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Merger & Acquisition Advisors

Industry Experts

Summit Capital Advisors is the leading M&A advisory firm for lower-middle market manufacturing and industrial companies with $1M to $100M in revenue across the Great Lakes and Midwest regions trusted for our integrity, expertise, and owner-first approach.

  • $100M+ in Closed Transactions – Proven track record of successful business sales in the lower-middle market.
  • 20+ Years of Industry Expertise – Deep operational and M&A experience guiding owners through complex transitions.
  • 94% Successful Closing Rate - Far exceeding the industry average 20-30% success rate.
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How We Can Help

Our Services

Summit Capital Advisors specializes in providing industry leading M&A advisory services to lower-middle market manufacturing, industrial, distribution, and B2B service businesses throughout the Great Lakes and Midwest regions with $1M to $100M in revenue.

Exit on Your Terms

Sell a Business

We help business owners prepare, market, and sell their companies with confidence. From initial consultation to closing, we manage the entire process ensuring confidentiality, buyer alignment, and maximum value.

  • Sell Confidently
  • Maximize Value
  • Exit on Your Terms
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Understand Your Value

Business Valuation

Knowing your company’s worth is critical whether you're planning to sell, considering succession, or just want clarity. Our valuations are based on real market data, tailored to your industry, and designed to help you make informed decisions.

  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Qualitative Analysis
  • The Value Blueprint
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Buy with Confidence

Buy a Business

We assist qualified buyers in sourcing and acquiring profitable businesses that align with their strategic goals. From initial deal sourcing to due diligence, we help you invest in strategic acquisitions with clarity and confidence.

  • Capitalize on Market Opportunities
  • Minimize Investment Risks
  • Realize Growth Potential
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Who We Are

Founder's Story

Before I became an M&A advisor, I was a business owner, just like the clients I serve today. I’ve built, operated, and sold manufacturing and industrial companies of my own. I understand what it’s like to make tough decisions, manage people, juggle daily operations, and wonder what your business is really worth, or what your next chapter might look like.

Those experiences gave me a seat at both sides of the deal table. I led acquisitions, negotiated sales, and ultimately achieved my own successful exit learning firsthand what drives value, what buyers truly look for, what most sellers overlook, and ultimately where other M&A advisors fell short.

That journey inspired me to found Summit Capital Advisors (formerly NEO Business Advisors) where I now guide other owners of manufacturing, industrial, and B2B service companies through the same process by helping them prepare, position, and sell their companies for maximum value.

It also inspired me to write American-Made Millions: How to Unlock the True Value of Your Manufacturing Business Before Selling. This book pulls back the curtain on the business selling process with real-world case studies, proven valuation strategies, and lessons learned from dozens of successful transactions. Whether you’re still years away from an exit or starting to think seriously about it now, this is the blueprint I wish I had when I was in your shoes.

- Nick Fares, President and Founder

Read More About American-Made Millions
Customer Success Stories

Case Studies

Discover how Summit Capital Advisors has helped clients like you realize their goals.

Recent Transactions
High Precision CNC Machining Company Photo 1

High Precision CNC Machining Company

Summit Capital Advisors represented a well-established, high precision CNC machining company located in Northeast Ohio with nearly 70 years of operating history. Over several decades, the company built a strong reputation for exceptional quality, technical expertise, and reliability in machining complex, tight-tolerance components. Its customers relied heavily on the company’s state-of-the-art CNC machining centers, many of which featured live tooling...
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Sheet Metal Processing and Slitting Business

Summit Capital Advisors recently facilitated the successful sale of a profitable, specialized sheet metal processing and slitting company located in Ohio. Known for its precision work with thin-gauge materials, the business had built a strong reputation over more than 15 years, operating out of the same well-maintained facility. It served a wide variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, food service, electrical, and consumer products...
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Well Equipped Plastic Injection Molding Business

In a recent transaction, Summit Capital Advisors successfully facilitated the sale of a family-owned plastic injection molding business located in Ohio. With a rich history spanning over 30 years, the business was a well-established player in the plastic injection molding industry. Founded in 1994, the company had become a trusted name in the manufacturing of high-quality plastic parts for various industries, including automotive, medical, agriculture, and consumer products...
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What Our Clients Have to Say

Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it. Hear what our clients have to say about their experiences working with Summit Capital Advisors to meet their business and personal goals. 

Selling our business after more than 18 years was an emotional and complex process, and we are incredibly grateful for Nick’s guidance. When we were approached with an unsolicited offer, we weren’t sure how to proceed. Fortunately, through our company accountant, we were introduced to Nick, and that relationship proved invaluable. He conducted a thorough business valuation, showing us that the initial offer was well below market value. With his expertise, we engaged in a formal sell-side process, ultimately negotiating a significantly higher purchase price and more favorable terms. Nick expertly navigated every stage of the sale, from marketing and negotiations to due diligence and closing. His deep understanding of the financial, legal, and accounting aspects gave us confidence throughout the process. One of the most reassuring aspects was his introduction to Amy for legal counsel, which provided us with the support we needed to handle legal documentation and due diligence. Nick was thorough, careful, and fair, always keeping our best interests at the forefront. His professionalism and attention to detail made what could have been an overwhelming process much more manageable. We highly recommend Nick to any business owner considering a sale—his expertise and dedication truly made all the difference.

Denise and Eric Henkel Vortex Metals Ltd (Seller)

Selling our business was a significant and emotional decision, and as first-time sellers, we knew we needed expert guidance to navigate the complexities of the process. From our initial business valuation to marketing, negotiations, due diligence, and closing, Nick was there every step of the way, providing clarity and confidence in an otherwise unfamiliar journey. Nick’s expertise and hands-on approach were invaluable. He took the time to understand our business and its unique dynamics, ensuring that we were well-positioned in the market. His ability to connect us with the right buyers and strategically manage the sale process gave us peace of mind. When we needed an experienced M&A attorney to handle legal documentation and due diligence, Nick introduced us to the right professionals, ensuring everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. What stood out most was Nick’s unwavering commitment to our success. He was always available to answer our questions, kept us informed about each next step, and went above and beyond to make sure we felt comfortable and prepared. His leadership, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate challenges made a complex transaction feel manageable. We are incredibly grateful for Nick’s guidance and expertise. His professionalism and dedication exceeded our expectations, and we could not have asked for a better partner in this process. We highly recommend Nick to anyone looking to buy or sell a business—his knowledge and commitment make all the difference.

Tad and Kelli Rose Ray Lewis & Company (Seller)

Nick and Summit Capital Advisors were instrumental in selling my business. As a first-time seller, I needed expert guidance, and Nick delivered at every stage—from valuation to marketing, negotiations, due diligence, and closing. His approach was pragmatic, thorough, and tailored to my specific needs. Nick’s deep understanding of the market, manufacturing operations, accounting principles and his ability to assess the full picture of a business were invaluable. He took the time to understand not just the numbers but also the intrinsic value of my company beyond the financials. Throughout the process, he was professional, attentive, and always accessible, providing clarity and confidence at every turn. One of Nick’s greatest strengths is his negotiating ability. He expertly balanced buyer and seller interests, ensuring that everyone walked away feeling like a winner. His ability to navigate high-stakes discussions with strategy and precision earned him the well-deserved title of a “Velvet Cobra” in my book. He knows when to push, when to pivot, and how to keep emotions in check, which was key to closing the deal efficiently and on the agreed terms. Without hesitation, I would hire Nick again in a heartbeat. His expertise, professionalism, and commitment to achieving the best outcome make him an outstanding advisor for any business owner looking to sell.

Earl Hamlin III PolyMet Recovery, LLC (Seller)
Have a Question

Frequently Asked Questions

Find practical answers to common questions about preparing, valuing, and selling your business. If you need more details or personalized guidance, we’d be happy to connect.

Schedule a Free Confidential Consultation

We specialize exclusively in manufacturing, industrial, distribution, and B2B service businesses in the lower middle market with $1M-$100M revenue. Unlike generalist brokers, we bring decades of firsthand operational and ownership experience in these sectors. That means we don’t just understand financials. We understand shop floors, production bottlenecks, and the value drivers unique to your industry. Our focus is on guiding owners to maximize value and achieve a smooth exit.

Our valuation process blends financial analysis, industry benchmarks, and market dynamics. We start by normalizing earnings (EBITDA) to reflect the true cash flow a buyer will receive, then apply multiples supported by recent comparable transactions in your industry. Beyond the numbers, we evaluate strategic assets including customer concentration, equipment, workforce expertise, and growth potential that can command a premium from the right buyer.

Selling a business is a structured but customizable process. We begin with valuation and positioning, followed by preparing a Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) and marketing the opportunity discreetly to vetted buyers. Negotiations and due diligence follow, leading to closing. On average, the process takes 6–9 months, though timeline depends on industry niche, company size, market conditions, and owner objectives.

We maintain deep relationships with strategic acquirers, private equity groups, family offices, and individual entrepreneurs across the Great Lakes and Midwest. Many are actively seeking industrial and manufacturing companies like yours. Our role is to match your business with qualified buyers who not only have the financial capacity, but also the operational expertise and cultural fit to ensure a successful transition.

Absolutely. Many owners engage us years before they plan to exit. We provide valuation assessments, value-driver analysis, and strategic guidance to help you strengthen your business now, so you can maximize value later. Early preparation often leads to a smoother sales process, stronger buyer interest, higher purchase price, and better deal terms when the time is right.

Let's Connect

We’re Here to Help

At Summit Capital Advisors, we look forward to speaking with you about your business goals. Whether you’re a business owner planning an exit or a buyer pursuing new opportunities, contact us to start a confidential conversation.

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