Expectations for Middle Market M&A in 2025Recent surveys have shown that the M&A outlook for 2025 points to the highest levels of optimism in recent years for dealmaking activity. Citizens Bank’s 14th annual survey of over 400 middle market C-suite executives and private equity principals in the United States stated that a favorable economic environment is a key reason businesses and investors will seek M&A strategies in 2025. Furthermore, uncertainties from the last several years have subsided, and valuations are predicted to be stable or higher than in years past. Meanwhile, smaller mid-size companies are taking a more reserved approach, with many sellers opting to sell a piece of their business versus a full sale. In summary, surveyed decision-makers expect 2025 to see economic growth and a higher rate of M&A deals.An Optimistic Future: Strong Demand for Capital, a Dealmaking Upturn, & a Surge of Private EquityWall Street is anticipating a strong level of deal activity in 2025 as Donald Trump returns to the U.S. presidency, based on an optimistic stock market, falling interest rates, and fewer regulatory interventions. A recent surge in demand for capital is expected to continue, as many experts expect dealmaking to rebound, resulting in a flurry of private equity ventures. Benchmark International Wins Big at Dealmakers Magazine Annual Award GalaBenchmark International would like to congratulate all who attended and won at the DealMakers Magazine annual awards gala held on Tuesday in Sandton, Johannesburg.  The Impact of CAPEX on EBITDA AdjustmentsEarnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) is the measure of a company’s cash flow, calculated as:Position Yourself to Get LuckyThe Benefits of Always Being Sale-Ready in BusinessBenchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Palm Coast Sales, Inc. and Fourshore PartnersBenchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Palm Coast Sales, Inc. and Fourshore Partners
Benchmark International Sponsors Monster Energy Supercross RidersBenchmark International is proud to sponsor the riders Cole Bradford (#427) and Ayden Shive (#137) in the fifth playoff round of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship on February 8, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, at 6:30 p.m.2025 M&A OutlookIntroduction  Benchmark International Remains the #1 Privately-Held M&A Advisor Worldwide, as Ranked in LSEG's Full Year 2024 Global League TablesLSEG, previously known as Refinitiv as well as Thomson Reuters, has released its Global League Tables for the full year of 2024, and Benchmark International was once again recognized with several high rankings across different categories.When Is the Right Time to Sell My Business?When it comes to timing the sale of a company, you'll never know if it's too soon, but you'll know for sure when it's too late. Of course, you don’t want to sell too soon and leave money on the table. However, if you wait too long and sell too late, you can lose any advantages you may have with potential buyers. So, what’s the answer? There isn’t one answer. There are multiple factors to consider, and some may be more important than others depending on the business and its circumstances. Every business is different, and every industry brings its own challenges and benefits. But there are some steps you can take to put yourself in the best position to sell.M&A as a Labor Market StrategyOne of the challenges of growing a business is finding the right people and retaining them. Business owners often share that they struggle to fill open roles, whether due to a shortage of applicants or candidates lacking the necessary experience. This issue highlights the complexity of managing growth while building a strong team.Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Triton Submarines and the Ray Dalio TrustBenchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Triton Submarines and the Ray Dalio Trust.
Benchmark International Rolls Out New Interactive Publication of the MarkBenchmark 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.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:
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