What is the Difference Between an Investment Banker, Business Broker and Exit Planner?

Finding a GuideImportant Terms
Written By Mike Simpson

For founders exploring a sale or transition event for their business, knowing who does what, and which terms matter most, can be pretty confusing. Do you need to use an Investment Banker? Is a Business Broker the same role with a different title? What's an Exit Planner? Here's a quick summary, from our perspective.

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6 Secrets to Selling Your Business

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Is Your Business a Qualified Small Business? The Section 1202 Tax Windfall
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions, taxes
Is Your Business a Qualified Small Business? The Section 1202 Tax Windfall
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions, taxes

Taxes can dramatically change what founders actually keep after selling a business. In this video, Kirk Michie introduces Section 1202, also known as the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exemption, and explains why founders should understand these rules long before going to market.

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Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions, taxes
RWI vs. Escrow: How to Keep More Cash at Closing Without the Risk
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
RWI vs. Escrow: How to Keep More Cash at Closing Without the Risk
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions

Many founders are surprised to learn that part of their sale proceeds may be tied up after closing. In this video, Kirk Michie explains how Rep & Warranty Insurance can sometimes reduce escrow requirements and help sellers keep more cash upfront.

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Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
The TSA Checklist: Defining Your Post-Sale Role Before You Sign
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
The TSA Checklist: Defining Your Post-Sale Role Before You Sign
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions

Many founders focus on valuation and overlook what happens after closing. A transition services agreement can quietly shape your role, responsibilities, and time commitment long after the deal is signed.

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Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
Platform vs. Add-On Acquisitions: How Private Equity Decides Your Valuation Multiple
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
Platform vs. Add-On Acquisitions: How Private Equity Decides Your Valuation Multiple
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions

Many founders hear terms like “platform company” or “tuck-in acquisition” during a sale process without understanding what they actually mean. In this video, Kirk Michie explains how private equity firms categorize businesses and why those labels can directly affect valuation multiples.

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Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
Q1 2026 M&A Market Update: Why Buyers Are Getting Pickier
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
Q1 2026 M&A Market Update: Why Buyers Are Getting Pickier
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions

The market is still strong for A and A+ companies, but private equity buyers are becoming more selective. Kirk Michie explains what founders should know before deciding whether now is the right time to sell.

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Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
Planning Ahead: Tax Strategy for Founder-Led Exits
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions
Planning Ahead: Tax Strategy for Founder-Led Exits
Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions

Most founders think about taxes too late in the sale process. In this video, Kirk Michie explains why exit tax planning should start earlier, how deal structure changes tax exposure, and why moving states right before a sale usually does not work the way founders expect.

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Selling Your Business, Private Equity, Selling Shares, Exit planning, Mergers & Acquisitions

INVESTMENT BANKING SERVICES

by Candor Advisors

The difference between an investment banker, business broker and exit planner
Candor Advisors
Mike Simpson https://variant.media
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