The U.S. Small Business Administration released SOP 50 10 8.1 on August 14, 2026, introducing several meaningful changes to how SBA-backed business acquisitions will be structured and underwritten beginning October 1. For manufacturing and industrial business owners and buyers, these changes deserve attention. SBA financing plays an important role in lower-middle-market M&A, particularly at the […]
The latest M&A market data provides encouraging news for owners of quality manufacturing and industrial businesses considering a sale. The Q2 2026 Market Pulse Report, produced by the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and M&A Source, shows a market that continues to favor sellers in the Lower Middle Market. Buyer competition remains strong, valuation multiples […]
For many manufacturing business owners, selling the company is about far more than achieving the highest possible purchase price. You may have spent 20, 30, or 40 years building the business. Some employees may have worked alongside you for decades. Customers and suppliers may have become personal relationships. Your company may be an important employer […]
The latest IBBA and M&A Source Market Pulse survey provides one of the clearest real-time windows into buyer behavior, valuation trends, financing conditions, and seller sentiment across the lower middle market. Based on responses from 300 business brokers and M&A advisors representing 203 completed transactions in Q1 2026, the data points to a market that […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Whether you’re buying or selling a business, you’ll encounter two types of M&A Advisors. One is sell-side advisory, which represents business owners looking to exit their businesses. The other is buy-side advisory, which supports buyers seeking to acquire companies. Buying or selling a business involves complex negotiations, financial risks, and strategic decisions. These challenges demand […]