Deal Language Differences - Same Words. Different Meanings.

Table of Contents

• Welcome to the M&A Mindset!

  • Interesting Infographic

  • M&A Topic Briefing

  • Articles of Interest

  • Educational Resources

  • Spreadsheet Tips & Tricks

  • Good Reads This Week

  • From The Benchmark Blog

  • Industry Associations

  • Lighten Up!

  • M&A Merch

INTERESTING INFOGRAPHIC

Each week, I feature a visually engaging infographic that distills a key M&A subject area into an easy-to-digest format. These quick reference guides aim to deliver clarity, insight, and practical understanding at a glance.

Deal Language Differences

M&A TOPIC BRIEFING

In this section, I provide a clear, concise overview of a specific topic, trend, or concept within the realm of M&A. The goal is to educate, inform, and spark discussions on relevant subjects, helping you deepen your knowledge and better navigate the complexities of M&A more confidently.

M&A in 2026: Top 5 Things To Keep in Mind for Small Business

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ARTICLES OF INTEREST

• Goldman Sachs 2026 Global M&A Outlook - Goldman Sachs projects another strong year for M&A in 2026, driven by abundant public and private capital, the strategic impact of AI, and companies’ ambition to reposition and scale through transformative deals as valuations normalize and flexible financing expands

• M&A Professionals Predict a Continued Market Upswing in 2026 - Dealmakers surveyed by KPMG expect both higher deal volume and better quality in 2026, citing market expansion, strategic growth, and generative AI efficiencies as key drivers of optimism

• 8 Factors That Will Drive More M&A in 2026 - Shifting macro conditions like abundant dry powder, long private equity holds, better alignment on valuations, stable credit, and strategic buyer urgency are set to boost M&A activity in 2026.

• Where Private Equity is Betting Big in 2026 - Private equity is targeting resilient, high-growth sectors in 2026—particularly health care and infrastructure—attracted by strong fundamentals, favorable demographics, and predictable cash flows.

• A Beloved Cupcake Company is Shutting Down - And Fans are Blaming Private Equity - Sprinkles Cupcakes, famed for its viral “Cupcake ATM” and beloved nationwide brand, is closing all of its stores after 20 years of operation, a move that has drawn backlash from fans and employees.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

• Wall Street Oasis: Elite Modeling Course

• Coursera: Introduction to Finance & Accounting (Wharton - UPenn)

• Wall Street Prep: How To Build A 3-Statement Model

• Corporate Finance Institute: Introduction to Mergers & Acquisitions

• Data Camp: Financial Modeling in Excel

SPREADSHEET TIPS & TRICKS

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GOOD READS THIS WEEK

FROM THE BENCHMARK BLOG

My firm, Benchmark International, a global, award-winning sell-side M&A company, has a ton of great resources that help anyone considering selling or buying a business get more educated on all aspects of the process. Below is just one helpful article. Check out Benchmark International for many more useful articles, news, and resources.

• When Is The Right Time To Sell My Business?

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Trade Associations in the M&A Industry

• Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)

• Alliance of Mergers & Acquisitions Advisors (AMAA)

• The M&A Advisor

LIGHTEN UP!

In the fast-paced world of M&A, we can sometimes take things (and ourselves) a bit too seriously, so it’s good to remember to enjoy a lighter moment now and then.

Buffett Makes a Bold 100-Year Bet on Berkshire as He Steps Aside

M&A MERCH

Here’s a find for us finance folks to grab some M&A-inspired swag. Stuff for those of us that speak fluent EBITDA. If you find others that have great deal-themed gear, send them this way so we can let everyone know. Enjoy!

• Merch & Acquisition Co. - Dress Like You Just Closed