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Oaklyn Consulting

Expert Guidance For Crucial Capital Decisions

We’re here to help with the big decisions that determine the direction of an organization. The financial and strategic decisions that might include accepting outside investment, negotiating with potential investors, merging with a competitor, or transitioning to successor ownership.

Whatever the case, we’ll help by guiding you through one of the most complex transactions you will face as an organizational leader or business owner.

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150+

Clients

4000+

Stakeholders

50:50

Close-to-Pass Ratio

A Different Kind of Investment Banking Advisor

For Small To Mid-Sized Organizations

At Oaklyn Consulting, unlike traditional investment banking advisors, we work as consultants -not brokers- to provide expert guidance for small to mid-sized organizations. We help where traditional investment banking advisors cannot.

Mergers

Acquisitions

Capital Raises

Recapitalizations

Joint Ventures

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As Featured In

Set Your Organization On a Path To Success

With Oaklyn Consulting by your side, you can confidently navigate the turbulent landscape of venture capital governance.

Succession

Looking for a needle in a haystack?
Find the ideal successor.

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Buy a Business

Match made in heaven or…
On buying a business.

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Private Equity

The whale swallows the minnow.
Private equity makes your company an offer.

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Sell Your Business

Life in the fast lane? Whoops, red light ahead.
How to get to the sale and avoid the legal mumbo jumbo.

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Structure Joint Ventures

Saying goodbye to the angel and hello to…
Is it time to seek venture capital?

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Refinance Debt

When one door shuts, another opens.
Time to shop for a new bank?

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Maximize Your Value

The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
How do I maximize the value of my company?

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Work With Investors

Rough seas ahead?
Talking to investors in tough times.

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Who We Serve

Entrepreneur Owner-Managers

Our mission is to support entrepreneur owner-managers with the complexities of making important financial and strategic decisions. Our expertise in working with business owners allows us to provide an unbiased perspective as you navigate through the tough choices that come with growing your company. Whether it's weighing the pros and cons of accepting outside investment or merging with a competitor, we're here to help. Our team of experienced consultants understands that no two businesses are alike, and we tailor our approach to fit your specific needs.

Nonprofits

We understand nonprofits sometimes grapple with mission-enhancing opportunities or needs requiring significant organizational change. That's why we specialize in providing expert consulting services to help make critical business decisions. Our team is dedicated to helping nonprofits navigate complex financial and strategic decisions. From buying or selling operating divisions, exploring creative approaches to leadership succession, negotiating with lenders or impact investors, or merging organizations, we're here to provide impartial advice and support.

Co-Ops

We specialize in helping co-ops make big decisions. As business owners dedicated to creating customer/member value rather than shareholder value, we know that you face the same strategic decisions as other businesses - succession, capitalization, and the opportunity to purchase or sell operations - but with different stakeholder interests at play. Our team provides unbiased guidance and support as you navigate these decisions.

Professional Services Firms

We understand the unique challenges professional services firms face when navigating strategic and financial matters. Transactions involve a distinct mix of employment and shareholder considerations that can differ from other businesses. Whether you're a law firm, accounting practice, physicians group, creative agency, or management consulting firm, our team is dedicated to providing customized transaction advice that fits your specific needs and goals.

Investor Backed Companies

We specialize in providing professional expertise and guidance to investor-backed companies whose situations are not well served by traditional investment banking firms. Perhaps deal size, special stakeholder considerations, financial distress, or unique deal opportunities have caused transaction advice to be hard to find. Our approach is to tailor transaction engagements, focusing on independent advice and scoping the work to meet your budget. Our team is here to help you manage risk, negotiate wisely and chart the best path forward, deal or no deal. Put your investor's mind at ease and let Oaklyn Consulting be your trusted advisor.

Four Things to Consider About a Deal Before Price

When selling a business, price isn’t always the most important factor. Business sellers often look for buyers who align with their vision and the company’s future potential.

This guide contains four critical factors to consider before focusing on price to get the best outcome.

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How to Sell a Business in 5 Simple Steps: A Guide for SMBs

There’s nothing simple about selling a business. The road to a successful sale is often rocky, with plenty of detours and wrong turns along the way.

Every journey begins with a first step — and with that in mind, we wrote the five steps on how to sell a business.

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Negotiating the Best Deal: A Checklist for Business Sellers

Successfully selling a business can be challenging as the process entails careful planning, strategic thinking, and the ability to negotiate effectively to ensure the best deal possible.

Every deal is different, but you can get the best possible outcome by following these five steps.

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Why Corporate Development Should Be Viewed as Sales Instead of Purchasing

Corporate development is about building partnerships, not just making purchases.

Our guide explains how to shift from a purchasing mindset to a sales approach, from creating an opportunity funnel to addressing sellers’ key concerns to ensure long-term success for both parties.

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Understanding Business Valuation: Considerations for Potential Buyers

Acquiring a business can drive growth, but overpaying is risky. Accurate valuation is essential, especially for first-time buyers.

Our guide covers key methods like times-revenue and scenario analysis to provide a complete view of a company’s worth and potential risks.

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How Not to Be a Turkey in Getting to a Deal

Closing a deal can often feel like navigating a Thanksgiving family dinner, where everyone has their own agendas and interests.

Without the right strategy, you risk making costly mistakes. So it’s essential to arrive at the table well prepared, with all the skills and tools you’ll need to have your greatest chance of success.

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News & Insights

Putting Together a Seamless Transition Plan

Ask Us Anything Dear Oaklyn Consulting, I started a nonprofit 8 years ago after my son passed so that I could create an impact while honoring him. We’ve been able to grow and help thousands of individuals. I am getting to the point of retirement and want to figure...

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Help Me With Options For Obtaining Capital

Ask Us Anything Dear Oaklyn Consulting, I have a business that needs a cash inflow. However, my local bank is not willing to provide more credit. What other options do I have to obtain capital, and what are the pros and cons of each alternative?   From Oaklyn...

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Oaklyn Consulting

Selling and Retirement

Ask Us Anything Dear Oaklyn Consulting, I’m 61 years old and have been working in/running my business for 40 years. I want to retire and I don’t know if I can find a buyer that will pay enough to allow me to retire comfortably on the proceeds. What options should I...

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Oaklyn Consulting

Is Now The Right Time To Sell My Business?

Ask Us Anything Dear Oaklyn Consulting, For the last five years, I’ve been making 65% to 75% gross profit. I know in the next few years, gross profit is going to shrink because of new competition coming into the market. What advice do you have for me to consider...

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Oaklyn Consulting

How to Navigate Business Debt and Equity Options

When closely held businesses need capital, they generally have two options — getting a bank loan or seeking out private investors. While a loan isn’t going to be a viable solution for every liquidity need a business has, it can be significantly less expensive in...

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Oaklyn Consulting

Help Me With a Conflict in My Family Business

Ask Us Anything Dear Oaklyn Consulting, Three members of our family business (a father and two sons) are not getting along. The father isn't retiring and wants to control the business, while the sons would like to sell the business. What advice do you have for the...

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Oaklyn Consulting

Help Me With a Succession Plan

Ask Us Anything Dear Oaklyn Consulting, It’s been a really hard year. I own a business that I’ve been successfully running for the last 15 years. I’ve had some health troubles that have pushed me to a position where my doctors are suggesting that I need to retire...

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Help Me With Acquiring a Business

Help Me With Acquiring a Business

Ask Us Anything Dear Oaklyn Consulting, I am a business owner who has a substantial local presence. I’m considering acquiring a competitor that has a larger presence outside my current market. This move would expand our footprint immediately and give us the...

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