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 […]
What It Means to Be Named a Notable M&A Dealmaker by Crain’s Cleveland Business
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 […]
Buy-Side vs. Sell-Side Advisory: What M&A Advisors Do for Each
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 […]
Back-to-Back Wins: What the IBBA Platinum Award Really Means
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 […]
How Does Capital Gains Tax Work When Selling a Business?
Selling your business should be a win-win for you, but many owners face a rude awakening when taxes claim 30-50% of their proceeds. In 2025, while long-term capital gains tax rates range from 0-20%, the real cost is often higher. A $5 million sale could trigger a 20% federal government tax, plus 13.3% in states […]
Strategic vs Financial Buyers in M&A: Key Differences Explained
When a business owner starts thinking about a sale, one of the first questions should be “Who’s likely to buy my business, and what exactly are they looking for?” This is especially true for business owners in the Main Street and Lower Middle Market ($1M–$100M) revenue range. There are two buyer types that dominate the […]
Nick Fares’ Book “American-Made Millions” is Now an Amazon Best Seller
Nick Fares, seasoned Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) advisor, entrepreneur, and founder of Summit Capital Advisors, formerly known as NEO Business Advisors, is proud to announce the launch of his new book, American-Made Millions: How to Unlock the True Value of Your Manufacturing Business Before Selling which has quickly become an Amazon Best Seller in multiple […]
The Importance of Successful Post-Acquisition Integration
What happens after the deal is signed often determines whether a merger or acquisition delivers on its promise or falls short. Post-acquisition strategies are where vision meets execution, and value is either realized or eroded. This stage, often called the post-acquisition integration process, combines assets and integrates people, systems, and cultures to achieve synergy realization […]
Legal Challenges in M&A Deals and How to Address Them
Introduction Mergers and acquisitions offer exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. However, when companies merge, the complexities and legal challenges in M&A get much trickier. A successful M&A deal starts with carefully drafted agreements, adherence to legal guidelines, and obtaining all necessary approvals. All of these help lay a solid foundation for future success. Legal […]
Types of M&A Deal Structures
Introduction Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are complex transactions that shape a company’s future. M&A deal structures determines how ownership, the target company’s assets, liabilities, and financial terms are transferred between two companies. It impacts tax obligations, legal risks, and long-term business success. There’s no universal approach to structuring an acquisition deal. Some involve a wholly […]










