John Hannum
Fractional CFO | Accountant
What is a fractional CFO? How can they help grow a business? Can they help sell a business? Get all the details on this growing position in the middle market…
Mergers & Acquisitions – They say selling a business is an art – we’ve turned it into a science
Schedule a ConsultationThe auction process is standard for M&A transactions, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to facilitate an acquisition. Get the inside scoop on a new way of bringing companies together for the best fit. Allen Darby details how his wealth management firm matches M&A buyers and sellers by focusing on long-term cultural fit. He explains why soft factors are critical and provides valuable insights into the M&A process, helping entrepreneurs make informed decisions about their businesses’ future.
“I don’t think you can measure culture. You experience it.”
Allen Darby
What is involved in the M&A auction process? What are the downsides to an auction? [3:12] | |
How important is cultural fit? [10:38] | |
How can the potential cultural fit between the buyer and seller’s companies be determined? [14:45] | |
What other criteria are essential for M&A companies to consider in addition to cultural fit? [18:24] | |
How does the introduction between buyer and seller happen without an auction format? [30:24] | |
What is the next step in the M&A process after the introductory round? [35:58] | |
Where does the letter of intent (LOI) fit into the process? [41:10] | |
How can the “best deal” be defined? [44:40] | |
How does the acquisition proceed after the buyer and seller introductions have occurred? [50:04] | |
“The ‘best deal’ is the best combination of cultural fit, initial valuation, and the post-acquisition reality.”
Allen Darby
Allen has been in the wealth management industry for three decades. He founded a highly successful firm that was one of the pioneers in assisting accounting firms to enter the wealth management business. Prior to launching Alaris in 2019, Allen led the outbound M&A activities for United Capital from 2012 to 2019. As a buyer advisor for United, he led the team that sourced over 25 acquisitions, culminating in United’s sale to Goldman Sachs.
We invested over a decade perfecting every step of the process. The result is a method proven to reduce your risk and maximize your price.
View Our Process NowYou’ve invested your blood, sweat, and tears into an enterprise that has provided for you, your family and your employees. The moment has finally come for you to start a new chapter in your life. Explore your options now.
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