Exitwise
Tips, Tools & Best Practices Blog

The Exitwise Blog

We are focused on providing our fellow founders, business owners, and CEOs with the best educational resources to prepare you for any sell-side M&A transaction. Please contact us if you would like to discuss a specific topic directly. We're always happy to help.

Laptop displaying charts and graphs next to a tablet showing a calendar.

Merger and Acquisition Success Rate - Ultimate Guide

Discover the factors influencing merger and acquisition success rates; learn to achieve success and avoid the 70-90% failure rate.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Three businesswomen discussing reports and data at a table.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Qualifying a Buyer

Discover effective strategies for qualifying a buyer. This guide will help you determine if your products or services meet their specific needs.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Professional writing notes with a laptop and plant on the desk.

75+ Questions to Ask When Selling a Business

Ready to sell your business? Learn the fundamental questions to ask to make informed decisions and achieve the best outcome.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Overhead view of a team sitting on floor with colorful graphs and charts for analysis.

Ultimate Guide to Exit Valuation [All Questions Answered]

Unlock the secrets to exit valuation. Find out what determines your business's worth and ensure you secure the best deal possible.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Businessman calculating finances with a calculator at a cluttered office desk.

How Much Can I Sell My Business For? - FAQs Answered

Discover how to calculate the sale price of a business using different methods. Get the best way of valuing your business for sale using our guide.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Business team working at laptops in modern office.

Selling Your Family Business? Process + FAQs Explained

Selling your family business? Discover when and how to sell successfully with our comprehensive guide on timing, transparency, and strategic decision-making.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Close-up of a firm handshake between two professionals in an office.

How To Find a Buyer For Your Business [Step By Step Guide]

Read our guide on finding a buyer for your business. Test the market, get feedback, and refine your approach for maximum buyer interest and profitability.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Inside a bookstore, a woman reads at the counter, with bookshelves full of vibrant book covers.

How to Value a Retail Business for Sale [Ultimate Guide]

Learn how to value a retail business accurately. Calculate earnings, assess inventory, and understand key valuation metrics to determine its worth.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Team collaboratively working with laptops and notebooks on a wooden table.

12 Steps to Sell an Insurance Agency [Valuation Methods Included]

Maximize your ROI when you sell your insurance agency. Learn key strategies to value your agency and attract the best buyers.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Analysts discussing data charts at a corporate meeting.

Stock Sale vs. Asset Sale - [Comprehensive Comparison]

Ready to sell your business? Understanding a stock sale and asset sale is crucial. Discover the key differences in this guide and what it means for your bottom line.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Two people signing a document at a wooden desk.

How Much is a Home Health Agency Worth? [Detailed Analysis]

Discover how much a home health agency is worth with our comprehensive guide. Unlock the secrets to valuation and maximize your investment today!

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Team of business people in strategic planning session in a corporate office.

Insurance Agency Valuation Rule of Thumb [Complete Guide]

Dive into the intricacies of the insurance agency valuation rule of thumb and learn how to evaluate your agency's worth accurately and efficiently.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Two businesswomen discussing charts on a whiteboard in a meeting.

Reverse Due Diligence in M&A Transactions - [Ultimate Guide]

Going for an M&A transaction? Explore the essentials of reverse due diligence in this comprehensive guide and how it can protect your business goals.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Colleagues in a meeting with graphs and charts spread on the table.

Strategic Buyer vs. Financial Buyer - How Are They Different

Explore the differences between strategic and financial buyers in this comprehensive guide to enhance your investment.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Man presenting financial growth chart to colleagues in a meeting.

Organic Growth vs. Acquisition - Which One is Best for Your Business?

Is your company better suited for organic growth or acquisition? Read our comprehensive guide to make an informed decision.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Modern architectural design of a curving office building.

[10 Steps] How to Value a Property Management Company

Learn how to value a property management company with expert insights and industry tips. Make informed decisions for your investment today.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Monochrome image of semi-trucks parked at a truck stop with cloudy skies.

How to Sell a Trucking Company - Prepare, Value, and More

Discover how to sell your trucking company with ease! Our guide offers practical steps and insider tips to maximize your sale price. Click to learn more.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Overhead view of three professionals working on architectural blueprints.

What’s The Typical Multiplier For Engineering Firms? (and How to Value)

Discover the key to profitability with a typical multiplier for engineering firms. Unlock industry insights and drive growth using this comprehensive guide.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Two construction workers in hard hats discussing over a building site.

[9 Steps] How Do I Sell My Construction Business?

Looking to sell your construction business? Discover top strategies and expert tips to maximize your sale value effortlessly.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Detailed project planning with charts and books.

[10 Steps] How Do I Sell My E-commerce Business? Steps and Valuation Explained

Looking to sell your E-commerce business? Uncover the best strategies for a profitable sale and improve your financial future.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Close-up of hands working on financial calculations with calculator and pen.

[Quick Answer] - Should I Use a Broker To Sell My Business?

Should you use a broker to sell your business? Get insights into the pros and cons in our comprehensive guide.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Overhead view of two people working on laptops with coding software on screens.

[5 Steps] - How to Sell Shopify Store for Maximum Value

Ready to sell your Shopify store? Learn how to easily navigate the selling process and secure the best deal for your online business.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Team analyzing business data with colorful charts and graphs on paper.

Consulting Company Valuation Guide - How Much Is Your Firm Worth?

Master consulting company valuation with ease! This guide offers actionable tips for achieving the maximum valuation for your business.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
A veterinarian wearing a mask and stethoscope examining a tan dog with the assistance of a volunteer also in a mask.

[5 Steps] - How Do I Sell My Veterinary Practice?

Discover how to sell a veterinary practice in this guide! Get expert tips on maximizing sale value and navigating the sales process efficiently.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Woman presenting graphs at a business meeting.

How Do You Avoid Paying Taxes When Selling a Business? [Overview]

Discover effective strategies to avoid paying taxes when selling a business and maximize your profits.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Experienced businesswoman assists young colleagues with digital tasks.

(Step-by-Step) How Do I Sell My IFA Business?

Ready to capitalize on your financial advisory business? Discover how to sell your IFA business efficiently. Get insights into valuations, risk mitigation, and more.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Two professionals discussing over a MacBook at a white meeting table with a glass of water.

The Only M&A Closing Checklist You Need (Pre-Closing, Post-Closing, and More)

Streamline your M&A from start to finish with our M&A closing checklist. Read it now and unlock the secrets to a smooth and efficient closing process.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Senior executive presenting a pie chart to team members in a meeting.

409a Valuation Ultimate Guide - What it is, FAQs, and More

Master your understanding of 409A valuations with our ultimate guide. Get clear answers on what a 409A valuation is, FAQs, comparisons, and more!

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Close-up of a business handshake in office.

[5 Steps] How to Sell Your SaaS Business and Maximize its Value

Ready to sell your SaaS business? Discover expert tips and proven strategies to maximize profits on your sales.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Man in business attire assessing papers with digital devices nearby.

Should I Sell My Business? 14 Signs That Say Yes

Should I sell my business? Good question - Discover the key indicators that suggest it's time to sell.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Concentrated man with glasses scrutinizing financial papers in office.

Exit Planning Explained - Process, Strategy, and More

Exit planning can make or break your business's legacy. Discover the best strategies and insider tips to ensure a successful transition.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
A person is writing on a piece of paper while using a calculator.

Here's How Goodwill is Taxed When Selling a Business (EXPLAINED)

Selling your business? Understand exactly how goodwill is taxed with our comprehensive guide. Ensure you're equipped for the M&A process with our expert insights.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
People walking through a warehouse with pallets on the shelves.

(10 Steps) How to Value a Distribution Business - Full Guide

Ready to learn how to value a distribution business? Get top-notch tips and industry methods to evaluate yours effectively.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Team members discussing data charts during a strategy meeting.

[Quick Answer] How Long Does it Take to Sell a Business?

How long does it take to sell a business? Get a quick answer and expert insights to help you plan for a successful sale with time-efficient strategies.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Professionals with laptops and tablets having a casual meeting on armchairs.

Master The M&A Pipeline - 8 Stages Explained (and more)

Optimize your M&A pipeline strategy with our insightful tips! Learn how to navigate mergers and acquisitions like a pro and stay ahead of the competition.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Two colleagues high-fiving over a marketing strategy table.

The 11 Steps of Selling a Staffing Agency - Complete Overview

Thinking of selling a staffing agency? Learn the secrets to a successful sale! Exclusive advice to help you get the best deal.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Corporate meeting in session with professionals around a table in a bright room.

[ANSWERED] Here's What Happens to Cash When Selling a Business

Ever wondered what happens to cash when selling a business? We've got the answers! Learn the key steps to protect your assets.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Two workers standing in an industrial warehouse.

Selling a Manufacturing Business? Don’t Ignore This Guide

Looking to maximize profit from selling a manufacturing business? Our expert tips ensure you understand the process from start to finish.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
The sun is setting over a city skyline with skyscrapers in the background.

How to Sell Commercial Real Estate - Complete Guide

Thanks to our comprehensive guide, learn how to sell commercial real estate and maximize profits. We cover insights and best practices you won’t want to miss.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Close-up of a businesswoman examining a paper report with her mobile phone in hand.

How to Value an E-commerce Business in 14 Steps (Complete Guide)

Understand how to value an E-commerce business by analyzing web analytics, market influence, and scalability - everything and more in our guide.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Veterinarian administering an injection to a calm brown Persian cat.

Veterinary Practice Valuation - Key Factors and Methods

This guide gives you key veterinary practice valuation insights and includes methodologies, market trends & best practices to know the worth of your business.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
An image of a justice scale on a table.

How to Value a Law Firm in 10 Steps (and FAQs)

Discover how to value a law firm and understand the financial performance, client base, and valuation multiples in the legal market.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
A dental office with a person sitting at a desk.

Expert Guide to Dental Practice Valuations (Overview + Tips)

Want to understand the nuances of dental practice valuations? We will take you through the complete process, including valuation methods, best practices, and more.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
A person in a lab coat is holding up a piece of glass.

Biotech Valuation Methods (Explained)

Looking for the right approach to biotech valuation? This guide helps you determine your company's worth, covering several methodologies and nuances in detail.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Three people sitting at a table in a car showroom.

How Much is a Car Dealership Worth? Valuation Strategies Simplified

Curious about how much a car dealership is worth? Explore our guide for insights into car dealership valuation factors, strategies, and more!

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
A person touching a woman's neck.

Selling a Chiropractic Practice - Key Insights & Info

Get valuable tips and practical advice on selling a chiropractic practice. This guide covers everything from key factors to examples to valuation methods.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
A person in a business suit sitting at a desk with a tablet and pen.

Everything About M&A Financing: Process, Types, Roles, and More

M&A Financing is used by companies to fund their mergers and acquisitions as they often involve considerable amounts of capital. Here's how it works.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Three business people shaking hands in an office.

6 Types of Mergers - Definitions, Examples, and Insights

Explore the six essential types of mergers in business. Learn with real-world examples and valuable insights to guide your strategic decisions.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
A person sitting at a desk with a calculator and pen.

How Many Times EBITDA is a Business Worth? (Quick Answer)

Want to learn how many times EBITDA a business is worth? Well, it depends on your company's industry. Here's how you can calculate it quickly.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
A person writing on a piece of paper with a pen.

Selling a Business Checklist - Complete To-Do List

From due diligence and marketing strategies to negotiations and post-sale considerations, here's the essential checklist for selling your business.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Person holding a laptop in a conference room.

SaaS Valuation 101 - Here's How to Value a SaaS Company

SaaS valuation helps to understand the economic value of a SaaS company by charting its growth potential. Here's how it works and how you can evaluate it.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
A group of people sitting around a conference table.

Selling a Medical Practice - 6 Key Steps to Consider

Learn the essentials of selling a medical practice to navigate the sale process smoothly. From valuation to closing the deal, get the insights you need here.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Two individuals in suits sitting at a table with papers.

Expert Guide: How to Sell Your Business to a Competitor

Discover the insider strategies for selling your business to a competitor with this expert guide. Here's how you can negotiate a smart, successful sale.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Three people in suits and hard hats working on a building site.

How to Value a Construction Company (Correctly) - Ultimate Guide

Understanding how to value a construction company can be complex. You need tax returns, the right EBITDA multiplier, revenue, and much more. Here's how to do it.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
A group of business people shaking hands at a meeting.

Reverse Triangular Mergers - Your Complete Overview

Explore the dynamics of a reverse triangular merger in this detailed article. Understand how the deal is executed, its tax implications, and more.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
A person shaking hands at a desk.

172 M&A Terms to Master Any Merger or Acquisition

Master the language of mergers and acquisitions with this comprehensive list of 172 M&A terms. Learn the nuances and keep your knowledge up-to-date.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Best M&A Podcasts 2023.
Tips

Top 10 M&A Podcasts You Must Listen

Our favorite M&A podcasts of 2023, covering a range of topics such as M&A strategy, valuation, financing, due diligence, and integration.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Time Kills M&A Deals - avoid the common pitfalls of business sale failures.
Best Practices

The Ticking Clock of M&A: How Delays Can Kill The Sale of Your Business

Learn about the most pressing concerns and frequently asked questions about time delays in an M&A transaction and how to greatly increase the likelihood of a successful exit.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Tips

Someone Just Offered To Buy Your Company: Now What?

Read our M&A playbook on the best advice for any business owner that has received unexpected acquisition interest.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
What Is Bootstrapping In Entrepreneurship.
Tips

What Is Bootstrapping In Entrepreneurship?

Discover bootstrapping, a unique and empowering approach to building a company from the ground up without the help of outside funding.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Embarking on a merger or acquisition (M&A) journey can be both thrilling and overwhelming for founders and entrepreneurs alike. Amidst the intricate M&A landscape, one critical aspect that often raises questions for entrepreneurs is the quality of earnings analysis. As a founder, you may find yourself unfamiliar with this concept and its role in the M&A process. In this Mergers & Acquisitions Explained Q&A deep dive, we aim to address common questions that founders frequently have about quality of earnings.
Tips

Mergers & Acquisitions Explained: Quality of Earnings Q&A

Take a deep dive into the concept of Quality of Earnings analysis and its critical role in the M&A process.

Matt Damman.
Matt Damman
Best Practices

How To Sell A Business Using An ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

Learn about ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) – a viable option for founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs contemplating the sale of their business.

Matt Damman.
Matt Damman
Tips

Beyond Venture Capital: Exploring Funding Options for Entrepreneurs in 2023

Explore various funding options for entrepreneurs other than venture capital.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
How to use an equity rollover to create generational wealth.
Best Practices

Unveiling the Power of Rollover Equity: Empowering Founders, Entrepreneurs, and Business Owners in M&A

Learn how rollover equity can help business owners take chips off the table and ride the wave of future growth and financial success.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Quality of Earnings.
Tips

The Importance of Quality of Earnings When Selling Your Business

Explore the theory behind, definition, and significance of a quality of earnings analysis in the process of selling a company.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Acquiring a business or merging two companies together can often feel like looking for the missing piece of a complicated puzzle.
Tips

Mergers and Acquisitions Explained: M&A 101 for Business Owners

Explore the basics of M&A, different types of structures, different phases, buyer/seller engagement reasons, and the critical parties involved.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Best Practices

How To Maximize The Value of Your Business

Learn how to value each part of your business and what should you be doing to ensure that every piece is setting you up for exit success.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Tips

Information Is Power: Leaving No Stone Unturned During M&A

M&A experience and insight from the entrepreneurial journey of Todd Sullivan, Exitwise's CEO.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Tips

How Does Net Working Capital Affect the Value of Your Business?

Net Working Capital is a key metric that potential buyers will look at when considering your company, and it can have a major impact on the final sale price.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Best Practices

Avoid the Fourth Quarter Fumble: M&A Diligence and Documentation

There's a myriad of reasons why a deal can fall through. Getting the small details right and having a great team on your side is key to late-stage M&A success.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Best Practices

The Importance of Negotiation and Buyer Selection in M&A

Vision, fit, and future plans are often overlooked aspects of terms that need to be identified in the Negotiation and Buyer Selection phase of a sales process.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Best Practices

Why Your Investment Banker Is Critical To Recruiting The Right Buyer

Learn how the Marketing and Offers phase of M&A works, and how Exitwise and its investment banking partners leverage their deep industry and organizational knowledge at each step in the process.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Best Practices

Laying The Groundwork For M&A Success

The second article in a five-part series about how putting the right team in place helps supercharge the M&A process, providing both sellers and buyers maximum value.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Step 1 of optimizing your M&A process is building out a mergers and acquisitions dream team - they will be the central cog to a complex exit process.
Best Practices

The Definitive Playbook For Supercharging Your M&A Process

This is the first article in a five-part series about how putting the right team in place helps supercharge the M&A process, providing both sellers and buyers maximum value.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Tips

Are You Prepared to Sell Your Business?

Selling a business is more complicated than just putting a "for sale" sign in the window. It's best to spend time preparing yourself and the business. Are you ready?

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Tips

How Much Is My Business Worth?

Business valuations are important for several reasons, including finding opportunities to increase profits and providing helpful information when selling.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Best Practices

How To Best Utilize A Business Strategy Consultant?

Business strategy consultants provide valuable services to businesses of all sizes by collecting and analyzing business data to help managers develop a plan of action to meet the company’s goals.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Tips

Don't Miss These Business Broker Red Flags

When hiring a business broker to sell your business, missing a few red flags can create significant issues during the process leading to a suboptimal experience.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Tips

How To Sell Your Company

The idea of selling a business can be overwhelming and a bit scary. Understanding the necessary steps early in the M&A process can help you be prepared.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Best Practices

Is A Business Consultant Right For You?

Business consulting services can help improve the strength of a company by offering industry-specific recommendations, quickly implementing agreed-upon solutions, and rapidly evaluating projects against predetermined KPIs.

Brian Dukes.
Brian Dukes
Tips

The Top 6 M&A Deal Killers of Any Business Sale Process

Selling your business can have many pitfalls. Here are the 6 most common M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) deal killers that catch founders off guard. Don't make the same mistakes!

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Tools

4 Ways to Calculate the Value of Your Company

Calculating your company valuation the right way is critical, but there's not one right answer. Here are the 4 most common valuation methods.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Tips

Confidentiality: When to Tell Employees & Customers You're Selling Your Business

Don't jeopardize your company, your relationships, or your exit by telling the team about the sale of company at the wrong time.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan
Best Practices

Who Should You Hire to Help Sell Your Company?

If you’re planning on selling your business, you may want to hire an M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) advisor to help you build out the best team of experts to support you through the sale of your company.

Todd Sullivan.
Todd Sullivan

Find Your M&A Expert Today

Let Exitwise introduce, hire and manage the best, industry specialized, investment bankers, M&A attorneys, tax accountants and other M&A advisors to help you maximize the sale of your business.