Author: Ed Button, Jr.
-
Building a Management Team That Survives Exit
•
If there’s one topic that consistently surfaces in almost every exit discussion — whether I’m on the acquirer side, advising founders at Legacy Advisors, or sharing deal stories on the Legacy Advisors Podcast — it’s management team depth. In M&A, buyers don’t just acquire revenue streams, product lines, or customer…
-
The Role of Digital Transformation in Boosting Exit Value
•
In the M&A conversations we have week after week — whether on the Legacy Advisors Podcast, inside Button Holdings, or advising founders one-on-one — one topic keeps rising to the top: How do I position my business for maximum valuation before an exit? Sometimes it’s product strategy. Sometimes it’s leadership…
-
Why Culture Fit Matters in Strategic M&A Outcomes
•
In every M&A deal I’ve been involved in — whether on the buyer or seller side — one factor consistently separates the smooth integrations from the trainwrecks: culture fit. We spend countless hours talking about multiples, EBITDA, strategic synergies, and earnouts — and while those metrics absolutely matter, no spreadsheet…
-
How to Plan for Strategic Acquisitions Along Your Own Path to Exit
•
For many founders, the idea of making acquisitions feels like a distant milestone reserved for large corporations or private equity funds. But for smart operators preparing for exit, small, targeted acquisitions can become one of the most powerful growth levers available. In my work with Button Holdings and through the…
-
Growth Levers That Attract Strategic Acquirers
•
There’s a difference between building a profitable business and building a strategically attractive business. I’ve seen both — as an operator, investor, and now as a partner at Button Holdings and cohost of the Legacy Advisors Podcast. The truth is, not every successful company is acquirable. And not every growing…
-
Building Competitive Moats to Enhance Business Valuation
•
In the world of M&A, one question frequently guides the decision-making of sophisticated buyers: “What protects this company from competitors?” That’s where the idea of a competitive moat comes into play. It’s not just a metaphor — it’s a critical business feature that impacts valuation, risk tolerance, and long-term growth.…
-
Structuring Contracts and Recurring Revenue to Maximize Value
•
If you’re planning to sell your business in the next 1–3 years—or even if you’re just beginning to think about the future—how you structure your revenue could be the single most important factor in how buyers perceive your company. Revenue isn’t just revenue. In the eyes of a buyer, it’s…
-
How to Forecast an Exit 3 to 5 Years in Advance
•
One of the biggest myths in entrepreneurship is that exits happen overnight. A great offer shows up, a handshake is made, and just like that—the business is sold. But those of us who’ve lived through exits—or advised dozens of founders on how to prepare for one—know that’s not how it…
-
What Role Does Timing Play in a Successful Business Sale?
•
If you ask any M&A advisor to name the most overlooked variable in a successful business exit, they’ll likely tell you the same thing: timing. Not just timing the market—but timing your business, your personal readiness, and your team’s preparedness. At Legacy Advisors, we’ve seen deals succeed and deals implode…
-
How Business Stage Impacts Your M&A Readiness
•
At Legacy Advisors, we often emphasize that M&A readiness isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Your company’s stage in its lifecycle profoundly influences how you should prepare for a merger or acquisition. Whether you’re in the startup phase or approaching maturity, understanding your position helps tailor strategies that align with your goals…