2:45 Why does a business owner start the M&A process? |
4:15 What percentage of business owners are fully prepared to sell at any time? |
4:55 What are the critical components of sale-readiness? |
10:50 How do you approach a competitor and build a relationship with them? |
12:55 What does a succession plan look like? |
14:25 Is succession planning different depending on who the buyer may be (strategic, financial, corporate, etc.)? |
16:45 What is the biggest obstacle for business owners to letting go? |
19:10 Is the “vacation test” a good way to test if your business isn’t dependent on you? |
20:15 What are some of the best ways to incentivize your employees so you can better let go? |
22:00 What does a strategic plan look like? |
24:00 How are valuations done for middle-market companies? |
25:00 When is the right time to sell? Is it possible to time an exit? |
30:25 How often are the M&A markets hot? |
31:10 When should a seller start preparing their business for sale? |
32:15 Does the process of preparing your business for sale differ depending on who the buyer may be? |
32:35 Why would a business owner sell if they have a succession plan in place and the business runs smoothly without them? |
35:10 Can you still sell your company if you don’t have a succession plan and haven’t prepared your company for sale? |
39:10 What’s the essence of valuing a middle-market company? |
40:45 How much is value maximization due to running the ideal M&A process vs. preparation? |
41:40 Why are M&A advisors and investment bankers in a unique position to maximize value? |
42:55 What is the typical difference between the baseline value and the ultimate selling price? |
43:45 What are the most common valuation methods? |
44:25 How common are revenue multiples? |
44:40 What are common multiples in the middle market? |
45:40 Can my CPA value my business? |
47:20 How do you eliminate avoidable surprises? |
49:25 How do reps and warranties relate to surprises? |
51:10 Is it possible to hide defects in the business? |
52:15 What is a knowledge qualifier and how is it related to risk? |
52:45 How do you avoid avoidable surprises? |
53:25 Should you disclose in the offering memorandum that one of your employees is a convicted cocaine dealer? |
54:35 Is price the only aspect that matters? |
56:30 Should a deal structure be simple or complex? |
58:20 Example of complicated deal structures |
1:00:25 Most common M&A deal structures |
1:01:00 Why do buyers propose complicated deal structures? |
1:02:15 Why is poor positioning a common mistake for sellers? |
1:04:50 How can an M&A advisor help with positioning? |