Acquisitions & Deal Structuring
From first outreach to signed purchase agreement: sourcing, letters of intent, structure choices, earnouts and holdbacks, and the negotiation levers that decide who carries the risk after closing.
Marketing Channel Integration After Acquisition
A 90-day playbook for stabilizing, consolidating, and relaunching marketing channels after an acquisition—without breaking lead flow.
How SBDCs Support Niche Market Searches
Use SBDCs to screen niche markets before outreach: size local demand, spot owner transition signals, and map referral paths to off-market sellers.
Search Funds vs PE in Succession Sales
Compare search funds and private equity for succession sales — leadership, transition length, leverage, and deal pace explained.
EBITDA Multiples by Industry ($1M–$5M)
Industry benchmarks for $1M–$5M EBITDA — sector and deal quality (recurring revenue, growth, capex, customer risk) determine final multiples.
Underserved Markets: Acquisition Strategy
Find acquisition opportunities in underserved markets with data-driven targeting, off-market sourcing, and flexible financing.
5 Tips for Negotiating Private Equity Deals
Five practical steps to prepare, build leverage, and protect your interests when negotiating the sale of your business to private equity.
Checklist for Negotiating Seller Financing Terms
Step-by-step checklist to structure and negotiate seller financing terms in business acquisitions: rates, down payment, collateral, defaults, and legal docs.
Rollover Equity: 7 Key Terms to Negotiate
Seven rollover equity terms that dictate your cash, risk, and future upside—negotiate them at the LOI to protect proceeds.
Brand Integration Best Practices Post-Acquisition
Practical steps to integrate brands, teams, and systems after an acquisition—set goals, choose strategy, communicate, and track KPIs.
Digital M&A Tools for Traditional Industries
AI-driven M&A platforms are transforming manufacturing, retail, and construction deals — cutting due diligence from weeks to days, reducing IT costs by up to 40%, and improving post‑deal integration.
How to Analyze Competitors in M&A Deals
A 5-step framework for competitor analysis in M&A — from identifying rivals and running SWOT to applying Porter's Five Forces and adjusting valuation for competitive risk.
Ultimate Guide to Renewable Energy Business Acquisitions
Guide to sourcing, valuing, financing, and integrating PPA-backed renewable assets in 2026, with ITC/PTC and FEOC considerations.
Aveanna acquires Family First Homecare for growth expansion
Aveanna Healthcare Holdings (NasdaqGS:AVAH) has announced its acquisition of Family First Homecare, marking a strategic move to strengthen its presence in Florida and expand its reach in the home-based care market. The acquisition aligns with Aveanna's broader plans for growth and transformation as
Apollo.io acquires Pocus to extend AI revenue intelligence
Apollo.io acquired Pocus to strengthen its AI-powered go-to-market platform by adding advanced signal intelligence that helps teams prioritize the right opportunities. The deal reflects a broader trend of consolidating data, insights, and execution into a single AI-native operating system.
Kraken Robotics Acquires Covelya Group in Strategic $615M Deal
Kraken Robotics is set to redefine its role in the underwater technology market with the announcement of its $615 million acquisition of the Covelya Group. This landmark move positions Kraken Robotics as a global leader in underwater solutions, with analysts describing the deal as transformative for
Paramount Skydance secures Warner Bros. Discovery in a historic $110B acquisition
In a groundbreaking deal that has reshaped the media industry, Paramount Skydance has officially acquired Warner Bros. Discovery for approximately $111 billion. The high-stakes bidding war, which included fierce competition from Netflix, concluded with Paramount's winning offer of $31 per share, mar
Recession M&A: Risks vs. Opportunities
Recessions can disrupt mergers and acquisitions (M&A), but they also create rare opportunities for savvy buyers. Lower valuations, distressed assets, and reduced competition make downturns an ideal time to acquire businesses - if you can navigate the risks. Here’s what you need to know:
Blackstone Nears $2.5 Billion Acquisition Deal for Champions Group
Blackstone Inc. is reportedly on the brink of finalizing a significant acquisition worth approximately $2.5 billion to take over Champions Group, according to a Bloomberg News report. This potential deal highlights Blackstone's ongoing strategy of expanding its portfolio with service-oriented busine
Marico plans acquisition of Cosmix in major strategic move
Consumer goods giant Marico has announced plans to acquire a 60% stake in Cosmix, a plant-based nutrition brand, for INR 225.67 crore. The transaction values Cosmix at an estimated INR 375 crore and is set to be executed through a secondary buyout. The deal is expected to close within 30 days, pendi
5 Signs Your Agency or IT Firm is Ready for a Strategic Acquisition
Selling your agency or IT firm? Here's the bottom line: preparation is everything. If you’re planning to sell, focus on these five areas to maximize your valuation and attract serious buyers:
Banesco USA acquires SBA lending business from BayFirst Financial
Banesco USA, a Miami-based community bank, has taken a major step in its expansion efforts by acquiring the national Small Business Administration (SBA) lending business from BayFirst Financial Corp. The acquisition, announced in December 2025, includes approximately $95 million in SBA loan balances
Capital One expands business banking through Brex acquisition
Capital One has announced its acquisition of Brex, a major player in business payments and spend management, marking a significant step in its strategy to deepen its presence in the business banking sector. The $5.2 billion deal was unveiled alongside the company’s fourth-quarter earnings report on
Tapatio Hot Sauce acquired by private equity firm for expansion
Tapatio Hot Sauce, a beloved 55-year-old brand and staple for spice enthusiasts, has been acquired by private equity firm Highlander Partners. The deal, announced in a recent statement, is expected to enhance the brand’s geographic reach, broaden distribution channels, and spark product innovation a
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Tech titans Alibaba and Ant Group secure landmark $925M property acquisition in Hong Kong
Alibaba and its affiliate company, Ant Group, have completed a headline-grabbing acquisition of a prime office property in Hong Kong valued at $925 million. This significant transaction highlights the tech giants' strategic commitment to expanding their foothold in one of Asia’s most prominent finan
Alpaca secures entry to Indian broker-dealer market via Zincmoney IFSC acquisition
Alpaca, a prominent US-based self-clearing broker-dealer and provider of brokerage infrastructure APIs, is advancing its global footprint with its planned acquisition of Zincmoney IFSC Private Limited. Announced recently, this strategic move grants Alpaca entry into India’s broker-dealer market thro
Recent terminations of China semiconductor mergers due to market volatility
In a series of high-profile developments, market volatility has led to the abrupt termination of several major mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in China’s semiconductor industry. The turbulence, driven by fluctuating valuations and unpredictable market conditions, has underscored the challenges co
Private Equity Firms Eye Porsche's Stake in Bugatti
Bugatti, the storied automaker behind cutting-edge models like the Veyron and Tourbillon, may soon experience a change in its ownership structure. New reports suggest that private equity firms are now interested in Porsche's 45% stake in Bugatti, a development that could reshape the brand's future.
M&A Deal Timeline Planner
Mergers and acquisitions are complex, high-stakes processes that demand careful planning. For business owners and consultants, having a clear roadmap can make all the difference in managing stress and meeting deadlines. That’s where a tool like the M&A Deal Timeline Planner comes in handy. It tr
Canada approves $53B Anglo American Teck Resources merger
The Canadian government has officially approved the highly anticipated $53 billion merger between Anglo American and Teck Resources, marking one of the most significant transactions in the global mining industry. This decision, made under the Investment Canada Act, is a pivotal moment for the critic
Clearwater Analytics to be taken private in $8.4B deal by Permira
Clearwater Analytics Holdings Inc., a Boise, Idaho-based provider of investment and accounting software, has announced an agreement to go private in a deal valued at $8.4 billion. The transaction will see private equity firms Permira Holdings Ltd. and Warburg Pincus LLC acquire the company, supporte
5 GP Responsibilities in Search Funds
General Partners (GPs) in search funds play a hands-on role in acquiring and managing a single business. Their responsibilities span from raising capital to running the acquired company. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Bridgepoint Reaffirms Commitment to Brevo with €500M Funding
Global investment group Bridgepoint has doubled down on its support for customer engagement software company Brevo, leading a new €500 million funding round that cements the Paris-based firm’s unicorn status. This reinvestment underscores Brevo’s rapid growth trajectory and its ambitions for global
IBM to acquire Confluent in $11B cash deal
IBM is acquiring Confluent for $11 billion in cash, paying $31 per share - a 34% premium. This move boosts IBM's AI and data platform by integrating Confluent's real-time data streaming technology, built on Apache Kafka. The acquisition reflects IBM's focus on AI-driven solutions and follows its ear
Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, Impacting Film Industry
Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery has set the streaming industry abuzz, sparking heated debates about its potential impact on the broader entertainment landscape. However, one sector stands to face significant challenges: the theatrical film industry.
American Water Works will acquire Essential Utilities in an all-stock deal valued at $63 billion.
American Water Works is set to acquire Essential Utilities in a $63 billion all-stock deal, creating one of the largest water and wastewater service providers in the U.S. The combined entity will serve 4.7 million service connections across 17 states and 18 military installations. Essential sharehol
Private equity rebounds: With stabilizing capital markets and record levels of "dry powder"
Private equity is surging back in 2025 as stabilizing financial conditions and easing inflation create a favorable environment for investments. Firms are deploying record amounts of "dry powder" (over $1.2 trillion in undeployed capital), leading to a sharp increase in high-value transacti
Record-breaking quarter for deals: The third quarter of 2025 set a record for M&A activity
Q3 2025 broke records for M&A activity, fueled by a surge in mega-deals over $5 billion.
Blackstone and TPG plan to take Hologic private for up to $18.3 billion
Blackstone and TPG are teaming up to acquire Hologic, a prominent women's health company, in a deal worth up to $18.3 billion. The transaction reflects growing private equity interest in healthcare, driven by Hologic’s strong U.S. market position in breast health diagnostics, recurring revenue strea
Teck Resources and Anglo American Announce $70 Billion Merger
The mining industry is set for a major transformation as Teck Resources Limited and Anglo American plc move forward with a groundbreaking $70 billion merger. Announced in September 2025, this colossal deal aims to create a new mining powerhouse, "Anglo Teck", with a sharp focus on copper p
Portland Entrepreneur Files $350M Lawsuit Against Private Equity Firm
Portland-based software entrepreneur Jim Wolfston has filed a $350 million lawsuit against Rubicon Technology Partners, a Colorado private equity firm, alleging that the company misled him during the sale of his business and subsequently terminated him just months after the deal was finalized.
Apollo and 8VC Partner to Accelerate the Next Wave of American Industrial Innovation
Apollo Global Management and 8VC have joined forces to address a major challenge in scaling industrial technologies: the lack of adequate funding for large-scale projects. By combining Apollo’s $840 billion in assets under management (as of June 2025) with 8VC’s expertise in advanced industries, the
Rithm Capital announces $100 billion platform expansion with recent acquisitions
Rithm Capital has unveiled an ambitious $100 billion platform expansion, fueled by its recent acquisitions of Crestline, a credit management firm, and Paramount, a significant office real estate investment trust (REIT). The company’s leadership emphasized performance-focused strategies and disciplin
Huntington Bancshares to acquire Cadence Bank in $7.4 billion deal
Huntington Bancshares is acquiring Cadence Bank in a $7.4 billion stock-based deal, expanding its reach into the growing Southern U.S. markets, including the Sun Belt region. This merger creates a combined institution with $276 billion in assets, $220 billion in deposits, and a presence in 21 states
Salesforce Enhances Process Automation with Apromore Acquisition
Salesforce has announced its acquisition of Apromore, a leading provider of process intelligence software, in a strategic move that aims to bolster its process automation offerings. This development is expected to significantly enhance Salesforce’s capabilities in agentic process automation, a featu
M&A Risk Assessment Tool
Mergers and acquisitions are exciting opportunities for growth, but they come with hidden challenges that can derail even the best-laid plans. Whether you're a small business eyeing a strategic buyout or a large corporation expanding your portfolio, understanding potential pitfalls is crucial. That’
S&P Global acquires With Intelligence for $1.8 billion to strengthen market position
S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) has announced its acquisition of With Intelligence, a prominent provider of private markets data and analytics, in a deal valued at $1.8 billion. This strategic move, finalized with majority investor Motive Partners, is set to enhance S&P Global's presence in the fast
BlackRock completes $40B acquisition deal for Aligned Data Centers
A high-powered consortium led by BlackRock, alongside tech giants Microsoft and Nvidia, has finalized a groundbreaking $40 billion acquisition of Aligned Data Centers. With close to 80 data center sites across multiple continents, Aligned is one of the world’s largest operators of such facilities, a
Sony Acquires StatSports to Advance Sports Technology Landscape
In a landmark move reshaping the sports technology sector, Sony has acquired StatSports, a prominent performance-tracking company recognized for its advanced wearable technology. This acquisition underscores Sony’s strategic commitment to becoming a leader in athlete performance optimization, sports
Improving SBA Loan Applications After Feedback
When your SBA loan application gets rejected, don’t lose hope. Lender feedback is a roadmap to fixing key issues and improving your chances of approval. Common problems include missing documents, weak business plans, low credit scores, and disorganized submissions. Here's how to tackle these challen
Novo Nordisk acquires Akero Therapeutics, driving stock surge of 19%
Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has struck a headline-making acquisition, agreeing to purchase Akero Therapeutics in a deal valued at up to $5.2 billion. Following the announcement, Akero’s stock surged by 19%, reflecting investor optimism about the agreement.
How to Scale and Exit With Bolt-On Acquisitions
Scaling a business is challenging, but scaling and exiting efficiently? That’s a masterstroke. In a recent interview on the Angels, Exits, and Acquisitions podcast, entrepreneur and investor Josh Davis shared his incredible journey of building and selling a logistics business within just three years
NBA approves record $6.1B sale of Boston Celtics to Bill Chisholm's team
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has unanimously approved the sale of the Boston Celtics to a group led by private equity mogul Bill Chisholm. The deal, valued at more than $6.1 billion, sets a new record as the largest sale of an American professional sports team.
M&A Deal Success Predictor
When two companies decide to join forces, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A successful merger or acquisition can unlock incredible growth, but a failed one can drain resources and morale. That’s where tools like our merger evaluation calculator come in handy. By focusing on critical elements like cul
M&A Deal Structure Planner
Mergers and acquisitions are pivotal moments for any business, but mapping out the financial framework can be daunting. That’s where a dedicated planner for deal structuring comes in handy. Whether you’re a startup founder eyeing a buyout or a seasoned executive orchestrating a complex transaction,
Strategic Partnerships: Benefits vs. Risks
Strategic partnerships are long-term collaborations where businesses work together to achieve shared goals, leveraging each other’s strengths. These partnerships can help companies access new markets, reduce costs, and grow faster than they could alone. However, they also come with risks like reduce
The Private Equity Secondaries Market Is Quietly Booming: What Investors Need to Know
Despite market volatility and muted dealmaking in other sectors, the private equity (PE) secondaries market is quietly rewriting the record books. While much of the financial press focuses on IPO slowdowns, inflation, or rate hikes, another story is unfolding behind the scenes—one that signals a shi
Strategic Alliances: Key Opportunities for SMBs
Strategic alliances offer small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) a smart way to grow without the high costs of acquisitions. By partnering with other companies, SMBs can:
The Hidden Giant: How Church & Dwight Quietly Acquired Their Way to $25 Billion
Walk down any household aisle and you’ll see brands like Arm & Hammer, OxiClean, Orajel, Trojan, First Response, and Nair. These products are everywhere — in your home, your parents’ home, and probably even in your grandma’s medicine cabinet.
M&A Metrics vs. Deal Flow Metrics: Key Differences
When evaluating acquisitions, there are two primary types of metrics you need to understand: M&A metrics and deal flow metrics. Here's the key distinction:
Seller Notes, Earnouts, and SBA: The Building Blocks of a Main Street Deal
Buying a business on Main Street isn’t just about finding the right company — it’s about structuring a deal that works for you, the seller, and the bank. And unless you’re sitting on a pile of cash, you’ll need to get creative. That’s where seller notes, earnouts, and SBA financing come in — the thr
Our 6-Step Guide to Securing SBA Funding
You know SBA financing is the route you want to take.
10 SMB Acquisition Case Studies
Small and midsize business (SMB) acquisitions are reshaping industries like manufacturing, technology, and logistics. Here's what you need to know about successful deals:
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals in Acquisitions
When acquiring a business, balancing short-term wins and long-term growth is critical. Short-term goals focus on quick improvements like boosting cash flow or aligning key operations, typically within the first year. Long-term goals aim for sustained success, such as expanding markets or building st
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Clearly Acquired Partners with The Bristol Group to Bring Verified Business Listings to Buyers Nationwide
Clearly Acquired, the leading SaaS-enabled business acquisition marketplace, is proud to announce its partnership with The Bristol Group Business Brokerage, a premier national M&A advisory firm. This collaboration will provide business buyers with exclusive access to a growing portfolio of verif
Reinventing the Search Fund: Clearly Acquired’s Hybrid Self-Funded Model
The world of search funds has long been a staple for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to acquire and grow businesses. Traditionally, search funds require substantial financial commitments upfront to pay searchers, who then raise capital to find and acquire the right company. At Clearly Acquired, we’re
Quality Over Quantity: The Key to Successful Business Acquisitions
In the competitive landscape of business acquisitions, the allure of closing numerous deals can often overshadow the ultimate goal: securing high-quality, profitable businesses. At Clearly Acquired, we believe in prioritizing quality over quantity, ensuring that both buyers and intermediaries can co
The Art..And Science of Billion Dollar Acquisition Entrepreneurs
Acquisitions are more than just business transactions; they are strategic moves that can redefine an industry and solidify a company's market position. Several entrepreneurs have mastered this art, building multi-billion-dollar empires through acquisitions.
The Hidden Value of Main Street: Shore Capital's Blueprint for Success in Small Business Investments
In an era where flashy tech startups often capture the public's imagination, a quieter but equally significant revolution is reshaping the core of the American economy. Shore Capital, a savvy player in the private equity space, has mastered the art of uncovering and nurturing the potential of s