Value Visor is an experienced lower middle market M&A Advisory firm.

We have worked with mom and pop businesses on main street, and have been the acquisitions advisor for a large multi-billion dollar health care company who, in the end, wouldn’t look at deals below $20 million in revenue. We understand the complexities and emotions in every transaction.

We are glad to provide transactional services or help you find the right advisor for your specific needs. Value Visor takes selected M&A deals and in SD, select business brokerage transactions, if we are the right fit. It is important to find the correct advisor, whether it is Value Visor or another company. We are glad to assist in the process and search. Call us for more information on this process. All calls are strictly confidential.

Generally Speaking There Are:

Business brokers

Usually for businesses under $1 million in value that are usually bought by someone intending to work in the business. Their rates run from a small engagement fee of nothing to a few thousand dollars and commissions running from 10% to 12% sometimes with a sliding scale if the deal crosses $1MM. Often they sell emotion more than finances and frequently operate without a lot of help from professionals such as accountants and law firms. Usually they have a list price and use websites such as Biz Buy Sell. They cannot raise funds or create partnerships. Often do not understand valuation and key issues such as working capital, imputed salaries, and imputed rent.

M&A Advisors

Usually deals that are more complex and over $1 million in transaction value, generally over $5 million up to $250 million, but usually under $50 million. Generally more sophisticated, require use of professional services such as accountants and attorneys. Operate on a similar scale as business brokers but may negotiate a set fee or a set percentage. Often the percentage is sliding, starting at 10% for first million and decreasing a percent per million down to 2%. Often there is a minimum fee and an engagement fee. Often there is a monthly fee for sellers, and almost always a monthly fee when acting on buyer mandates. Generally they do not post a listing price, but for smaller deals they may. They manage an orderly process usually working with buying groups and sophisticated strategic or corporate buyers. They tend not to sell the emotion as much as the deal. Unless FINRA and SEC regulated and licensed, they cannot create partnerships and raise funds. Value Visor’s managing partner was the first Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor (CM&AA) in the State of South Dakota, and remains the only dual certified CM&AA and CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst).

Investment Bankers

Can run a full spectrum of sizes, though they usually don’t like deals under $10 million (usually not under $50 million) and can work up to the largest deals. They are to be FINRA and SEC regulated and licensed, and can raise funds put partnerships together etc. Usually have significant engagement fees.

In many states all business transaction advisors are to have a real estate license.