A practical approach to small business M&A

Small business M&A operates under different rules than the deals that make headlines. The buyers are different, the financing is different, and the risks sit in different places. I focus on this market specifically, which means the advice you get is calibrated to the realities of a small or lower middle-market transaction, not borrowed from large-cap practice. The guide chapter on the wild world of small business M&A lays out why this distinction matters.

Small business deals rarely run on a clean, standardized playbook. The seller may be parting with a business built over decades. The buyer may be acquiring a company for the first time. Financing, diligence, tax, real estate, and family dynamics often overlap. My role is to bring structure to that, flag the issues that can actually affect the deal, and help you make practical decisions without turning every issue into a fight.

Both sides of the table

I represent both sellers and buyers, though never on the same deal. That perspective is useful no matter which side you are on, because I know what the other side is looking for and where the negotiation usually turns.

• If you are selling, see selling your business in Pennsylvania.
• If you are buying, see buying a business in Pennsylvania.
• If you are planning ahead, see business exit and succession planning.

Where I add value

The transaction documents matter, but so does judgment about which battles are worth fighting. I help clients focus their leverage on the terms that actually affect outcome: deal structure, the purchase price mechanics, the representations and indemnities, and the post-closing transition. My M&A work covers the full process, from the letter of intent through working capital adjustments to closing.

Start with the Guide

If you want to understand the process before we talk, the Small Business M&A Guide is a nine-part series covering every stage of a transaction. It is written for business owners, not dealmakers, and you can read it start to finish or jump to the chapter you need.

Whether you are buying, selling, or planning ahead, I am glad to talk through your situation.

This page is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Every transaction is different; consult your legal and tax advisors about your situation.