Our M&A Process

Sell-side M&A refers to advising business owners who are preparing to sell their company. This includes everything from valuation and market preparation to sourcing buyers, negotiating terms, and closing the deal. Buy-side M&A involves supporting acquirers—often companies or financial sponsors—who are looking to purchase another business. We help these clients identify targets, conduct due diligence, model financial outcomes, and structure the transaction. First Turn Capital has deep experience on both sides and tailors our approach depending on your role in the deal.

The full M&A process typically takes 6 to 12 months, though timelines can vary based on deal complexity, industry conditions, and buyer responsiveness. A well-prepared business can move faster, but it’s essential to build in time for pre-market positioning, buyer outreach, due diligence, and legal documentation. We map out a clear process from day one—so you understand exactly where you’re headed and how long each stage should take.

The ideal window for exit planning is 1 to 3 years before going to market. This gives you time to address operational or financial gaps, position the company for maximum buyer appeal, and complete any value-building initiatives. Early planning also puts you in control of timing, reduces last-minute surprises, and can lead to significantly better outcomes. Our M&A readiness and value growth services are built specifically for this stage.

Our Market Value Analysis (MVA) is a data-driven report that compares your business to similar companies in your sector. It includes current valuation comps, EBITDA multiples, operational benchmarks, and buyer sentiment insights. We highlight your company’s strengths, identify areas for improvement, and give you a realistic value range based on actual market activity. It’s designed to help you make informed decisions about when and how to go to market.

Yes. Financial preparation is a critical first step—and it can make or break your deal. Buyers will want to review tax returns, financial statements, a seller’s quality of earnings (QoE) report, and clean, organized financial data. We help you assemble and validate all of this information in advance, so that you’re not scrambling during due diligence. The goal is to reduce delays, protect your valuation, and increase buyer confidence.

Absolutely. Our team manages the full due diligence process for you, from building the data room and coordinating timelines to answering buyer questions and protecting your position. Due diligence is often where deals get renegotiated, so we take a proactive approach—anticipating buyer concerns, supporting clean disclosures, and maintaining momentum toward closing.

Our involvement doesn’t end at the closing table. We provide post-close support, especially if your deal includes earn-outs, seller financing, or operational handovers. That includes helping enforce contractual terms, managing performance milestones, or navigating integration. We’re also available as a strategic sounding board as you transition into your next chapter—whether that’s retirement, a new venture, or a board role.

Yes. Many of our clients start conversations well before they’ve made a final decision. We’re here to help you explore your options, understand what your business is worth, and build a timeline that works for you. Early insight gives you more control and flexibility, whether you sell in one year or five. There’s no pressure—just experienced guidance to help you make the right call when the time comes.