Overview of Services

Thanks for visiting my website! My goal is to optimize the sale process for small and medium-sized business owners.

High-level, the below sequence summarizes my workflow:

• First, I will recommend whether a broker (or M&A advisor) is necessary.
  • If a broker is unnecessary, I will introduce you to prospective buyers.
  • Otherwise, I will help identify a suitable broker that can further assist you.¹

My business philosophy centers on individual autonomy. I will share my thoughts and opinions based on my assessments, but ultimately believe in a more laissez-faire approach, whereby you feel empowered to make your own decisions in accordance with professional and/or personal goals.

‍¹ Please note that I use "broker" and "M&A advisor" interchangeably. Strictly speaking, brokers serve smaller businesses with simpler transactions, while M&A advisors cater to medium and large businesses with more complex and sizeable transactions. Either way, I will help identify the right party, depending on your requirements.

M&A Sale Process Navigation

Determining Broker Needs

I've created an interactive tool to help SMB owners assess whether they need a broker based on various criteria:

• Intrinsic factors
  • Includes general company information, in addition to the seller's financial literacy, comfort paying transaction fees, timeline constraints, negotiation skills, and risk appetite (among other attributes).
• Extrinsic factors
  • Includes relationships with other actors (financial advisors, lawyers, and accountants).

This tool uses a method called fuzzy logic, which applies flexible rules to understand and handle the data you enter, mimicking human decision-making for better results. The output serves as a foundation upon which we can have an introductory conversation, if interested!

Direct Buyer Introductions

For business owners who prefer not to use a broker (financially savvy, strong negotiators, and less inclined to pay advisory fees), I can introduce you to suitable financial sponsors and strategic acquirers. These can include private equity firms, consolidators, private investors, and corporations.

Broker Sourcing

If the broker assessment tool and follow-up conversation(s) both suggest you need a broker, I can work to find an advisor for you. It's critical to understand your buyer preferences, so that I can connect you with brokers best equipped to maximize the sale of your business.

Differentiation

Advanced Interactive Tools

Top-of-the-funnel conversation starters that include:

• Broker Assessment Tool:
  • Uses "fuzzy logic" to determine the most suitable method of selling.
    • Form of logic that allows for reasoning with uncertain or imprecise information, using degrees of truth rather than the traditional true or false binary.
  • Inputs include both company and seller attributes, as well as relationships with professional advisors.

• LBO Business Valuation Calculator:
  • Assists in identifying an ideal purchase price by evaluating anticipated cash flows, debt repayment, and exit values across different scenarios.
  • This analysis provides a price range, considering base, management, and downside cases, to maintain a balanced risk-return profile.
  • Private equity firms have championed the use of leveraged buyouts.

Blend of Creativity and Analytics

I view M&A as both an art and a science. While the tools used are computer-driven, I believe in human governance to ensure the best possible results. This involves having conversations with the seller to help facilitate the best outcome - transparency is important to me!

Cost Efficiency

I do not charge the seller for working with me. Rather, if I make introductions on your behalf, I charge the buyer a finder's fee, typically based on the Lehman Scale. Similarly, if I refer you to a business brokerage or sell-side advisory firm, I earn a commission in the event of a sale. I believe compensation should be tied to reaching the finish line.

Reach Out!

I'm available if you have any questions, comments or concerns! You're encouraged to send me an email at brendan@e115advisory.com, or call me at +1 781 910 7781. Apart from receiving the finder's fee (commission), my success depends on all parties feeling comfortable with the final result.