The Art of Mergers & Acquisitions for Closely Held Businesses

Our company was originally started in 1946 so we have a lot of experience and longevity. With that comes a tremendous amount of in-house knowledge which we combine with contemporary best practices to create a powerful model for companies contemplating a merger-acquisition transaction.
We have historically been a family enterprise and our owners also run the business. Because most of the companies we work with are also private enterprises, either owner operated or family-owned or both, being cut from the same cloth creates an immediate connection which endures throughout the process. There are many ways a private company can explore the sale of a successful business. Our approach supports what we believe are the two most important transaction objectives for owners of closely held companies. Not only do they desire an attractive purchase price, but they also want to make sure that the best steward is chosen for their company’s future. Companies deserve both outcomes and we can assist in achieving each within a process that is efficient, confidential, and minimizes the disruption of daily operations. Selling a company is a significant decision and we believe in developing the trust and confidence of shareholders and management teams over time. In many cases, we have known a company for many years prior to them starting the journey of a transaction. We understand which buyers would be the best cultural fit for a particular company, so their team does not need to interview dozens of suitors which is a very disruptive and time-consuming process. We have worked with our buyer network for many years and continually refine it so we are also confident they will offer a strong purchase price. When we recommend a buyer to a company, we are thinking about a candidate who will offer both an attractive financial outcome for the shareholder and a terrific cultural fit for the employees and management team of the company. We encourage buyers and sellers to spend a lot of time getting to know each other without being rushed into a transaction. Business owners can achieve that optimal outcome of both an attractive purchase price and a great steward for their company by spending meaningful time with a small number of highly qualified candidates. We also approach each situation with a customized mindset. Often, we work with companies seeking a unique combination of transaction benefits, or who have multiple owners each with different objectives. We tailor transactions so each individual’s goals are addressed within a structure that is best for the company.