Acquiring A Business

financial sponsors during meeting

Strategic Acquisition Support for Business Buyers

Find the Right Business—And Close with Confidence

Whether you're acquiring your first company or expanding your portfolio, First Turn Capital delivers structured guidance and expert support from initial analysis to post-close integration. We help you buy the right business, at the right time, and on the right terms.

Buy-Side M&A Advisory

Our buy-side services are built for mid-market operators, private equity firms, family offices, and strategic acquirers looking to grow through acquisition. From sourcing off-market deals to navigating financial modeling, diligence, and close—we run point every step of the way.

shaking hands

What It Is

How We Help You Acquire with Confidence

Acquiring a business is more than just deal terms. It’s about buying smart—knowing what to pay, what to look out for, and how to integrate post-close. Our team brings both financial rigor and frontline deal experience to protect your capital and make the process seamless.

  • Comprehensive Financial Analysis

    Before engaging with sellers, we conduct a full 3-year Financial Analysis to evaluate profitability, risks, and future upside. We then deliver a Market Value Analysis (MVA) to support your decision-making.

  • Detailed Reporting You Can Trust

    Over 3–5 weeks, we compile a comprehensive value-range opinion and business profile. This gives you a clear, fact-based picture of where value lies—and how to negotiate accordingly.

  • Diligence Support & Deal Defense

    After LOI, we support you through diligence by managing the data room, performing quality of earnings checks, and validating seller claims. We ensure a smooth process and defend against last-minute pricing “retrades.”

Who It’s Best For

Our buy-side advisory is ideal for entrepreneurs, family offices, and sponsors looking to acquire businesses in the $3–$50 million range. We offer particular value to buyers seeking discretion, strategic alignment, and high-quality off-market deals.

Who We Work With:

    • Business owners seeking their first acquisition
    • Strategic buyers expanding into new verticals
    • Private equity firms sourcing add-on investments
    • Family offices targeting long-term holdings
    • Operators consolidating fragmented industries

Why Choose Our
Buy-Side Advisory

The FTC Edge for Business Acquisitions

Acquisitions are complex. Our process protects your capital and makes your investment count.

Key Features of Our Buy-Side Advisory

Exclusive Deals, Clear Valuations, Confident Closings

Our buy-side M&A process is designed to deliver clarity, precision, and post-close confidence throughout every phase of the acquisition.

  • Proprietary Deal Sourcing

    Gain access to off-market opportunities through our private network of sellers, advisors, and intermediaries across multiple industries.

  • Market Value Analysis with Detailed Financials

    Get a clear, data-backed valuation supported by 3-year financial analysis, comps, and performance trends—before you ever make an offer.

  • Deal Structuring and Negotiation Support

    We handle LOIs, term sheets, and counteroffers to help you secure better terms without risking seller engagement.

  • Due Diligence Oversight and Post-Close Support

    We manage the data room, validate seller claims, and support integration planning—so you protect value long after the deal is signed.

The Acquisition Process

Our 5-Step Process to Help You Buy with Confidence

    • Initial Strategy Session

      shaking hands

      We define your goals, target profile, and ideal investment structure.

    • Target Sourcing & Screening

      discussing pre IPO financing strategies

      We identify and vet opportunities aligned with your objectives and valuation range.

    • Valuation & Deal Modeling

      We perform deep financial modeling and market analysis to assess true value.

    • Negotiation & Due Diligence

      We help structure LOIs, navigate diligence, and protect your interests throughout.

    • Close & Transition

      We coordinate legal finalization, funding, and post-close transition planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smart Answers for Strategic Buyers

    • What is a Market Value Analysis and why do I need it?

      A Market Value Analysis (MVA) is a foundational tool that provides a data-backed valuation range based on comps, financial performance, and market perception. It protects you from overpaying, uncovers red flags early, and gives you leverage in negotiations. Whether you’re pursuing a single acquisition or multiple roll-ups, an MVA equips you with the facts you need to make confident decisions.

    • How long does it take to acquire a business?

      Most mid-market acquisitions take 6 to 12 months, depending on deal complexity, seller readiness, and the due diligence process. Our goal is to streamline each phase—from financial modeling and outreach to negotiation and close—so you move quickly without sacrificing deal quality. We plan aggressively, but always operate with precision.

    • Can you help me find off-market opportunities?

      Yes. In fact, many of our most successful acquisitions never hit the open market. We source proprietary deals through our extensive network of business owners, legal advisors, and investment professionals. If you’re looking for a very specific target profile, we can launch a custom outreach campaign on your behalf.

    • How do you handle negotiations with sellers?

      We manage every stage of the negotiation process—from initial contact and confidential discussions to LOI drafting, price adjustments, and final terms. Our approach balances assertiveness with trust-building, ensuring that sellers stay engaged without sacrificing your deal objectives. We negotiate hard, but we also maintain the relationships needed to get deals across the finish line.

    • What if I’ve never bought a business before?

      No problem. We regularly work with first-time buyers, family offices, and independent sponsors. From evaluating targets and conducting due diligence to managing financing and post-close planning, we guide you through every stage. You’ll never feel like you’re guessing—we’ll make sure you’re equipped to make informed, strategic decisions.

    • What industries do you specialize in?

      We focus on sectors where timing, scale, and strategy matter most: energy, industrial, business services, and software/technology. These industries often involve operational complexity, competitive dynamics, or recurring revenue structures that require deeper analysis. However, we tailor our process to each buyer and opportunity—so if the deal makes sense, we’ll help you pursue it.

    • How do you support post-close integration?

      Integration begins before the ink dries. We help buyers and sellers align expectations early, then support you with transition plans that cover team continuity, operational handoffs, customer communications, and seller cooperation. Our approach minimizes disruption while preserving the value you just acquired.

    • What makes First Turn Capital different from a business broker?

      Business brokers facilitate introductions. We facilitate strategy, diligence, negotiation, and value creation. Unlike brokers, we’re your advisory team—building models, vetting targets, and driving negotiations. We don’t just connect you with sellers; we help you buy with precision, confidence, and a clear path forward.

Is Your Business Ready for a Sale or Strategic Exit?

Why This 60 Second Form Is Worth Your Time

It’s the first step in exploring a potential M&A transaction with First Turn Capital.

  • Uncover What’s Driving Your Valuation
  • Spot Operational Gaps That Could Kill a Deal
  • See If You’re Caught in the Owner’s Trap
  • Understand What Buyers Are Really Looking For

Once you complete the form, a member of our senior M&A team will review it and follow up with a confidential, no-pressure call. We’ll walk through your responses, discuss timing, and share what today’s buyers are paying for, along with what they’re avoiding. Whether you're planning for the future or already entertaining offers, this is a smart place to start.

Stay Ahead with Insights Built for Business Owners

Start the Conversation With First Turn Capital

Thinking about a sale? Exploring growth capital? Planning for something in between? It starts with this form.

Give us 60 seconds, and we’ll help you make your next move with confidence.

Find Your Company's Valuation →

Join hundreds of owners and executives who receive our monthly updates. We share practical insights on deal activity, valuation trends, and the strategies successful companies use to plan for a sale or partnership. It’s clear, focused content from advisors who understand both sides of the table.