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.
How I’ve Used Relationships to Find Off-Market Businesses for Sale
Some of my best acquisitions never hit a broker’s listing—they came through relationships. By building trust with owners, advisors, and industry peers, I’ve uncovered off-market businesses that most buyers never see. In this article, I share how I use relationships to source hidden opportunities, why networking matters in acquisitions, and how trust often delivers better deals than traditional listings.
The Biggest Myths About Buying Businesses That Need to Be Debunked
There are plenty of myths about buying businesses—like believing every owner wants top dollar, or that bigger always means better. Over time, I’ve seen these misconceptions mislead buyers and kill deals. In this article, I share the biggest myths about buying businesses that need to be debunked, what’s actually true, and how focusing on reality creates smarter acquisition decisions.
How I Evaluate Risk When Looking at a New Business Acquisition
Every acquisition carries risk, but not all risks are created equal. Over time, I’ve developed a framework to quickly identify the areas that can make or break a deal—cash flow health, customer concentration, leadership gaps, and operational weaknesses. In this article, I share how I evaluate risk when looking at a new business acquisition, what red flags I prioritize, and how I balance risks against long-term opportunities.
Why Culture and People Often Decide if a Deal Works Long Term
Financials can look perfect, but it’s the culture and people that determine if a deal thrives long term. I’ve seen acquisitions succeed when employees feel valued and culture aligns—and fail when those elements are ignored. In this article, I share why I focus on culture and people during due diligence, how I evaluate them, and why they often decide whether a deal truly works in the long run.
What I Look for When Reviewing a Business’s Operations Before Buying
When I review a business’s operations before buying, I’m not just checking boxes—I’m looking for signs of scalability, stability, and efficiency. Strong systems and processes tell me the business can grow without falling apart, while gaps often reveal hidden risks. In this article, I share what I look for in operations, how I evaluate workflows, and why operational strength often matters more than financial projections in deciding whether to buy.
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.
The Psychology of Business Owners When Selling Their Companies
Every deal isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. When business owners sell, they often struggle with emotions tied to legacy, identity, and trust. I’ve learned that understanding the psychology of sellers helps me negotiate fairly, build stronger relationships, and manage smoother transitions. In this article, I share what drives sellers emotionally, how it impacts deals, and why psychology is one of the most important factors in successful acquisitions.
Why Due Diligence Matters More Than Anything in Acquisitions
Every acquisition I’ve made has reinforced one truth: due diligence matters more than anything else. It’s where hidden debts, customer risks, and operational flaws reveal themselves. Skipping or rushing this step is one of the biggest mistakes a buyer can make. In this article, I explain why due diligence is my top priority, the areas I focus on most, and how it protects me from costly surprises.
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.
The Most Overlooked Steps in Buying a Small Business
In my experience, the difference between a smooth acquisition and a painful one often comes down to the small details buyers overlook. From vendor contracts to employee roles and working capital needs, these missed steps can derail success. In this article, I share the most overlooked steps in buying a small business, why they matter, and how addressing them early has helped me avoid costly mistakes.