Features
How to Spot Warning Signs that a Deal Is in Danger
Read the article in The Middle Market.Bringing an M&A deal across the finish line can be a long and perilous road. No matter how certain a transaction might initially seem, there’s always the possibility that one party can abruptly change its plans and drop out —...
What to Do When It’s Hard to Sell Your Business (Niche or Not)
Read the article in The American Genius.There are many hurdles that can arrive when you are trying to sell your business – here are some tips to meet yours and your buyer’s needs. Having a profitable business is no guarantee that you’ll one day be able to easily sell...
3 Signs an M&A Deal Is in Trouble
Read the article in CFO.Spotting signs of trouble early is critical for CFOs to prevent a deal from derailing. Not every CFO will experience M&A firsthand during their career. But those who do typically find that their existing skillset makes them a crucial asset...
4 Tips for Pitching Investors in Today’s Economy
Read the article in CFO.Any company that intends to grow past a certain point eventually reaches the familiar milestone of pitching to private capital sources in hopes of securing additional funding. Those businesses that tend to be most successful are the ones that...
Resolving Conflicts in a Family Business
Read the article in Small Business Current.When family members run a business together, the experience often draws them closer, but there are inherent risks as well. Having years of personal history with one’s co-workers can sometimes lead to non-work disputes...
How To Work Through Conflicts In a Family Business
Creating a family business comes with a lot of positives, as well as a lot of challenges. Here’s how to handle those conflicts as they arise. Thanks to The American Genius for having me! Read the article in PDF.Anyone who’s managed a business with other family members...
Monty Bruell Interview with Business Radio X
Our Monty Bruell sat down with Business Radio X to discuss succession planning in minority and women-owned businesses. Listen on Spotify or Amazon Music or read the transcript below!INTRO: Broadcasting live from the business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it's...
Succession Planning for Minority and Female Business Owners
For the founders of minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), succession planning takes on a deeper significance. Our Monty Bruell explains in a guest column for Memphis Business Journal. Read the article in PDF.Any entrepreneur approaching retirement has...
Oaklyn’s Leah Williams Featured in Business Insider; She Shares 5 Strategies for Crafting Memorable Pitch Decks
We were proud to see our own Leah Williams recently spotlighted in Business Insider! Leah joined Oaklyn in June 2021 as an investor communications consultant and helps us with the important work of crafting persuasive, compelling pitch decks to help our clients tell...
The Network Journal: Why Succession Planning Is A Must For Black-Owned Businesses
At a time when Black communities tend to be underserved by the traditional mergers and acquisitions consultant structure, engaging an experienced advisor may be your best bet for a smooth transition. Our Monty Bruell offers his expertise in this interview with The...
CFO: 1st Time M&A: 3 Challenges CFOs Will Face
A CFO can go through an entire career without doing a deal, but when your company puts it on the table, you must be ready. Read my piece for CFO below. Read the article in PDF.CFOs are a source of accuracy within an organization — essential for providing data related...
Chattanooga Times Free Press: Why Some Small Business Owners are Going Back to Work
The freedom to shape one’s own destiny is what attracts many to entrepreneurship. But over time, the stresses of the job can make CEOs want to graduate to a job with fewer responsibilities. Read my article for Chattanooga Times Free Press below. Read the article in...
The Importance of Legacy for MWBEs
Our Monty Bruell shared his thoughts on the importance of a succession plan with Minority Business Entrepreneur Magazine. Read the article below Read the article in PDF.As an entrepreneur, you look after the most minute, granular details of every aspect of your...
CFO: 3 Roles CFOs Must Learn to Be an M&A Player
Understand the areas where CFOs can make a meaningful contribution and where they should step back. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts with CFO. Read the article in PDF.CFOs are the truth-tellers of the executive team. They bring facts and certainty to the company’s...
CFO: 3 M&A Pitfalls CFOs Must Avoid
While the element of risk cannot be completely mitigated, CFOs can sidestep obstacles and keep the M&A process moving toward a positive outcome. Thanks to CFO inviting me to share my thoughts! Read the article in PDF.Deciding to move forward on a company merger is...
BOSS Magazine: How Entrepreneurs Can Create a Seamless Exit for Early Investors
Thanks to BOSS Magazine for having me — I enjoyed sharing my thoughts on how to get your early investors their money back and keep them happy during the process. Read the article in PDF.A successful business might start with a good idea. But turning that idea into...
Why Some Company Owners are Returning to Outside Employment
Some business owners may find themselves wanting to revert. If so, what steps come next in order to sell the company off? Thanks to The American Genius for having me! Read the article in PDF.It’s good to be the boss. Or is it? Despite the freedom that leading a...
Family First: Transferring Your Business to the Next Generation
I enjoyed sharing my thoughts on transferring a business to the next generation with Modern Contractor Solutions Magazine. Read the article in PDF.Anyone who has founded a construction business knows that success is often a slow climb, involving years of...
5 Steps to Transfer a Construction Business to a Family Member
Succession planning can be complicated, but these tips will smooth the process. Thank you for having me, Construction Dive! Read the article in PDF.Building a successful construction business isn’t an overnight process. It takes years to build relationships and...
The CEO’s Role in Selling Their Company
As an investment banker, I have helped many CEOs and owners sell their businesses. And I have seen a huge difference in the result when a CEO is directly involved in the sales process versus when they are not. Thank you to Small Business Currents for having me! Read...
Why Some Small Business Owners Are Going Back to Work
For those who’ve become tired of the responsibilities of small business ownership, there’s no shame in seeking out a different opportunity. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts with Boss Magazine! Read the article in PDF.Owning a business has its perks. But the reality of...
BOSS Magazine: How CEOs’ Existing Skills Can Contribute to a Successful Company Sale
Entrepreneurs can play a vital role in the company sale process by utilizing their existing sales skills, networking capabilities and industry expertise. Thanks, BOSS Magazine, for having me! Read the article in PDF.Selling one’s business is something most...
The American Genius: How CEOs Can Use Existing Skills to Support Their Company Sale
One of the biggest predictors of a smooth and successful sale of a business is when the company owner takes on an active role in the process. Thank you, The American Genius, for allowing me to share my thoughts! Read the article in PDF.Anyone who’s built a company...
SIMON SAYS, LET’S TALK BUSINESS: Frank Williamson with Oaklyn Consulting
I recently sat down with Al Simon of Sandler Simon to chat about how Oaklyn helps prepare business owners to work effectively and navigate their big decisions. Thanks for having me, Al! Read below or listen here.Al Simon: Hello. Welcome to Simon Says Let's Talk...
NonProfitPRO: How Nonprofits Can Use a Merger or Acquisition to Further Their Missions
30% of nonprofits fail within their first 10 years — that’s why I was honored to share my thoughts with NonProfitPRO about how charitable organizations can turn to a merger or acquisition to help fund their mission and sustain their operations for years to come. Read...
Next City: How Diversity-Focused Succession Planning Can Make Industries More Equitable
I enjoyed the opportunity to share my thoughts on how strategic leadership can make a difference with Next City. Read the article in PDF.During the 1980s industrial crisis, the City of Chicago hired Dan Swinney, a then-union leader of the manufacturing industry and...
BOSS: What ‘Lifestyle Company’ Owners Should Consider Before Selling
As we see increased signs of normalcy arriving in the economy, some business owners who’ve made it through the past year are more than ready to hand over the reins to somebody else. But is it worth it to sell? Thanks to Boss Magazine for having me! Read the article in...
Small Biz Daily: Before Selling Your ‘Lifestyle Business,’ Consider Other Options
As we emerge from the challenging period that was 2020, many business owners are ready for a change that could include a sale — however, before deciding to sell, it’s worth looking at the pros and cons of the alternatives available. Thanks to Small Biz Daily for the...
CEOWorld: When Owning a Company No Longer Fits Your Lifestyle
If your position as business owner is no longer suiting your lifestyle, it may be time to pivot. Thanks to CEO World for having me! Read the article in PDF.As more people are getting vaccinated and fewer COVID-19 cases are being reported, things seem to be getting...
CFO: Five Key Elements of a Successful Investor Pitch
Crafting a solid pitch involves answering the overarching question on investors’ minds: “Why should I believe that this company will make me money?” Here are five elements of a pitch that can build trust with investors and convince them to provide capital. Thanks for...
CFO Dive: Bankers’ Main CFO Gripe: Lack of Transparency
CFOs and their treasurers can get more from their banking relationships if they treat them more as partnerships than customer-seller transactions, banking specialists say. Thanks for the mention, Ted Knutson and CFO Dive! Read the article in PDF.A CFO that was trying...
BOSS: 5 Essential Elements of a Private Equity Investor Pitch
Why should investors believe that you are going to make them money? Here are five elements to include in your investor pitch. Thanks to Boss Magazine for having me! Read the article in PDF.Successfully drawing equity investors to your business requires more than being...
Private Company Director: Why Your Board of Directors Should Consider Selling (or Buying) Distressed Assets
At the board level, members have an important role in helping management identify and make long-term decisions about their company’s distressed assets, as well as how to allocate resources to areas that might thrive with additional investment. Thank you, Private...
CEOWorld: Pitching to Investors: 5 Critical Components to Include
Now more than ever, businesses are seeking capital. How do you break through the competition and present a pitch that resonates with your investors? Thank you to CEOWorld for allowing me to share my thoughts on this timely topic. Read the article in PDF.Most CEOs...
CFO: M&A Deal Price: Agreeing to Disagree
Completing a merger or acquisition now could be a lifesaver for some struggling businesses during the current economic climate. For companies in a position to buy, agreeing to disagree on price could allow them to complete a large acquisition during a period of...
BOSS: How to Finalize an M&A Deal Right Now? Agree to Disagree.
During a period when current revenue might not reflect a business’s true value, disagreement over price can be a roadblock keeping some M&A deals from moving forward. But buyers and sellers trying to make an M&A deal can overcome their difference of opinion...
CFO Dive: 5 CFO Tips For Tapping Today’s Abundant Capital
Record monetary and fiscal stimulus is flooding markets with liquidity, giving CFOs an unusual opportunity to improve capital structure. Thanks to CFO Dive and Jim Tyson for sharing my thoughts on the current landscape. Read the article in CFO Dive. Read the article...
CEOWorld Magazine: Why Getting an M&A Deal Done Right Now Might Mean Agreeing to Disagree
If a business doesn’t have a pressing need to get a deal done right away, it often makes sense to wait. But sometimes, companies have a compelling reason to solidify a merger or acquisition immediately, which means business leaders may have to agree to disagree on...
SmallBizDaily: 7 Considerations to Optimize Troubled Assets – Whether Buying or Selling
As 2020’s challenges flow into 2021, businesses are strategically planning long-term initiatives that will carry them through the pandemic and beyond. Whether they were considering it before the pandemic or not, some companies may benefit from purchasing or selling...
CFO: The Decision to Buy or Sell Non-Core Assets
CFOs can offer their companies valuable insight into where the business can generate value and where things can improve. I enjoyed offering my thoughts to CFO on how business leaders can guide their companies in selling non-core assets or investing in another...
BOSS Magazine: Is Now the Right Time to Sell (or Buy) Distressed Assets?
Though the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for many, there is still room for forward-thinking leaders to create opportunities. To prepare for the long-term, many have turned to selling distressed assets and reinforcing the strongest parts of their business...
Chronicle of Philanthropy: How Mergers Can Help Struggling Nonprofits Survive and Thrive
Thank you to David Dennis and The Chronicle of Philanthropy for featuring our work with Eckerd Connects and Odle Management. We partnered with Capital Strategies Group to facilitate a merger between these two firms, which will help connect underserved youth and adults...
BOSS Magazine: How a Merger or Acquisition Can Provide a Lifeline to Nonprofits During the Pandemic
Many nonprofits face the challenge of securing funding, which has only been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic and unstable economy. For struggling nonprofits, a merger or acquisition with a like-minded organization may be the lifeline they need to survive and emerge...
Space Coast Business: A Timely and Far-Reaching Merger: Eckerd Connects & Odle Management
Thank you to Eric Wright and Space Coast Business for featuring our work with Eckerd Connects and Odle Management in their latest issue. We’re proud to have partnered with Capital Strategies Group to facilitate a merger between these two companies, which will help...
36|86: Building Relationships with Investors
Thanks to Launch Tennessee for hosting another great year of 36|86, a festival connecting innovators, pioneers, investors and visionaries to shape the business community of the future. A big thanks to all who joined my session on building relationships with investors...
Memphis Business Journal: Mergers can help struggling nonprofits survive the pandemic
Many nonprofits face the challenge of securing funding, which has only been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic and unstable economy. Struggling nonprofits may find that a merger or acquisition with a likeminded organization is just what they need to survive the...
Family Business Magazine: Scenario Analysis Can Help You Prepare for an Uncertain Future
The major events that have already occurred in 2020 such as oil price cuts, stock market volatility and the coronavirus pandemic have shown the importance of scenario analysis among businesses. Scenario thinking is the process of imagining several possible future...
Webinar: Selling a Privately Held Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Thanks to Jonathan Minnen and Smith, Gambrell & Russell for having me on their recent webinar to discuss selling a privately held business during the coronavirus pandemic. Watch the webinar below to hear about the traditional methods of determining purchase prices,...
Triangle Business Journal: North Carolina’s Brewers, Bakers and Other Small Businesses Fight to Hold on as Stimulus Funds Dwindle
As the economy staggers amid a raging pandemic, businesses are in a precarious situation as their federal relief funds are used up. The question for many: Without another round of stimulus, is bankruptcy ahead? Thanks to Lauren Ohnesorge of the Triangle Business...
Triangle Business Journal: New Scrutiny of PPP Forgiveness Seekers Will Come From Their Lenders – Not SBA
In the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, bankers and lenders tirelessly worked to process applications and secure Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for their clients. As a result, lenders were guaranteed up to five percent in processing fees by the Small...
CFO: How to Keep the Bankers and Investors on Your Side During a Recession
It’s important to communicate to your banker and investors that you have a handle on the issues facing your company — but that you need their support. Thanks to CFO for having me share my thoughts on communicating with bankers and investors during uncertain times....
South Florida Business Journal: Nashville Company With Miami Office Bought by Global Market Research Firm
The South Florida Business Journal shared about the recent acquisition of Nashville’s 20|20 Research by New Jersey market research company Schlesinger Group. Oaklyn Consulting assisted 20|20 Research throughout the transaction process. Read the article in South...
Nashville Post: Oaklyn Assists in Acquisition of Nashville’s 20|20 Research
We provided investment banking services to Nashville’s 20|20 Research related to their recent acquisition by New Jersey market research company Schlesinger Group. Read the article in the Nashville Post. Read the article in PDF.LOCAL MARKETING FIRM SELLS TO NEW JERSEY...
Nashville Business Journal: Nashville Company Bought by Global Market Research Firm
Thanks to the Nashville Business Journal for sharing the news of 20|20 Research’s recent acquisition by New Jersey market research company Schlesinger Group. We were proud to assist 20|20 with the transaction. Read the article in the Nashville Business Journal. Read...
BOSS Magazine: 5 Tips for Talking to Your Banker and Investors During a Looming Recession
Your capital providers understand that your business has been affected by the coronavirus and market volatility. It’s your responsibility to ensure them that you have the situation under control so they will confidently support you moving forward. Thanks to BOSS...
BOSS Magazine: How Business Leaders Can Reduce Uncertainty with Scenario Thinking
Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the volatile stock market have left business leaders feeling unsettled, but scenario thinking can help prepare for future outcomes. Take a look at my column in BOSS Magazine to learn what scenario thinking is and the...
Memphis Business Journal: How to Use Emotional Intelligence to Improve Business Negotiations
Because the mergers and acquisitions process is naturally complex, it’s important to continuously look for ways to make the process smoother and more harmonious. One way to do that is by practicing emotional intelligence, whether you’re on the buying or selling side...
Chattanooga Times Free Press: How to Talk to Your Banker and Investors During The Coronavirus Crisis
I’ve now experienced four recessions throughout my career in finance, and one thing I’ve learned is that business leaders must ensure competence and confidence to their capital partners. in times of uncertainty, there are six ways of communicating with your banker and...
AM&AA MidMarket Talk: How to Improve Business Negotiations Using Emotional Intelligence
As a transaction attorney, you may find yourself acting as a counselor, helping your client weigh their options to make a positive business choice. In this role, you can encourage the practice of emotional intelligence to help the negotiation process run smoothly....
Enterprise Suite: How to Improve Business Negotiations Using Emotional Intelligence
This article originally appeared in Corporate Counsel on March 3, 2020. Emotional intelligence (EQ) can make business negotiations smoother and more harmonious. As a transaction attorney, you can encourage your clients to adopt EQ, increasing the chance that both...
SmallBizDaily: Handling a Merger or Acquisition: How to Support Your CFO During a Deal
A CFO may find himself with new responsibilities during a merger or acquisition, some of which may not necessarily align with his skillset. As a result, board members might be inclined to bring in a new CFO with deal experience, but doing so is not always the best...
SmallBizDaily: The Value of Time in Planning a Pivotal Business Transaction
For business leaders considering a merger or acquisition, preparing can begin as early as two or three years in advance. It’s wise to provide ample time to identify strategic partners, target decision-makers and set up meetings. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts on the...
BOSS Magazine: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Business Negotiations
Developing the capacity for emotional intelligence can make the M&A negotiation process faster and smoother by encouraging cooperation and respect for the needs of the parties involved. Thanks to BOSS Magazine for inviting me to share my thoughts on the value of...
Law360: How Emotional Intelligence Can Benefit Transactional Attys
From my experience in the M&A process, transactional attorneys can take one of two roles – either as a technician, who does what the client needs when he needs it, or as a counselor, who works to carefully guide his client through the challenges that occur during...
BOSS Magazine: The 5 Stakeholders to Consider in Your Post-Merger Integration Plan
Signing on the dotted line means the merger or acquisition is really just beginning – it's when you stop discussing what's going to be done and start doing it. That's why it's especially important to create a detailed post-merger integration plan that carefully...
SmallBizDaily: 5 Stakeholders to Consider During Post-Deal Integration
The close of a deal is certainly cause for celebration, but it doesn't mean the work is over. In fact, what comes next is a far busier and more important season for the buyer. There are five key stakeholders that should be carefully considered during post-deal...
Business.com: Venture Capital Winners and Losers: How to Stop the Bleeding From a Struggling VC Investment and How to Capitalize on Success
Risk-taking is a natural part of venture capital. Many times, investments turn out just as expected. But other times, they can lead to either massive payoffs or problematic results. With either extreme, investors should be aware of their options. Thanks to...
Memphis Business Journal: How to Stop The Bleeding From a Struggling VC Investment
Venture capital investors typically know how to handle their clearly winning and losing investments. The challenging ones are those that could be valuable, but are currently bleeding cash. It was a pleasure to contribute an article to the Memphis Business...
SmallBizDaily: Offering Entrepreneurs More Than a Checkbook
Entrepreneurs dedicate their entire lives to building their businesses, so when it's time to sell, they're not always going to be interested in the largest sum of money. There are three things they often look for in business offers. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts on...
CFO: Not All CFOs Can Handle M&A
Chief financial officers typically have a large sum of abilities, but expertise of the mergers and acquisitions process is rarely needed in this role, and it can be an expensive skill to hire for. Outsourcing the dealmaking skillset only while it's needed is...
Edge Magazine: Fee-Based Investment Firm Named Most Innovative Company
It's an honor to receive the Gold Stevie Award for the Most Innovative Company of the Year for businesses with under 100 employees. We are grateful to be recognized by our hometown newspaper for this accomplishment. Read the article in Edge Magazine. Read the article...
Axial: 3 Steps to Take Before Launching a Family Office Direct Investment Strategy
If you’ve been asked to design the direct equity investment strategy for a family office, there are some things you should first consider before making any decisions. I was honored to contribute an article to Axial offering tips to ensure you're protecting and growing...
Memphis Business Journal: Why Manners – and Southern Etiquette – Can Make a Difference in Business
I enjoyed writing an article for the Memphis Business Journal about the importance of manners in the business world and the effect they can have on a person's career. Read the article in the Memphis Business Journal. Read the article in PDF.As a Southerner by birth, I...
Middle Market Growth: Private Capital Stitches Up Physician Practice Space
I was glad to participate in an article in Middle Market Growth's most recent issue, offering my thoughts on the trend of private equity firms flocking to physician-run practices Read the article in Middle Market Growth. Read the article in PDF.Private Capital...
EDGE: Why Southern Manners Still Matter in the Business World
In the South, we’re taught to mind our manners early on, but etiquette plays a large part in a person’s professional success. In the business world, "Southern manners" translates to respect for others, a commitment to community and a work-life balance. Read the...
CFO: How to Prepare for “Crossroads” Situations
"Crossroads” situations occur when a company needs to make a decisive step forward — but a number of options look equally appealing. In my latest article for CFO magazine, I offer advice on how executives can prepare for "crossroads" situations before they arise. Read...
Memphis Business Journal: Has Your Business Reached a Pivot Point?
Has your business reached a pivot point? Choosing to pursue a different business model isn’t an easy decision for entrepreneurs. In my latest Memphis Business Journal column, examine the question of when it’s time to pivot your business — and the three paths for doing...
Small Biz Daily: When the Sale of Your Business Spurs an Identity Crisis
We often think of business ownership as a financial commitment, but it’s a personal one as well. In my latest column for Small Biz Daily, I explain how business owners' personal identities can factor into their decision to sell their businesses. Read the article in...
Mergers & Acquisitions: How Mid-Market Companies Can Manage ‘Crossroads’ Situations
In my new column in Mergers & Acquisitions, I explore so-called "crossroads" transactions — complex situations that can turn potentially good companies into bad investment banking clients. Read the article in Mergers & Acquisitions. Read the article in...
Journal of Private Equity: Capital and Financial Strategies for Private Companies
I'm very proud to share the news that my academic article "Capital and Financial Strategies for Private Companies: Lessons from Their Publicly Traded Brethren" has been published in the fall 2018 issue of The Journal of Private Equity. An abstract can be found below:...
Nooga.com: 6 Steps for Entrepreneurs to Capitalize on the Strong Economy
I recently spoke with Chattanooga news website 'Nooga.com' about my advice for business owners seeking to take advantage of the current strong economy. Read the article in PDF.One local expert said the economy is strong and business owners can take advantage of that...
Business.com: 5 Ways to Grow Your Business in Today’s Economy
In my new article for Business.com, I discuss five ways that business owners can capitalize on the strength of the current economy. Read the article in PDF.These are good times for business owners. The stock market continues its nine-year rise, unemployment is...
Business.com: When Selling Your Business Causes an Identity Crisis
I recently contributed an article to Business.com offering guidance for entrepreneurs whose personal identity may be tied to their role as business owners. Read the article in PDF.When you run a business, you're tied to it both financially and personally. The...
Small Biz Daily: How to View Your Business Like an Investor
My latest column in Small Biz Daily offers advice to entrepreneurs on how to make their businesses more attractive to potential investors. Read the original article here.Starting a business takes a lot of effort and commitment. Because of this, it’s likely that your...
Memphis Business Journal: Approaching Your Business As If You’re an Investor
In my latest column for the Memphis Business Journal, I offer advice to entrepreneurs on how to understand and maximize their company's appeal to potential buyers. Read the original article here. Read the article in PDF.When you build a business from the ground up, it...
MidMarket Talk: 6 M&A Lessons That Even Experienced Pros Forget Sometimes
I recently penned an article for the Alliance of M&A Advisors' "MidMarket Talk" newsletter discussing some takeaways from a recent M&A forum that I participated in. Read the original article here. Read the article in PDF.Being an M&A advisor is an...
EDGE Magazine: 5 Actions to Grow Your Business in Today’s Economy
I recently contributed a column to the Chattanooga Times Free Press's business magazine, EDGE, offering advice to business owners looking to expand in today's economy. Read the original article here. Read the article in PDF.Our economy is thriving and it has never...
Small Business Today: 4 Questions You Should Ask Before Taking on a Business Partner
I recently contributed an article to Small Business Today magazine examining the big questions any entrepreneur should ask themselves before taking on a business partner. To read the article on the magazine's website, click here. Read the article in PDF.It’s been said...
Memphis Business Journal: Three Situations When You May Want to Sell Your Business
The prospect of selling one's business isn't something to take lightly. Yet, there are some situations when an offer might merit serious consideration. Jack Rainer recently wrote an article for the Memphis Business Journal examining three situations when a business...
Mergers & Acquisitions: 4 Things Private Equity Firms Can Do When Faced With an Underperforming Investment
Mergers and Acquisitions recently featured an article by Christopher Wright exploring the various options for private equity firms when they're trying to extract value out of an underperforming investment. Follow this link to read the original article. Read the...
MidMarket Talk: How an Hourly Billing Model Helps Us Reach Underserved Clients
The Alliance of M&A Advisors' MidMarket Talk newsletter recently featured my latest column, in which I discussed situations where our hourly billing model helps us serve clients more effectively. Find the original article here or read below. Read the article in...
Small Biz Daily: Managing Investor Relationships With Family and Friends
I recently wrote a column for Small Biz Daily featuring advice for navigating investor relationships with family and friends. Find the original article here or read below. Read the article in PDF.We’ve all heard the advice many times before: Don’t do business with...
CFO Magazine: What to Do When Your Boss Sells the Company
This article originally appeared in CFO magazine. To read the original version, click here.When a company is put up for sale, it creates a uniquely challenging situation for CFOs and other senior executives. At some point in their career, most employees are taken by...
Midlands Anchor: Medical Practice Buyout Offers – To Sell or Not To Sell?
A recent Physician’s Foundation Survey of 17,000 doctors found that healthcare providers “struggle to maintain morale levels, adapt to changing delivery and payment models, and provide patients with reasonable access to care.” These findings, along with the current...
Axial Forum: Is Debt or Equity Better for Your Business?
Our friends at Axial Forum reached out to 4 investment banking professionals for advice to business owners about when debt or equity financing is the right fit. My contribution was that the decision is determined by the type of business relationship a business owner...
Memphis Business Journal: Mergers/Acquisitions Are Not for the Faint of Heart
It’s easy for CEOs to catch deal fever. The symptom is that good things about a merger or acquisition appear closer than the risks. Our experience is that deal fever can be dangerous unless someone splashes cold water on the person who has it. In May, the Memphis...
BOSS Magazine: How To Do It Right – Transfer of a Family Business
Frank's advice on transferring ownership of a family business was featured in the May issue of BOSS Magazine. Find the original article here or read below. Read the article in PDF.HOW TO DO IT RIGHT: TRANSFER OF A FAMILY BUSINESS Many issues arise when considering the...
Midlands Anchor: Why You Shouldn’t Accept a Private Equity Firm’s Offer to Buy Your Business
On April 5, Midlands Anchor published Frank's article on why you should respectfully decline an offer for your company. You went into business because you believed in offering great choices for yourself, your clients and your employees; a sale should further that...
Small Business Daily: Acquisition or Expansion As the Best Route to Growth
Companies that ask our advice are often seeking funding to grow. Sometimes by acquisition, sometimes expansion. Both options are viable and both can be risky. Acquisition-driven growth can be fast, and complex. In the article linked here from Small Biz Daily, we lay...
Midlands Anchor: What Makes an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
It's hard to build a business in isolation. The impact of industry clusters is significant, and businesses grow when communities support them. A good example is the expansion of TCube Solutions in Columbia, SC: founder got experience in a big company in the industry...