The M&A Auction Process: How a Competitive Sale Actually Works
An M&A auction is a structured sale in which multiple qualified buyers bid for a company under a managed timeline. Run well, it is the single most reliable driver of price and terms, because the seller’s leverage comes from a credible alternative at every stage. Run poorly, it burns confidentiality for nothing. Broad auction, targeted […]
M&A Closing Conditions: What Can Kill a Deal at the Finish Line
M&A Closing Conditions: Why Deals Fail at the Finish Line Signing a definitive purchase agreement is not the same as closing a transaction. That distinction, obvious in theory, carries enormous practical consequences for every party at the table. Between the moment a deal is announced and the moment consideration changes hands, a transaction remains contingent, […]
M&A Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Sell a Business?
How Long Does It Take to Sell a Business? A Timeline Overview How long does it take to sell a business? The honest answer is that it depends, and the factors driving that variance matter more than any single average figure. Across the middle market, most transactions close somewhere between six and twelve months from […]
Purchase Price Allocation in M&A
What Is Purchase Price Allocation and Why It Matters in M&A Purchase price allocation (PPA) is the accounting and tax process by which a buyer assigns the total consideration paid in an acquisition to each identifiable asset acquired and each liability assumed, with any residual amount recognized as goodwill. Under U.S. GAAP, the process is […]
Non-Compete Agreements in M&A: Structure, Enforceability, and Strategic Considerations
Home›Research›Non-Compete Agreements in M&A Non-Compete Agreements in M&A: Structure, Enforceability, and Strategic Considerations Published March 9, 2026Updated October 21, 2026 By Jeff Barrington, Founder and Managing Director OverviewLegal FrameworkDurationGeographyActivity ScopeCarve-outsTaxState lawFTC ruleEnforcement MechanismsDraftingOther documentsIn practiceConclusionFAQ In brief A non-compete in M&A is a covenant in which the seller agrees not to compete with the business […]
M&A Escrow: How It Works and How to Negotiate
Escrow mechanisms stand as one of the most critical risk allocation tools in mergers and acquisitions. When a buyer acquires a company, the transaction closes with immediate payment, yet many potential liabilities remain unknown or unresolved. The seller walks away with proceeds, but what happens when undisclosed tax liabilities surface six months later? Or when […]
Indemnification in M&A: What Sellers Need to Know
Home›Research›Indemnification in M&A Indemnification in M&A: What Sellers Need to Know Published March 6, 2026Updated October 21, 2026 By Jeff Barrington, Founder and Managing Director OverviewThe Economic FunctionStandard IndemnificationEscrowPurchase Price AdjustmentsSpecial IndemnificationExamplesNegotiation StrategyInsurance SolutionsCommon PitfallsDeal structuresPost-Closing Claims ManagementOutlookConclusionFAQ In brief Indemnification is the purchase agreement mechanism through which a buyer recovers post-closing losses from breached […]
Earn-Out Guide: Structuring Deferred Consideration in M&A
Home›Research›Earn-Out Guide Earn-Out Guide: Structuring Deferred Consideration in M&A Updated October 21, 2026 OverviewDefinitionWhen usedFrequencyStructuresPayment termsOperating CovenantsDisputesPitfallsNegotiation StrategiesTax and AccountingConclusionFAQ In brief An earn-out is deferred consideration that the buyer pays only if the business reaches agreed targets after closing, usually revenue or EBITDA over one to four years. SRS Acquiom’s 2026 study found earn-outs […]
M&A Data Room Best Practices for Sellers
A well-organized M&A data room can accelerate deal timelines, strengthen buyer confidence, and protect seller interests during the transaction process. For middle-market companies preparing to exit, the data room represents the first substantive look buyers will have into the business beyond marketing materials. Poor organization, missing documents, or inconsistent information can trigger buyer skepticism, elongate […]
NDA in M&A: Protecting Confidentiality During a Sale
When a business owner considers a sale, the first substantive document exchanged with potential buyers is typically a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This contract forms the foundation of confidentiality protection throughout the M&A process, governing how sensitive company information can be used, shared, and stored during diligence and negotiations. The stakes are considerable. A poorly drafted […]