If you're a founder or deal professional involved in a buyout or recap transaction, there will be a point in marking up documents and exchanging information where it might seem like your buyer is your enemy. Take a step back, check in with your WHY and the judgement of your advisors, and appreciate the nuance of negotiating versus battling.

If you're selling your business and your prospective buyer is asking for more information than they need to provide you with an LOI and a sense of valuation, they may be signalling what it's like to work with them longer term.

The gap between Seller Expectations and Market Realities in buyouts can often be solved with structure; earn outs, rolled equity, seller notes, and other tools. With a willing buyer and motivated seller, there's always a way to get a deal done.

Founders are often surprised to learn that most buyouts won't result in them receiving 100% of their proceeds at the close of escrow when selling their business. Deal terms and structure make a massive difference - be careful!

Founders often ask us what investment bankers and M&A professionals mean when they talk about all the "dry powder out there". And maybe more importantly, why it should matter to them. Here’s a quick primer on why this might matter to you…