Where Do M&A Advisors Add the Most Value?

As a Canadian business owner running a company with revenues between $5 million and $50 million, you're likely at a crossroads. Maybe you're eyeing retirement, a pivot to new ventures, or simply capitalizing on your hard work. Selling a private business isn't straightforward. It's a complex process fraught with risks, from undervaluation to deal-killing negotiations. This is where hiring an M&A advisor shines. Empirical data shows advisors can boost your sale price by 1.25x EBITDA—translating to an extra $1.25 million to $6.25 million for businesses with $1-5 million in EBITDA. In this post, we'll break down the sell-side process, highlight where advisors add the most value (backed by studies), and offer tailored advice for Canadian owners like you.You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.Let's begin. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group. While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!