How to Prepare to Sell a Business: What Buyers Look For and What Owners Miss
Over the years, I’ve worked on both sides of transactions, advising companies, evaluating businesses as an investor, and working directly with owner-led and family-owned companies. That perspective has shaped how I think about what it really takes to prepare to sell a business and what often surprises owners when they begin considering an exit. One of the most common misconceptions […]
What “Optionality” Means in M&A for Business Owners
When business owners begin thinking about selling their company, one concept comes up often but is rarely explained clearly: optionality. It sounds abstract, but it’s not. In the context of mergers and acquisitions, optionality is one of the most practical and valuable advantages a business owner can build. What Is Optionality in M&A? Optionality in M&A means having […]
Why Philadelphia Was the Next Right Market for Viking M&A
A diverse lower middle market, a strong base of privately held businesses, and growing succession needs made Philadelphia a natural place for Viking to deepen its Mid-Atlantic presence. Geoff Veale is building the office around that reality. When Viking Mergers & Acquisitions expanded into Philadelphia earlier this year, the move was about more than geography. It was a step into a market that […]
Empowering East TN Business Owners: Viking M&A Launches Chattanooga Office
The recent opening of our Chattanooga, TN, division marked Viking M&A’s 14th location, further solidifying our presence in and commitment to the Southeast. With established offices in Nashville and Knoxville, this expansion ensures that even more Tennessee business owners can access Viking’s trusted expertise in navigating business sales, mergers, and acquisitions. A Thriving Environment with […]
What are “Add-Backs” and How Do They Impact Business Valuations?
When it’s time to sell your business, your financial statements tell a story. But if you’re still running meals, cars, and wellness retreats through the P&L, that story might need a little editing. That’s where add-backs come in. Add-backs are a crucial part of the business valuation process, especially in the lower middle market. For […]
Viking M&A Expands to Baltimore, Strengthens Support for Local Business Owners
The business landscape in Baltimore has gained a powerful new resource for entrepreneurs looking to buy or sell a business: Viking Mergers & Acquisitions has officially opened in Baltimore, Maryland. With this expansion, we continue our mission to provide expert guidance to small and mid-sized business owners navigating the complex process of mergers and acquisitions. […]
Fort Lauderdale’s M&A Activity and Business Climate in the Lower Middle Market
A Strategic Look at Business Growth, Opportunities, and Trends in South Florida When you think of Fort Lauderdale, your first thoughts might be yachts, sunshine, and waterfront living, but there is a serious business engine powering this paradise. As one of Florida’s most dynamic economic centers, Fort Lauderdale is emerging as a prime location for […]
Viking Expands to Dallas, Texas
Viking Mergers & Acquisitions is proud to announce the opening of our newest office in Dallas, Texas, marking our fifteenth location across the Southern U.S. and our third in Texas. With established offices in Houston and Austin, this expansion allows us to better serve clients throughout the Texas Triangle, one of the nation’s most dynamic […]
6 Types of Entrepreneurs: Matching Your Style to the Right Business Model
When discussing types of entrepreneurship, it is vital also to identify and recognize types of entrepreneurs. To fully appreciate the spectrum of entrepreneurship, we’ll discuss six main types of entrepreneurs: The Creator, The Builder, The Operator, The Innovator, The Visionary, and The Analyst. We distinguish between these types of entrepreneurs based on key characteristics that […]
Advisor Feature: Ben Locke in Nashville, TN
Middle Tennessee continues to experience exciting growth, and Viking M&A is thrilled to match the dynamic pace by welcoming Ben Locke to our Nashville office. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Ben’s journey to Nashville is as unique as his professional and athletic pursuits. An accomplished soccer player, Ben initially attended North Carolina State University on a […]
Top 5 Industries in Atlanta You Should Know About
Atlanta, GA, is a vibrant city with a diverse and thriving economy. Known for its southern charm and bustling urban energy, Atlanta has become a magnet for various industries, driving innovation and growth. Entrepreneurs looking to expand, start, or acquire a business in Atlanta are wise to understand the dynamic economic landscape. Here, we explore […]
Tax Breaks for Small Businesses (That Are Easily Overlooked)
As a small business owner, you’re probably used to meticulously tracking expenses and income, ensuring your balance sheet always balances. However, whether you do your own taxes or enlist the help of an outside firm, you may not be aware of several tax breaks for small businesses. Missing out on these effectively costs you money. […]
Gross Margin vs. Net Margin: Understanding Your Business’s Profitability
In business ownership, understanding your financial health is crucial. A key part of this is analyzing profit margins. Two critical metrics here are gross margin and net margin. This post will examine gross margin vs. net margin and help you understand their implications for your business’s profitability. What is Gross Margin: The Basics Gross margin […]
Advisor Feature: Matt McConnell in Nashville, TN
Amid Middle Tennessee’s continued growth, the Viking Mergers & Acquisitions team is excited to welcome Matt McConnell to our Nashville office. Matt brings a unique blend of military discipline, entrepreneurial spirit, and extensive experience in business management and operations to our team. The allure of Nashville’s milder climate and excellent educational opportunities brought Matt and […]
Sell Wisely: Selling Your Business Independently vs. Hiring a Business Broker
In this final installment of our Sell Wisely series, we evaluate the do-it-yourself route vs. hiring an expert M&A advisor to help sell your business. Either way, you’ll want to be as deliberate and well-informed as possible. Some crucial factors in the decision include your company structure’s complexity, your mergers and acquisitions expertise, and your […]
From Valuation to Closing: Your Handbook for Selling a Business in Knoxville, TN
Selling a business can be complex and daunting, but with the right guidance and knowledge, it can also be a rewarding and profitable experience. If you’re considering selling a business in Knoxville, TN, this step-by-step guide will provide the insights and strategies needed to maximize the value of your business and successfully navigate the selling […]
Advisor Highlight: Jackson Payne and Houston, TX
Jackson Payne’s journey in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) world has consistently exuded dedication, adaptability, and a personal touch. When he integrated into Viking M&A, he brought a passion rooted in helping entrepreneurs achieve their ambitions. His move didn’t go unnoticed, especially by his brother, Coleman Payne. Witnessing Jackson’s experience at Viking (rewarding work combined […]
Advisor Feature: Mike McCoy in South Florida
Mike McCoy is no stranger to the intricacies of business ownership and M&A. As a young professional, he audited substantial transactions at one of the Big Four accounting firms, Ernst & Young and later dabbled in buy- and sell-side quality of earnings for various transactions. It began a journey that would expose Mike to the […]
Planning and Small Business Valuation
Chess is one of those games where you can go from being on top of the world to an emotional pit in a short amount of time. Lately, one of the more frustrating things that happened during a game was what’s called a fork. A fork occurs when your opponent positions their pieces, so you […]
Service with a Sale: A Guide to Selling Your Service Business for Maximum Value
Selling a service business is a significant milestone for any entrepreneur. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. But how can you ensure you don’t leave money on the table at closing? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps and strategies to sell your service business for maximum […]