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 […]
Why Aging Ownership, Labor Constraints, and Buyer Demand Are Reshaping Lower Middle Market Industrial M&A For decades, the Midwest manufacturing economy has been built by founder-led and family-owned businesses that quietly became essential suppliers to American industry. Many of these companies were not created through institutional capital or rapid-growth startup models. Instead, they were built […]
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. […]
When a manufacturing company is acquired, the biggest variable isn’t the machinery; it’s the people. Missteps in leadership alignment, communication, or employee retention can quickly slow production, fracture culture, and erode the value you expect from the deal. This guide outlines eight essential steps to help manufacturing owners and operators keep teams aligned, reduce turnover, […]
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 […]
When it comes to buying or selling a manufacturing business, the numbers on the balance sheet are only part of the story. Increasingly, buyers are scrutinizing OSHA and safety compliance in business sales as a critical factor in their due diligence process. Why? Because safety issues can lead to costly fines, operational disruptions, and even […]
Are you a manufacturing business owner thinking about selling your company? Finding an M&A advisor who truly understands your industry can make or break your sale. But with so many advisors out there, how do you know who to trust? The right questions to ask an M&A advisor can help you avoid costly mistakes and […]
Introduction Many owners of manufacturing companies in the Lower Middle Market are exploring mergers as a strategic way to grow, improve efficiency, and strengthen their market position. But navigating manufacturing mergers can be complex, involving many stages and considerations unique to this sector. This beginner’s guide is designed to walk you through the entire process […]
Selling a family-owned business is a significant and often emotional milestone. For many owners, their business represents decades of hard work, family legacy, and personal sacrifice. Whether you are a family business owner contemplating an exit or a prospective buyer interested in acquiring a family-owned business, understanding the unique complexities involved is essential. This post […]