Loss of Leverage in M&A

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

  • Friends of the M&A Mindset

  • Lighten Up!

  • M&A Merch

  • Rate This Week's Issue

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.

Loss of Leverage in M&A

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.

How Buyers Look at Adjusted EBITDA

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ARTICLES OF INTEREST

• DealStream Q1 2026 Survey: Buyers Gaining as Main Street M&A Market Stabilizes - In the Main Street M&A market buyer leverage has increased while seller dominance wanes, pricing expectations are stabilizing, and most respondents expect deal volume to rise.

• Many Boomer Business Owners Are Getting Ready To Sell - Are They Prepared? - Boomer business owners are warned that without proactive exit planning, they risk lower valuation and missed opportunities when selling in the coming “silver tsunami” of retirements.

• Four Main Types of Mergers & Acquisitions - The article breaks down key M&A classifications, describing acquisition types based on the buyer–seller relationship (horizontal, vertical, conglomerate, congeneric) and various legal methods to complete deals.

• Benefits of Reps & Warranties Insurance in M&A - Reps and warranties insurance (RWI) is a key M&A tool that helps buyers and sellers manage risk by shifting liability for breaches of deal representations to an insurer, facilitating smoother negotiations and reducing post-closing exposure for both sides.

• More People Are Using ETA in M&A - How Banks Are Helping - Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is growing as more aspiring owners use SBA 7(a) loans and favorable bank financing to buy existing small businesses.

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.

• The Global M&A Outlook for 2026

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Trade Associations in the M&A Industry

• Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)

• Alliance of Mergers & Acquisitions Advisors (AMAA)

• The M&A Advisor

FRIENDS OF THE M&A MINDSET

From time to time, we’ll highlight newsletters and podcasts we genuinely read, listen to, and respect across M&A, PE, and the broader deal ecosystem.
No paid placements. No mass promotions. Just thoughtful, high-quality content that complements the M&A Mindset.

Here’s a few newsletters that I’ve signed up for and found interesting. Thought you might enjoy checking them out.

Have something to suggest that we should know about? Reach out. 

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.

13 Business Documentaries That Every Business Owner Should Watch

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