The Role of Exit Planning Even at the Time of Acquisition
When I acquire a business, I’m already thinking about the exit. Planning early shapes the decisions I make on systems, growth, and valuation. In this article, I share why exit strategy isn’t an afterthought—it’s a starting point for every acquisition.
How I Evaluate Debt Structures in Seller Financing Deals
Seller financing can align incentives or create fragility. I evaluate repayment schedules, interest rates, and balloon clauses carefully to ensure stability.
The Importance of Understanding Working Capital in Small Business Acquisitions
Working capital is one of the most misunderstood parts of small business acquisitions. I’ve seen deals fall apart—or become unprofitable—because buyers didn’t fully understand the timing of receivables, payables, and inventory. In this article, I share why working capital matters, how I evaluate it in due diligence, and why it’s essential for ensuring long-term liquidity and stability.
The Risks I Watch for in Owner Financing Deals
Owner financing can be a great tool for closing deals, but it comes with risks that buyers often underestimate. Over the years, I’ve learned to watch for hidden terms, repayment traps, and misaligned incentives. In this article, I share the red flags I look for in owner financing, how I structure deals to protect myself, and why discipline is key to using this strategy wisely.
Why I Always Verify Working Capital Needs Before Closing a Deal
Working capital can be the silent deal-breaker in small business acquisitions. If you don’t verify it before closing, you risk unexpected cash shortages that cripple operations after day one. In this article, I explain why I always verify working capital needs, how I assess the true requirements, and why this step protects both valuation and long-term stability in every acquisition I make.
How I Structure Earnouts to Align Seller and Buyer Interests
Earnouts can either create trust or chaos depending on how they’re structured. I’ve learned that when done right, they align seller and buyer interests by tying payouts to performance milestones. In this article, I share how I structure earnouts to reduce risk, build fairness into deals, and ensure both sides are incentivized for long-term success after acquisition.
The Difference Between Buying Assets and Buying Equity in a Business
When buying a business, one of the most important decisions is whether to purchase assets or equity. Each path has different implications for risk, liability, and long-term value. I’ve learned that understanding these differences is critical for making the right deal structure choice. In this article, I break down how I evaluate asset vs. equity purchases and why the structure often determines the success of an acquisition.
How I Approach Negotiating Seller Financing in Acquisitions
Seller financing can bridge gaps in a deal, but only if it’s structured carefully. I’ve learned to negotiate terms that protect me as a buyer while keeping sellers aligned with post-acquisition success. In this article, I share my approach to negotiating seller financing, the red flags I watch for, and how I balance repayment, risk, and incentives to build deals that work for both sides.
The Mistakes I See Buyers Make When Entering Private Equity Deals
Over the years, I’ve seen buyers repeat the same costly mistakes when entering private equity deals. From overestimating growth potential to underestimating integration challenges, these missteps often derail acquisitions. In this article, I share the most common mistakes I’ve observed, why they happen, and how I avoid them to ensure every deal is set up for long-term success.
What a Buyer Should Always Ask Before Signing a Purchase Agreement
Before signing a purchase agreement, the right questions can save a buyer from costly surprises. I’ve learned that clarity around liabilities, working capital, customer contracts, and transition terms is essential. In this article, I share the questions I always ask before signing, why they matter, and how they help me protect both valuation and long-term success in acquisitions.
Creative Financing Strategies for Business Acquisitions
Not every acquisition requires upfront cash or traditional lending. Over the years, I’ve learned to use creative financing strategies—like seller financing, earnouts, and performance-based payments—to reduce risk, preserve capital, and align seller incentives. In this article, I share my favorite financing approaches, how I structure them, and why creative deal-making often opens the door to acquisitions that others pass by.
Lessons I’ve Learned from Negotiating with Business Sellers
Negotiating with business sellers is as much about psychology as it is about numbers. Over the years, I’ve learned that building trust, asking the right questions, and understanding a seller’s motivations often matter more than price. In this article, I share the biggest lessons I’ve learned from negotiating with sellers, the mistakes I avoid, and how these insights help me create smoother, more successful acquisitions.