship may have sailed, but it’s not time to panic, it’s time to make a plan. Many business owners have succeeded by trusting their gut, but this is not the time to wing it: it’s time…

  • Business Acquisition and Valuation in Electronic Manufacturing: Correct Terminology Matters

    Acquirers of electronics manufacturers will pay more for certain types of businesses and will be more attracted to companies when they are properly described.  Thus, the correct use of industry terminology can be an important part of marketing and selling your electronics business. Background The term OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer”.  Some years ago,…

  • M&A Market Insights: IT Services

    IT Services Industry Valuation Multiples

    Overview Acquisition activity in the IT services space is strong heading into 2020.  A broad base of both strategic and financial buyers are paying attractive valuation multiples for companies that offer the right fundamentals. For business owners exploring the possibility of selling their organization understanding market dynamics in terms of both valuation multiples and characteristics…

  • ROWC: An Effective Tool to Measure Financial Strength and Valuation for Electrical/Electronic Distributors

    Buyers typically utilize a historical multiple of EBITDA to arrive at a valuation for an electronic distributor.  However, a positive operating income on the Income Statement does not guarantee a high business value.  A distributor’s business might look profitable (positive operating income) but may not be financially strong if cash is tied up mostly in…

  • Ten Factors Determining Business Value in a Sale

    Business valuations in a sale are based on the interactions of several important factors. We have outlined the ten key factors to consider. Cash flow is the primary determinant of business value, but the other factors noted can make or break a successful transaction.  The type and circumstance of different buyers will lead to varying…

  • Methods of Valuation when Selling a Business

    Valuing a privately held business can seem daunting when you consider all of the possible methods of a company valuation. Outlined below we briefly discuss the most common types and which are most appropriate when selling a business in the market. The valuation of a business includes financial calculations, but other factors are also important…

  • Acquisitions to Continue for Electrical Wholesale Industry

    Elctrical M&A

    Valuations Exceed the Average for all Sectors Summary: The Electrical Wholesaling industry is highly fragmented and set for increased mergers and acquisitions as companies look for continued growth.  Companies of all sizes will be potential targets, especially those with desirable product lines and advantageous locations. Electrical Wholesaling is an industry that serves the electrical equipment…

  • Mergers & Acquisitions: Who are the Buyers?

    Often when business owners decide to sell their business, the first type of buyer they consider are their competitors. This makes sense since competitors already know the business and industry, and they often have the most to gain from the purchase. However, competitors are not your only choice and too often they are not the…

  • Reducing Environmental Risk

    Environmental Tips for Business Sellers

    Preparing to Sell Your Business:  Tips For Reducing Environmental Risk (Based in part on excerpts from Brownfield Science & Technology, Inc.) Environmental issues can derail a transaction and seriously impact value unless business owners take a proactive approach.  Buyers and their lenders will conduct environmental due diligence so it is imperative that sellers plan ahead…

  • Questions to Consider When Receiving an Unsolicited Offer to Sell Your Company

    Couple working with an M&A firm to sell their company

    There are times when an owner of a business will be approached by a potential buyer, and be given an unsolicited offer to sell the company. Sell your company? It may have been in the back of your mind from time to time, but you really haven’t given it too much attention. So while you…

  • Questions to Ask Before Acquiring a Business

    Acquiring another business can be an effective way to drive growth, but it requires careful consideration and strategic planning. While many acquisitions face challenges, taking time to assess both your own business and the target company can boost your chances of success. To determine whether acquiring a business aligns with your strategic objectives, start with…

  • Business Seller Options

    Business owners who are thinking of selling their business often believe they are faced with two choices: However, in the world of middle-market companies (with revenue between $3 and $100 million), owners can actually enjoy a variety of options. Smart buyers know that a business’s current owner is likely to have extensive knowledge, skill, and…