What does an M&A advisory firm do?
An M&A advisory firm helps business owners plan and execute a sale, recapitalization, acquisition, or other strategic transition. Its work may include assessing value drivers, preparing financial and marketing materials, identifying qualified buyers, managing confidential outreach, supporting due diligence, negotiating transaction terms, and coordinating the process through closing. The goal is an informed, well-run process aligned with the owner's objectives.
When should I start planning to sell my business?
Owners often benefit from beginning exit planning well before they intend to transact. Early preparation creates time to reduce founder dependency, improve reporting, strengthen management depth, document systems, and address issues a buyer may identify during diligence. Exit Boston's confidential consultation can help owners assess institutional readiness, clarify a desired timeline, and build a practical roadmap whether a transition is near or still years away.
What size companies does Exit Boston advise?
Exit Boston works with founders and private business owners of middle-market companies, generally those with approximately $10 million to $100 million in revenue and roughly $2 million to $10 million in EBITDA. Fit also depends on the company's industry, growth potential, financial quality, management team, customer and revenue profile, and the owner's goals for a sale, recapitalization, or transition.
How do you identify potential buyers for my company?
Buyer identification begins with research into a company's industry, competitive landscape, acquisition history, strategic fit, and investment characteristics. Exit Boston profiles potential private equity firms, strategic acquirers, family offices, and other qualified parties whose criteria align with the opportunity. A focused buyer universe helps support confidential outreach and a competitive process rather than relying on a passive business listing.
What is the Seven Pillars diagnostic?
The Seven Pillars diagnostic is a confidential evaluation of factors that can influence institutional buyer interest and exit value. It reviews leadership and founder transition, growth opportunity, revenue quality, financial transparency, margins and operational efficiency, systems and scalability, and team incentives and retention. The result is an execution plan that helps owners understand where preparation may strengthen their company before a transaction.
Can Exit Boston help with a recapitalization instead of a full sale?
Yes. M&A advisory can support recapitalizations as well as full company sales and strategic transitions. A recapitalization may allow an owner to obtain liquidity while retaining an ownership stake, continuing in a leadership role, or participating in future growth. Exit Boston considers rollover objectives, governance, timing, financial needs, and legacy considerations when helping founders evaluate potential transaction structures.
How is confidentiality protected during a business sale process?
Confidentiality is central to a well-managed sale process. Before sharing sensitive information, advisors typically screen prospective parties and use appropriate confidentiality agreements. Buyer communications can be staged so that only necessary information is released as interest and qualification are established. Exit Boston states that consultation information is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with third parties without explicit consent.
How quickly will Exit Boston respond to a consultation request?
Exit Boston states that it responds to confidential consultation inquiries within one business day. The initial conversation can cover your approximate revenue range, possible exit timeline, current ownership questions, and the goals behind a sale or transition. It is an opportunity to discuss what institutional buyers may look for and what preparation steps could help shape a stronger future outcome.