Episode 60: Buying a Business in the Era of Mass Retirement

Brandon Mendez, Ph.D., CPA, Professor of Finance at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, joins Stephan in the studio for a conversation on the wave of business acquisitions reshaping private markets right now. With a generation of business owners hitting retirement age at the same time, private equity firms are moving fast, and individual buyers are competing in a market that is more crowded and more complex than it has ever been. Brandon and Stephan work through how to evaluate multiples and what seller discretionary earnings actually obscure, why PE has a structural advantage that individual buyers rarely overcome on price alone, how AI is beginning to shift the talent calculus for anyone acquiring a business, and what the financial statement red flags look like before you sign an NDA and after. Stay in touch beyond the podcast: Newsletter: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/newsletter Start your planning journey: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/welcome Submit a question for the show: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/podcast The information provided in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. Investing in financial markets involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any investment decisions, you should consult with a qualified financial advisor, who can assess your individual financial situation, objectives and risk tolerance. Thanks for listening!