M&A - Why Selling to the Highest Bidder Puts Your Company in Danger

Founders and shareholders want to be rewarded for what they have built and the sacrifices they have made. That is entirely legitimate. But somewhere between appointing a sell-side advisor and closing the deal, something shifts. What begins with aspirations around legacy, employees, and mission narrows, step by step, until the entire exit is framed around one variable: maximum valuation. That narrowing is not an accident. It is the direct product of how the standard mergers and acquisitions process is designed. And it sets in motion a chain of consequences that can jeopardize the very business being sold. 70 to 90% of acquisitions fail to deliver their expected value. The company sold pays the ultimate price. We examine why the standard M&A playbook produces this outcome, what it does to both sellers and buyers along the way, and what a different process looks like.This episode of Sold On is inspired by the article written by Amine Laouedj, Managing Director at Glenshore, available at https://www.glenshore.com/articles/mergers-and-acquisitions-why-selling-to-the-highest-bidder-can-jeopardise-your-companys-future Date of recording: 04 April 2026Disclaimer: The analysis contained herein reflects publicly available information as of the date of publication, sourced from official filings, academic literature, and verified secondary sources without the use of proprietary or non-public data. The views expressed are those of Glenshore and are provided solely for informational and educational purposes; they do not constitute investment or financial advice, nor a recommendation to take any particular action. This material may contain forward-looking statements, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Glenshore makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and disclaims any liability for reliance upon it for any purpose. Any third-party organization mentioned is the property of its respective company and is used strictly for identification purposes. This material may not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of Glenshore. © 2026 Glenshore Limited. All Rights Reserved.