Sell-Side M&A Advisory

Full sell-side advisory for founder-led businesses — from preparation and positioning through negotiations and closing. We run a structured, confidential process designed to maximize value.

What We Do

  • Valuation & Positioning — Rigorous valuation analysis, competitor benchmarking, and strategic positioning to tell the most compelling story to buyers.
  • Buyer Identification — Proprietary network of strategic acquirers, private equity groups, and family offices actively acquiring in your sector.
  • Process Management — Structured, confidential process from CIM to management presentations to LOI negotiation.
  • Due Diligence Support — We manage the data room and serve as a buffer between you and buyers to minimize disruption.
  • Close — Legal coordination, working capital negotiation, and closing logistics.

How long does it take to sell a business?

A well-run transaction typically takes 6–9 months from engagement to closing. That breaks down as 3–5 weeks for preparation and marketing materials, 4 weeks for buyer outreach and indications of interest, 1–2 weeks for management presentations, 6–10 weeks for due diligence, and 2–4 weeks for final negotiations and closing. Complexity, buyer type, and market conditions all affect this timeline.

Owners who begin preparing 12–24 months before a process consistently transact on better terms, because the work that raises value — clean financials, reduced owner dependence, documented processes — takes time that a live process does not allow.

How are advisory fees structured?

We charge a success fee based on a percentage of transaction value, typically with a minimum fee. The structure aligns our incentives with yours: we are paid when you achieve an outcome, not for activity. Specific terms are discussed during an initial, no-obligation consultation.

How is my business valued?

Most lower-middle-market businesses are valued on a multiple of normalized EBITDA — earnings adjusted for owner compensation, one-time costs, and non-operating items. The multiple depends on scale, growth, customer concentration, recurring revenue, management depth, and how far the business sits from being institutionally investable.

That last factor drives more value than owners expect. Our research quantifies it across four sectors: the platform premium ranges from roughly two turns of EBITDA in car wash to eight in home services.

Who should consider selling

Founders considering a sale in the next 1–3 years, owners who want to understand what their business is worth, and those ready to begin a formal process. A confidential, no-obligation conversation is the best starting point — email info@neoadvisory.ai.

Our sector focus

Our deepest expertise is in the automotive aftermarket — collision repair, car wash, oil change, and related services — alongside business services and professional services companies. We publish detailed research on the sectors we advise in:

See also our frequently asked questions on selling a business.