The Valuation Gap: Why Sellers Think It's Worth More Than Buyers

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.

The Valuation Gap: Why Sellers Think It’s Worth More Than Buyers

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.

Why Experience Matters More Than Price in M&A

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ARTICLES OF INTEREST

• Deal Fever Returns: 2026 Looks Hot for M&A - A new survey reveals a sharp rise in U.S. CEOs planning M&A deals—jumping to around 62%—as confidence and strategic dealmaking intentions surge, signaling a stronger and more proactive M&A market in 2026.

• Why This $21 Million Bet on an Investment Bank Signals Confidence in M&A - A fund’s significant purchase of Moelis & Company shares suggests investor confidence in mergers and acquisitions activity.

• How AI Can Help Shape M&A Success - AI is becoming a strategic force in M&A, helping teams automate due diligence, uncover risks and synergies faster, and optimize integration efforts across IT, culture, compliance and security.

• The Road to Retirement: How to Succeed in Selling Your Business - Business owners are urged to start transition planning early—focusing on succession, clean financials, tax strategies, and having a clear post-sale personal plan—to avoid regrets and maximize value when selling.

• Private Equity Investments Boost Small & Mid-Market Businesses - A new American Investment Council report shows private equity invested $654.1 billion in over 21,000 small and mid-sized U.S. businesses, helping fill financing gaps, support growth, create jobs, and smooth founder transitions.

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.

• Why You Should Consider Rolling Equity When Selling Your 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

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.

Super Bowl 2026 Ticket Prices Are Dropping. What Do They Cost Now?

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