Seller’s Discretionary Earnings Vs EBITDA: What’s The Difference

Business owner reviewing discretionary earnings with an M&A advisor

By John Marsh When preparing to sell a business, one of the first questions a buyer will ask is: How profitable is it? The answer isn’t always as simple as looking at net income. Two of the most common metrics used to assess earning power, discretionary earnings and EBITDA, can paint very different pictures of […]

How Much Do Brokers Charge To Sell A Business

how much do brokers charge to sell a business

When considering a sale, one of the first questions owners ask is: “How much do brokers charge to sell a business?” It’s a natural starting point. Broker fees can vary significantly based on deal size, services offered, and how those services are structured. Some brokers charge large upfront fees. Others work entirely on commission. And […]

What is a Classified Balance Sheet and how it Impacts Your Company’s Sale Value

classified balance sheet

BY JOHN MARSH In M&A, financial clarity builds confidence and smooths out each step of the sales process. A classified balance sheet presents a powerful tool for presenting your company’s financial position. It brings structure to your numbers, and makes it easier for buyers to evaluate your business during diligence. In this article, we’ll walk […]

Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM): The Seller’s Most Powerful Tool in M&A

confidential information memorandum

BY JOHN MARSH In M&A, deals rarely fall apart over price alone. More often, the problem is poor positioning, unclear messaging, or a disconnect between seller and buyer expectations. One of the best ways to prevent this is with a strong Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM). A well-crafted CIM sets the tone for the entire sale […]

What is EBITDA for a Business Sale?

what is EBITDA for a business sale

BY JOHN MARSH EBITDA — Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization — is one of the most commonly used metrics in business valuations. But when it comes to selling a business, understanding Adjusted EBITDA is just as important. In this article, we’ll break down what EBITDA really means, how it’s calculated, what adjustments buyers […]

A PowerExit – Critical Steps to Controlling the Sale Process

how to price a business for sale

BY JOHN MARSH If you’re an owner considering an exit, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How do I price my business for sale? At Marsh Creek Advisors, our answer is simple: you don’t. We don’t put price tags on the companies we represent. Instead, we run a structured, competitive process […]

The Invaluable Benefits of Working with A Business Broker

One of the worst mistakes any business owner can make is neglecting their business during the sales process. It is quite common for sellers to become overwhelmed, lose focus, and see their business suffer as a result. The last thing any business owner wants is for their business to encounter problems right before it is […]

Strategic Negotiation: Essential Tactics for Deal Success

Negotiation can evoke a range of feelings: some people thrive on it, others dread it, and many fall somewhere in between. Regardless of your stance, the ultimate goal remains the same: to emerge successfully from the negotiation. Mastering effective negotiation methods and tactics can give you an edge where others might falter. The objective is […]

Why Business Brokerage Professionals Use Term Sheets

Term sheets are invaluable in that they can serve as a point of orientation during negotiations. Thanks to term sheets it is possible to keep everyone involved, focused and on target.  What is a Term Sheet?  These nonbinding agreements detail the basic terms and conditions of a deal. It is different from a legally binding […]