For most owners, selling a business is a once-in-a-lifetime event—one that carries enormous financial and personal significance. Yet, too often, sellers underestimate one of the most critical decisions in the process: selecting the right business broker. In fact, owners who attempt to sell without professional representation face a 60%–70% lower chance of successfully closing a deal.

Preparing to sell your company involves numerous critical steps, but few impact the final sale price as directly as enhancing your Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA). Buyers frequently use EBITDA as a key metric to determine business value, often applying an EBITDA multiple based on industry standards, growth potential, and perceived risk. Therefore, understanding how to increase EBITDA before selling is essential for business owners seeking to maximize their exit value.

What happens when leadership in a family-owned business changes hands—but no one knows exactly how, when, or to whom? According to PwC’s 2023 Family Business Survey, only 34% of family businesses have a formal succession plan in place, even though 76% expect to pass ownership to the next generation. That gap poses a risk to the entire enterprise.

Mergers and acquisitions involve high-stakes decisions that directly impact ownership, valuation, and long-term business outcomes. At the centre of every successful mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction is the negotiation phase, where the deal structure, purchase price, and risk allocation are determined. This stage shapes the final agreement and influences whether both the buyer and seller achieve their objectives. Strong negotiation tactics and a clear strategy are essential. Without them, deals can collapse, terms may become unfavorable, or parties may walk away with diminished value.

Are you thinking it’s time to sell your insurance agency, or simply curious about how to value an insurance entity before making any major moves? This in-depth guide covers everything from the initial evaluation process to identifying your potential buyers. Whether you’re an agency owner or just exploring your options, we’ll walk you through how to determine the value of your agency so you can make the best possible decision. Don’t just sell—learn how to maximize the value of your insurance agency. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to position your business in a way that attracts the right buyer at the most favorable sale price.

What causes most small business sales to fall apart after an offer is accepted? According to data from Axial, nearly 70% of failed transactions break down during due diligence. And the reasons are usually preventable—disorganized financials, misaligned expectations between buyer and seller, or trust issues that surface once the details come into focus. It's not that buyers aren’t interested or that the timing is off. More often, it’s that sellers aren't fully ready for what serious buyers need to see when they start digging into the numbers and operations.

Selling a business is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an entrepreneur. But it doesn’t have to drag on for years. With the right strategy, tools, and mindset, it’s possible to sell your company within six months—without losing value or making costly mistakes.

In this guide, we break down the core steps that accelerate a business sale, from financial prep to smart negotiation and post-sale planning. Whether you're preparing years in advance or need a quick exit, these strategies will help you sell with confidence and control.

In an acquisition, goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired company’s net identifiable assets (both tangible and intangible). It represents elements such as brand reputation, customer loyalty, and proprietary advantages that contribute to future earnings but cannot be individually measured or separately recognized as distinct assets. While goodwill can significantly impact the final purchase price of a business, determining its true value is often complex. Overestimating goodwill can lead to inflated valuations and potential write-downs, while undervaluing it may result in leaving money on the table during negotiations.