Where Deals Break: Timing Risk Across The M&A Process

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.

Where Deals Break: Timing Risk Across The M&A Process

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.

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ARTICLES OF INTEREST

• The Forces Shaping M&A in 2026 - M&A in 2026 will be shaped by improving financing conditions, ongoing geopolitical complexity, and rapid adoption of AI — especially agentic AI across deal sourcing, diligence, and integration.

• The Trends Shaping Cross-Border M&A in 2026 - Cross-border M&A in 2026 is expected to be shaped by megatrends such as an increase in corporate carve-outs, geopolitical and state capital influences, and strategic shifts toward localized supply chains and joint ventures.

• Lower Middle-Market M&A: 5 Predictions for Private Equity Buyers in 2026 - Private equity activity in the lower middle market in 2026 is expected to be driven by add-on acquisitions, improved (but disciplined) credit conditions, and continued valuation focus on quality assets, while smarter deal structures and rising competition from independent sponsors shape buyer strategies.

• 4 Practical Ways Small Businesses Can Leverage AI - AI can help SMBs boost productivity, improve decision-making, and automate routine tasks, but success depends on choosing the right tools, upskilling teams, and aligning AI use with business goals.

• Small Businesses Plan a Hiring Jump in 2026 - Small businesses are planning to increase hiring in 2026, reflecting optimism about growth prospects and the need to expand teams to meet demand.

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.

• Hidden Value: Often-Overlooked Assets That Can Boost Your Valuation

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.

It's That Time Again...Blackstone's 2025 Holiday Video

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