10 Most Common M&A Transaction Mistakes

This month’s column features the 10 Most Common M&A Transaction Mistakes, as published by the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors. We’ll address these in future issues, but for now here’s AMAA Top Ten.

1. The owners do not understand the value of the business.
2. The owners have an unrealistic price in mind.
3. The owners do not understand the investor’s motive.
4. The owners do not have proper counsel.
5. The owners try to sell to the wrong people.
6. The owners assume the best investor is local.
7. The company is not positioned for sale.
8. There is improper documentation.
9. The owners do not plan for the sale.
10.  Don’t be the first to mention price.

To this list I’d add one more cardinal error: The owners underestimate the importance of CONFIDENTIALITY. If you know of a business owner who’s thinking of selling or buying a business and who might benefit from a complimentary consultation with us, have them contact me, or any of the M&A professionals at www.bradwaygroup.com By: Mike Ertel, Transworld M&A Advisors