Preparing for a More Active M&A Market: What Sellers Should Do Now
After a more uneven transaction cycle, many business owners are beginning to think more seriously about what a future sale could look like. Even when market activity improves, a successful transaction does not start when a buyer appears. It starts well before that, with clean financial information, organized documentation, and a clear understanding of the [&hel
Buy-Sell Agreements: When Was the Last Time Your Valuation Formula Was Reviewed?
For closely held and family-owned businesses, a buy-sell agreement can provide important structure during ownership changes. It helps define what happens when an owner retires, passes away, becomes disabled, leaves the business, or wants to sell an interest. However, even a well-written agreement can create challenges if the valuation terms are outdated, unclea
Estate and Succession Planning: Why the 2026 Exemption Matters for Business Owners
For many business owners, estate and succession planning is closely tied to the value of the company they have spent years building. Ownership interests may represent a significant portion of personal wealth, which means changes in exemption amounts, business value, and transfer plans can all influence long-term planning conversations. The
Quality of Earnings: Why Buyers Look Beyond Net Income
When business owners prepare for a sale, net income is often one of the first numbers discussed. It is important, but it rarely tells the full story. Buyers, lenders, and advisors want to understand not only how much a business earns, but how reliable, repeatable, and supportable those earnings are. That is where a quality […]
Transaction Readiness: What Business Owners Should Clean Up Before Going to Market
Bringing a business to market is a major step, and preparation can have a meaningful impact on how smoothly the process moves. Buyers want confidence in the numbers, clarity around operations, and documentation that supports the story being presented. When those items are not ready, due diligence can slow down, create uncertainty, or lead to […]
Is 2026 the Right Time to Revisit Your Business Valuation?
For many business owners, valuation becomes a priority only when a sale, succession plan, buyout, or financing need is already in motion. However, a business valuation can be just as valuable before a major event occurs. As 2026 brings continued shifts in interest rates, buyer expectations, earnings trends, and market confidence, now may be a goo
Have You Defined What’s Next for Your Business?
Most business owners spend years focused on building their companies, yet very little time defining what comes next. Strategic ownership planning can be one of the most rewarding parts of running a business because it creates clarity and opens new possibilities for the future. Have you thought about what your ideal next chapter looks like?
Benchmarking Analysis: How Your Business Stacks Up and What It Means
In today’s fast-paced business world, knowing exactly where your company stands is crucial for making informed decisions. Benchmarking analysis offers a clear, data-driven way to see how your business performs compared to industry standards and competitors. It’s not just about comparing numbers, it’s about uncovering insights that can guide your next stra
Working Capital Optimization: The Hidden Key to Business Success
Think of working capital as the lifeblood of your business—the cash flow that keeps operations humming day in and day out. Yet, many business owners overlook the untapped potential of optimizing this critical resource. At Brady Martz, we believe that fine-tuning your working capital is not merely an operational detail, but a strategic move that […]
Transaction Structuring 101: Why Terms Matter on the Sell Side
When it comes to selling your business, most people tend to focus solely on getting the best price, but that’s only part of the equation. The reality is, the party that controls the deal’s terms often secures the most favorable outcome. For business owners, it’s not about mastering every technical detail; it’s about engaging the […]