M&A Mindset Intro

Welcome.

Not everything that affects a deal is within the seller's control. But understanding what is can make a meaningful difference.

This week's Framework introduces The M&A Control Map, separating the factors sellers can influence from those they cannot. Preparation, financial reporting, responsiveness, and process execution can be managed. Buyer appetite, financing markets, economic conditions, and other external factors cannot. The goal isn't more control. It's less dependency on the things you can't control.

This week's Brief, Setting the Working Capital Peg, breaks down how normalized working capital is actually determined. The LOI may simply require a "normalized level" of working capital at closing, but arriving at that number requires analyzing historical balances, seasonality, trends, unusual items, and appropriate adjustments. Small differences in methodology can have a direct impact on seller proceeds.

As always, no cost, no hidden agenda, just clarity.

-Derek

You can’t control every variable in a deal. You have focus on controlling how exposed you are to those variables.

Markets move. Headlines catastrophize. Inside the noise is the story that matters — the opportunity, not the fear. The Daily Upside: global business and finance, reported without the alarm.

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Articles of Interest

Your Business Is Your Retirement Plan? That's the Million-Dollar Mistake.

Ask a founder how they plan to retire and you’ll often get a version of the same answer: “I’ll sell the business.” It’s a comforting story, and a dangerous one.

The biggest mistakes owners make when selling their business

There's a lot at stake for an entrepreneur when they sell their business, as 80% to 90% of owners have their financial wealth locked up in their companies.

4 Signs it Might Be Time to Sell a Company

Identify four signs it might be time to sell, as well as CFO insights for the next steps.

Good Reads This Week

Benchmark International Insights

Closing Remarks Podcast
(Listen Here →)

Founders, advisors, and business leaders exploring pivotal decisions, defining moments, and life transitions that shape the journey of selling a business and stepping into what comes next.

Hosted by Benchmark International’s Managing Director, Board Member, and Shareholder, Dara Shareef.

Articles & Insights
(Read More →)

Articles and info from the inside about business growth, exit strategies, M&A process, and market industry insights

Written by Benchmark International’s M&A industry experts from across the globe.

Educational Tools & Resources

Wall Street Oasis, Wall Street Prep, Coursera
More resources →

Industry Resources

ACG, AM&AA, M&A Advisor
More resources →

Finance Fashion

Lighten Up

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Until next week.