Mergers & acquisitions
Sell-side and buy-side advice for owners, private equity sponsors, and corporate buyers in the middle market.
Selling or buying a company
Most owners sell a business once. For a buyer, one acquisition can change the direction of a company. In both cases the result depends on preparation, knowledge of the market, and patient negotiation.
We start with an honest view of value and readiness. Then we prepare materials that hold up in diligence, approach qualified buyers or targets, and keep the timeline working in our client’s favor.
A senior banker leads each engagement from the first call to closing.
Services
Each engagement is shaped around what matters most: the best price, the right buyer for the team, or a specific acquisition.
Sell-side advisory
Full or partial sale of a business, from valuation and preparation to buyer outreach, negotiation, and closing.
Buy-side advisory
Acquisition strategy, target search, valuation, and negotiation for corporate and financial buyers.
Recapitalizations
A partial cash-out for owners who want to keep a stake and stay involved in the business.
Management buyouts
Advice for leadership teams buying the business they run, covering valuation, financing, and governance.
Divestitures and carve-outs
Selling a division or non-core asset, including the separation of shared services.
Mergers
Structuring and negotiating the combination of two businesses, including ownership and governance.
How a sale runs
Six stages. We run each one so you can keep running the company.
Readiness
Goals, a value range, and anything to fix before going to market.
Materials
An information memorandum, a financial model, and a data room.
Outreach
Confidential contact with selected strategic and financial buyers.
Offers
Management meetings and first offers, compared on price and terms.
Diligence
Buyer diligence and negotiation of the purchase agreement.
Closing
Final terms, work with your counsel, and handover support.
Common questions
How long does it take to sell a business?
Most sales take six to nine months from engagement to closing. Preparation takes six to eight weeks, marketing and buyer meetings another two to three months, and diligence and documents the rest.
How will my business be valued?
We look at comparable transactions, earnings and cash flow, growth, and how particular buyers are likely to see the company. You get a realistic range before we go to market.
Will employees or customers find out?
Not from us. First contact uses a summary that does not name the company, and every interested party signs a non-disclosure agreement before seeing any detail.
How are your fees structured?
Usually a modest retainer plus a success fee paid at closing, so most of our pay depends on the outcome. Exact terms are set out in a written engagement agreement.
Do you work with first-time sellers?
Yes. Most of our sell-side clients are selling for the first time. We explain each step and work closely with their attorneys and accountants.
Talk to a senior banker
Send a short note about the business and what you are considering. A senior banker reads every message and replies personally, in confidence.
Or email info@harborlinecapital.co