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Curated Collection of Featured M&A Insights

Bringing you the latest and most compelling insights from a diverse range of topics. Highlighting expert M&A analysis, thought-leader interviews, and industry trends to keep you informed and inspired. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of M&A, our featured content offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies to navigate the complex landscape of mergers and acquisitions. Explore as we showcase the best of M&A expertise and innovation, empowering you to make informed decisions and drive success in your endeavors.

Benchmark International Rolls Out New Interactive Publication of the Mark

Benchmark International has released a new publication, The Mark, which is an award-winning publication that offers exclusive insights into the world of mergers and acquisitions and specialized guidance for business owners on a wide range of important topics.

Is Programmatic M&A Right for My Business?

Programmatic mergers and acquisitions are a strategic approach to M&A deals that companies use to acquire several smaller companies to achieve specific goals, such as growth and value creation. This strategy differs from traditional M&A transactions, which usually involve singular transactions and higher valuations.

Why You Should Consider Rolling Equity When Selling Your Business

Selling a business often culminates years of hard work, dedication, and strategic planning. It marks a significant financial milestone, but how you structure the sale can have lasting implications on your financial health and future opportunities. One option that business owners frequently contemplate is maintaining a portion of equity in the business as part of the sale. This approach involves taking a portion of the sale proceeds in the form of equity in the acquiring company rather than all cash upfront. While it may not be ideal for every situation or seller, there are many reasons why rolling over equity should be carefully considered:

Why A Bids-Invited Process Helps to Increase Your Business’ Valuation When It Is Time to Exit Your Business

You have decided it is finally time to take the next step in your exit strategy. You are ready to sell your business or seek a growth partner. Whether you are seeking retirement or looking for a strategic partner to assist you with future growth, you will want to get the best offer from a prospective buyer with the best cultural fit. In Benchmark International’s experience,  utilizing a  bids-invited process can help you to achieve these goals.

Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction of 1/2/3 Autoteile GmbH & Co. KG

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of 1/2/3 Autoteile GmbH & Co. KG by a private investor.

Benchmark International Awarded Cross Border Deal of the Year at the 23rd Annual M&A Advisor Awards

At the 23rd Annual M&A Advisor Awards, Benchmark International was awarded Cross Border Deal of the Year ($10 MM to $50 MM) for the acquisition of Push Technologies SL by Cendyn.

Kendall Stafford Recognized as Investment Banker of the Year and Benchmark International Earns Cross Border Deal of the Year at M&A Advisor AwardsAt the 23rd Annual M&A Advisor Awards, Kendall Stafford, Managing Partner at Benchmark International, was named Investment Banker of the Year. Why Negotiating the Tough Stuff Upfront in a Letter of Intent is Crucial in M&A TransactionsWhen you're selling your business, the most challenging negotiations are the ones that often get pushed aside, but they are the ones that should be tackled upfront. The ESOP Advantage in M&A: What Buyers and Sellers Need to KnowESOPs have a special place in the business world. There's a bit of mystery around them as they are outside of typical business structures, and many need to understand how they work, much less their role in an M&A transaction. Some ESOPs seeking to sell are curious if they can do so with an ESOP in place. Others looking to buy or be bought out by an ESOP aren't sure of the proceedings. Fortunately, Benchmark has managed both situations and can navigate deals with these added layers of complexity.Adjusted EBITDA ExplainedWhat is EBITDA?Seven Questions You Should Always Ask About a Business Before Buying ItIn the world of mergers and acquisitions, the adage, "knowledge is power," holds particularly true. This essential process involves meticulous investigation, analysis, and assessment of various aspects of the target company. It is critical to conduct thorough due diligence for multiple reasons, as it helps ensure buyers are making an informed decision and mitigating potential risks. Asking the following seven questions will help assess if the business is the right fit and potential synergy:Benchmark International Unveils Its New Flagship Office in AmsterdamBenchmark International is pleased to announce its new flagship office at The Edge, Amsterdam.
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M&A Outlook

Global Transportation Industry Report

The global transportation market was valued at $7.90 trillion in 2023 and is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.10% to reach $15.90 trillion by 2032.

Global Environmental & Recycling Industry ReportThe recycling services market grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% to rise from a value of $58.53 billion in 2023 to $62.22 billion in 2024. This notable growth can be associated with increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, stricter waste disposal regulations, more emphasis on resource conservation, and regulatory pressures regarding the use of landfills. Global Financial Industry ReportThe financial services market grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%, from $31.1 trillion in 2023 to $33.5 trillion in 2024. The industry is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% to reach $44.9 trillion in 2028.Architecture & Engineering Industry ReportThe global architecture, engineering & construction (AEC) market was valued at $10.05 billion in 2023. It is forecasted to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% to surge to $24.36 billion by 2032.
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Featured Videos

Webinars, Testimonials and More

Highlighting top-notch M&A analysis, expert interviews, and industry trends to keep you informed and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of M&A, our featured content offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies to navigate the complex landscape of mergers and acquisitions. Join us as we showcase the best of M&A expertise and innovation, empowering you to make informed decisions and drive success in your endeavors.

Seller Motivation - What Goes Into The Decision To Sell Webinar

Deciding to sell your business is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make. While maximizing proceeds is crucial, it's not the only factor that should influence your decision. Life circumstances, time with family, and other qualitative aspects can often outweigh pure financial gain. Join us for an insightful webinar as we explore the many motivations behind the decision to sell a business and why it's essential to consider both qualitative and quantitative factors in your decision-making process.

This webinar is a must-attend for business owners, particularly those who are contemplating the sale of their business. As the market remains strong but more disciplined, understanding your true motivations for selling can help you make the best decision for your future. Whether you’re aiming to maximize your financial returns or prioritize time with loved ones, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the complex decision of when and why to sell

Dara Shareef serves as Managing Partner at Benchmark International and is charged with running the Tampa Transaction office. He also holds the rare distinction of having served in every role over the course of his career. His diverse background as both an operator of business and an investor into businesses allows him to anticipate issues in deals before they happen. Having been in each of their shoes, this allows him to think like both a seller and a buyer. Before arriving at Benchmark International, Dara served as COO of GSL Solutions. GSL provides web design and content management for roughly half of the US Senate and many school districts. Before GSL, he was a VC working for three different funds and held C-Suite operational roles in several businesses. Dara was formerly Vice Chairman of Sunmark Federal Credit Union in NY. One of the most exciting aspects of Dara's job is the opportunity it affords him to play with dozens of industries and business models. He has successfully facilitated transactions in sectors as diverse as SaaS, Commercial Landscaping, Vertical Market Software, Healthcare, Retail, Commercial Printing, Business Services, Marketing, IT Services, Niche Manufacturing, and Engineering.

Selling for Maximum Value An M&A Expert's Guide To Preparation & Process
Casting A Wide Net When Pursuing An Exit - An Examination of Other Buyer Types
Taking Control of Your Growth and Exit Strategy
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