Category: M&A Strategy and Planning
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How to Forecast an Exit 3 to 5 Years in Advance
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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…
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What Role Does Timing Play in a Successful Business Sale?
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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…
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Exit Planning: First-Time vs. Serial Entrepreneurs
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If you’re a founder, you will exit—whether by design or by default. The only question is how. At Legacy Advisors, we work with two types of founders all the time: first-time founders and serial entrepreneurs. On the surface, both build businesses. But the way they think about exit planning is…
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Cash Flow vs. Profit: Critical Differences for Running and Selling Your Business
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Understanding the distinction between cash flow and profit is fundamental for any business owner, both for effective day-to-day management and for maximizing value when it comes time to sell. While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, these two financial metrics tell very different stories about your company’s health and prospects.…
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Navigating the “Hold vs. Sell” Decision: Strategic Factors to Weigh
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There comes a point in nearly every founder’s journey when you look across the landscape of your business and ask a deceptively simple question: Do I hold, or do I sell? It’s one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make—not just financially, but emotionally, operationally, and personally. The “hold vs.…
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How Business Stage Impacts Your M&A Readiness
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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…
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Exit Strategy vs. Succession Plan: Key Differences Explained
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Most entrepreneurs don’t launch a business thinking about the end—but they should. Whether you’re leading a high-growth startup or a multi-generational family business, your long-term success hinges on one thing: clarity. And at the heart of that clarity are two distinct, often misunderstood concepts—exit strategy and succession planning. These aren’t…
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The Strategic Importance of Knowing Your Endgame
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If you’re building a company, you owe it to yourself, your team, and your future to ask this one essential question—what’s your endgame? At Legacy Advisors, we’ve helped dozens of founders navigate the complex terrain of mergers and acquisitions. And one of the most consistent differentiators between founders who exit…
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The Psychology of Exit: Knowing When It’s Time to Sell
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There comes a moment for every entrepreneur when they look at their business—not with the same spark that once lit them up, but with a kind of stillness. Not disinterest. Not detachment. Just clarity. It’s the moment when you realize the next chapter of your life might not include the…
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How to Identify Your Ideal Acquirer Before You Go to Market
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Selling your business is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as an entrepreneur. It’s not just about finding a buyer; it’s about finding the right buyer—the one who aligns with your company’s values, vision, and future potential. Identifying your ideal acquirer before going to market can streamline the…