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Insights from
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Questions a Smart Buyer Asks Before Signing the LOI
Asking the right questions before signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) can safeguard your investment and streamline the acquisition process.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 914 min read


Red Flags in Employee Retention Clauses
Learn how to identify and fix red flags in employee retention clauses to safeguard business transactions and minimize turnover risks.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 712 min read


How to Interview a Seller Without Losing Leverage
Learn effective strategies to maintain leverage and control during seller interviews in business acquisitions, ensuring favorable deal terms.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 613 min read


What Diligence Can’t Catch - But Still Kills Deals
Uncover the hidden risks in M&A deals that go beyond numbers, affecting leadership alignment, culture, and stakeholder expectations.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 511 min read


Why the Real Valuation Isn’t Always on the CIM
A CIM may misrepresent a business's true value; independent valuations and expert analysis reveal hidden assets and align market expectations.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 410 min read


The Dangers of Trusting Broker-Prepared Financials
Relying on broker-prepared financials can lead to costly mistakes; uncover hidden risks with thorough due diligence and independent verification.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 49 min read


Add-Backs vs. Red Flags: Know the Difference
Understand the crucial differences between add-backs and red flags in business transactions to protect your investment and ensure successful deals.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 211 min read


When Debt Kills a Deal: Buyer Financing Risks
Explore the financing risks in lower mid-market deals, including debt mismanagement and alternatives like seller financing and private equity.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 113 min read


SDE Isn’t Profit – Here's What It Actually Tells You
Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) reveals the true financial benefits of a business, offering insights crucial for buyers and sellers in transactions.
Brandon Chicotsky
Aug 113 min read


Why You Should Fear Goodwill (Unless It’s Justified)
Goodwill in business deals can pose significant financial and operational risks if misvalued. Learn how to accurately assess and manage goodwill.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 3114 min read


Why Some Businesses Don’t Survive the First Year Post-Acquisition
Explore why many businesses fail post-acquisition, focusing on integration challenges, planning issues, and financial missteps.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 2413 min read


The Most Common Mistake First-Time Buyers Make
First-time business buyers often overlook due diligence, risking financial losses and legal issues. Learn how to avoid these costly mistakes.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 2311 min read


What Risk Really Means in SMB Acquisitions
Understanding and managing risks in SMB acquisitions is essential for success. Learn key strategies for due diligence and deal structuring.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 2317 min read


How to Tell if the Seller Is Hiding Something (Without Accusing Them)
Learn subtle strategies to identify hidden issues when buying a business without damaging seller relationships.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 2215 min read


Why ‘Great Deals’ Can Still Be Bad Buys
Great deals in M&A can hide costly risks. Learn how to spot legal, financial, and operational traps to avoid expensive mistakes.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 2115 min read


What Buyers Wish They Knew Before Buying a Business
Uncover essential insights for buying a business, from defining goals to evaluating financial health and avoiding costly pitfalls.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 1919 min read


Top 8 Reasons Business Sales Fall Through
Learn the top eight reasons why business sales fail and how to avoid common pitfalls to ensure a successful transaction.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 1920 min read


How Long Does It Take to Sell a Business?
Selling a business typically takes 6-12 months, influenced by factors like preparation, market conditions, and proper documentation.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 1813 min read


Asset Sale vs Stock Sale: Which Is Better?
Understand the key differences between asset sales and stock sales, including tax implications, liability risks, and transaction complexities.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 1713 min read


Business Sale Checklist: 12 Steps Before Listing
Prepare your business for sale with this comprehensive checklist of 12 essential steps to attract serious buyers and maximize your valuation.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 1614 min read


EBITDA vs Revenue: What Buyers Really Want
Learn why buyers prioritize EBITDA over revenue when valuing businesses, and how improving EBITDA can maximize your sale price.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 168 min read


Due Diligence Questions Buyers Always Ask
Prepare your business for sale by anticipating buyer questions and organizing essential documentation to ensure a smooth due diligence process.
Brandon Chicotsky
Jul 1616 min read
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