Acquire Ref — Page 4

Algorithms are reshaping how founders connect with the right acquirers in fragmented M&A markets.

Hiring an M&A advisor yields 15-25% higher sale prices than negotiating alone.

Search funds install founders as CEOs while PE firms keep them at arm's length.

SDE and EBITDA answer different questions about what your business is actually worth.

Why identical earnings sell for millions apart across Canadian industries.

Founders staying post-close face earnouts, limited control, and metrics they can't fully influence.

Different buyer types pursue fundamentally different operational mandates and financial structures.

Founders neglect the emotional work that determines whether an exit feels like triumph or loss.

Exclusivity periods have doubled in length, shifting negotiating power decisively to buyers.

Private equity dominates sub-$50M exits, but strategic buyers may pay more.