Inside the Trends Driving Industrial M&A Across the Lower Middle Market For years, many founder-owned manufacturing businesses across the Midwest quietly built successful companies without much outside attention. They focused on serving customers, investing in equipment, developing skilled workforces, and delivering quality products rather than actively preparing for a future sale. Today, however, many of […]
The Spring 2026 M&A Source Conference brought together many of the leading lower middle market M&A professionals from across North America for several days of education, networking, and dealmaking in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Held twice each year, the conference serves as one of the premier events for M&A advisors, investment bankers, private equity professionals, lenders, attorneys, […]
Each year, the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) hosts its Annual Conference, bringing together many of the most experienced business brokers, M&A advisors, investment bankers, valuation professionals, and transaction specialists from across North America and globally. I recently returned from the 2026 IBBA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I participated in several days of […]
Understanding What Drives Manufacturing Business Valuation in Today’s Lower Middle Market M&A Environment For many founder-owned manufacturing companies across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, the current mergers and acquisitions market presents a confusing contradiction. Some businesses receive aggressive interest from strategic buyers and private equity groups, generate multiple offers, and command premium valuation multiples. […]
The world of manufacturing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is rapidly changing. In the current market, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors are no longer optional for manufacturing business owners. Whether you’re preparing to sell, planning to acquire, or simply aiming to maximize your company’s value, a deep understanding of ESG is essential. More than 70% […]
When it comes to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the manufacturing sector, buyers aren’t just glancing at standard financial statements. They want a manufacturing Quality of Earnings (QoE) report that highlights only the actual, sustainable earnings that reflect ongoing performance. If you’re a manufacturing owner considering a sale or a buyer looking to make a […]
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are key moments that can lead to growth, change, and long-term value. When handled well, they create pathways for business growth, generational transitions, and new investment in the regional economy. When mishandled, they can leave value on the table or derail years of hard work. That’s why strong leadership and expertise […]
If you own a manufacturing company, a key question that eventually comes up is: “What’s my business actually worth?” While valuations are often done during mergers or acquisitions, they’re also useful for succession planning, securing financing, or simply understanding your company’s position in the market. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; different types of business valuations and […]
In the field of mergers and acquisitions, credentials matter, but real-world results matter more. Every deal closed represents more than just a transfer of ownership. It’s the outcome of months of preparation, negotiation, and trust placed in the hands of an advisor. That’s why recognition from a professional association like M&A Source is so meaningful […]
Measurable success is rare in the field of business brokerage, and public recognition is even rarer. That’s why the IBBA Platinum Chairman’s Circle Award stands out as one of the industry’s most meaningful benchmarks. Reserved for brokers who close qualified business transactions totaling $10 million or more in a single calendar year, the award reflects […]