5 Smart Tips for Structuring Earn-Outs That Create Win-Win M&A Deals

5 Smart Tips for Structuring Earn-Outs That Create Win-Win M&A Deals When buyer and seller can’t fully agree on valuation at the time of acquisition, earn-outs become the bridge. Structured properly, they align interests, reduce risk, and help close deals that might otherwise fall apart. But if mishandled, earn-outs can breed resentment, disputes, and post-close […]

QofE for eCommerce: Key Differences and Critical Risks to Watch Out For in 2025

QofE for eCommerce: Key Differences and Critical Risks to Watch Out For in 2025 If you’re evaluating an eCommerce business for acquisition, you can’t rely on traditional due diligence alone. You need a QofE for eCommerce process specifically tailored to how these businesses operate and how they’re often structured to look more profitable than they […]

What Is EBITDA and Why It’s Essential for Smart M&A Valuation in 2025

What Is EBITDA and Why It Matters in M&A Valuation If you’re exploring mergers and acquisitions, you’ve likely heard the term “EBITDA” used frequently—by brokers, advisors, and financial buyers. But what exactly is EBITDA, and why does it matter so much in M&A valuation? In this guide, we’ll break down what EBITDA is, how it’s […]

4 Ways a QofE Report matters More Than Just Financial Due Diligence

Why a QofE Report Is More Than Just Financial Due Diligence When buying or selling a business, most people think due diligence means digging through financials, checking tax returns, and reviewing legal documents. But a strong Quality of Earnings (QofE) report does far more than confirm the numbers—it tells the story behind the earnings, uncovers […]

Seller Due Diligence: How to Master Your Prep for a Clean Exit in 2025

Seller Due Diligence: How to Prep for a Clean Exit Thinking about selling your business? Before you list it or speak to buyers, it’s critical to prepare for seller due diligence. Getting your house in order early helps avoid surprises, increases your valuation, and positions you as a professional seller—not a disorganized one. In this […]

Essential Addbacks in a QofE Report: 4 Types You Must Know

Addbacks Explained: What Counts in a QofE Report? When evaluating a business for acquisition, one of the most important, but often misunderstood concepts is the idea of “addbacks.” In a Quality of Earnings (QofE) report, addbacks help buyers and sellers arrive at a more accurate picture of a business’s true profitability. In this guide, we’ll […]

The Most Common Deal Killers in M&A: 8 Essential ways to Avoid Them

The Most Common Deal Killers in M&A and How to Avoid Them Mergers and acquisitions can unlock exponential growth—but they’re also complex, emotional, and filled with hidden landmines. Even the most promising deals can fall apart late in the game due to issues that could’ve been addressed earlier also known as common deal killers. In […]

How a QofE Report Helps You Avoid Overpaying for a Business

How a QofE Report Helps You Avoid Overpaying for a Business Buying a business is a major financial commitment—and one of the biggest mistakes buyers make is paying more than a company is truly worth. When sellers present clean-looking financials, it’s easy to assume the price matches performance. But beneath the surface, numbers can be […]

Financial Due Diligence: 10 Essential Checklist Points for First-Time Buyers

Financial Due Diligence Checklist for First-Time Buyers Buying your first business is a milestone—but it also comes with financial risks. Before you wire a down payment or sign a definitive agreement, you need a full picture of what you’re buying. That’s where financial due diligence comes in. This guide will walk you through a detailed […]

Top 7 Red Flags a QofE Report Can Reveal Before You Buy

Top 7 Red Flags a QofE Report Can Reveal Before You Buy When acquiring a business, the financial statements rarely tell the full story. That’s why savvy buyers rely on a QofE report to separate fact from fiction. A well-prepared QofE helps you understand the true earning power of the company—and more importantly, it can […]