E7: Q&A with Kayla Sullivan on What Buyers Look for in a Business

In this episode of Closing Remarks, Dara Shareef answers common questions business owners ask about valuation, buyers, and the M&A process as unfamiliar terms start to surface.Joining him is Kayla Sullivan, Benchmark International’s Operations Director, who brings more than a decade of M&A experience and insights gained from hundreds of transactions. Acting as the voice of the audience, she asks the questions business owners want answered, while Dara Shareef breaks down what EBITDA is, how businesses are valued in the M&A market, and what factors impact business value.Whether you’re actively preparing for a sale, considering a sale, or simply looking to better understand what drives business value, this conversation delivers practical insight into how buyers evaluate opportunities and what business owners should know as they plan for the future. What You’ll LearnWhat EBITDA is and why buyers use itHow businesses are valued in the M&A marketThe difference between enterprise value and equity valueCommon misconceptions about private equityWhat buyers look for when evaluating a businessFactors that can impact business value and buyer interestWhy timing and market conditions matter in the sale process