Post-Closing Value Creation: What Happens After an SME Merger or Acquisition

In SME mergers and acquisitions, closing the transaction is often seen as the end of the process. In practice, it is the beginning of the most critical phase of the deal: post-closing value creation. While buyers take control of the business and sellers may reduce or exit ownership, both parties remain exposed to post-closing performance—financially, […]

Structured Transitions in SME M&A: Why Buyers Need the Seller — but Only for a While

In small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) acquisitions, the transition of management is often one of the most underrated levers of value preservation and post-deal success. In this article, we explore why retaining the seller/ founder for a defined period is essential — and equally why a well-planned exit and hand-over to the buyer (or a […]

SME M&A: What Buyers Expect and How Sellers Can Deliver

Selling a Small or Medium sized Enterprise (SME) is a milestone that often represents decades of hard work and personal sacrifice. For founder owners, it’s not only a financial decision, but also the culmination of their entrepreneurial journey. A successful exit, however, doesn’t depend solely on the company’s value. It depends on how well the […]

Closing the Gap in SME M&A: What Buyers and Sellers Must Get Right

Every M&A transaction has two sides: the seller, often closing one of the most important chapters of their life, and the buyer, investing capital and taking on risk to build the next stage of growth. Both want a successful deal. But they often prioritize different things — and unless those priorities align, even the most […]

SME Exit Strategies: 5 Deal Structures Every Seller Should Know

Did you know that most SME owners don’t receive the full asking price when they sell their business? The difference often comes down to how the deal is structured, not just the price tag. If you’re considering selling your small or medium sized enterprise (SME), understanding your exit financing options is critical. The right structure […]

Forecasting: A Strategic Asset When Selling Your Business

When selling a business, the starting point is always the company’s current position—its performance, profitability, and market standing. Buyers are first and foremost interested in what exists today. Is the business profitable? Is it operationally sound? Is it stable? These are the foundations of any credible valuation. But beyond that, what makes an opportunity truly […]

What Are Your Business Assets—Really?

When most business owners think about their company’s assets, they list what they can see: real estate, stock, machinery, vehicles, and cash in the bank. These are the hard assets, the tangible pieces that appear neatly on a balance sheet. But for many businesses, the true value lies elsewhere. The real question isn’t what you […]

Scaling Smarter: What SMEs Can Learn from Large Corporations

Many professionals moving from large corporations to SMEs struggle—not because they lack experience, but because they bring the wrong mindset. With two decades of experience in multinational corporations and now advising SMEs through Advisory34, I’ve seen firsthand how these two worlds operate differently. While MNCs benefit from structure and resources, SMEs thrive on agility and […]

When Is the Right Time to Sell Your Business?

As a business owner, deciding when to sell your company is one of the most significant financial and personal choices you’ll ever make. Selling too early might mean leaving value on the table, while waiting too long could expose your business to risks that reduce its worth. So, how do you determine the right time? […]

Family Business: Succession and Exit Strategies

Family businesses are a cornerstone of many economies, creating jobs and generating significant wealth. Built on strong values, traditions, and a long-term vision, these businesses often endure across generations. However, one of the most significant challenges they face is ensuring a smooth transition from one generation to the next. Without proper planning, the future of […]