Selling a Family-Owned or Founder-Led Business: The Complete Guide
Explore Keene Advisors' series on Mergers and Acquisitions to help family-owned and founder-led businesses prepare for a sale and navigate a successful exit.
Understanding the M&A Motivation in Family-Owned Businesses
Most family business owners only sell their company once. Whether the motivation is retirement, family shareholder pressure, or the need to raise growth capital, your impetus as a seller should determine the right deal structure, buyer type, and timing.
Q2-26 M&A Activity: Large Deals Drive Volume, LBOs Hit 5-Year Low
Global M&A activity topped $1.3 trillion in Q2 2026, yet deal counts barely moved, private equity retreated, and LBOs slumped to a 5-year low. We break down what's really driving the numbers, why PE firms are sitting on record dry powder, and why the outlook for family-owned business sellers hasn't changed.
Leveraged Buyout (LBO) Primer
A leveraged buyout (LBO) is a corporate acquisition where the buyer (typically a private equity firm or family office) finances the majority of the purchase price through a combination of debt and equity. The goal is to grow the company's revenue and EBITDA, reduce the debt load, and exit within three to five years.
Finding the Right Buyer for Your Family-Owned Business
Choosing the correct buyer is the most critical decision when deciding to sell your business. We detail the types of M&A buyers–strategic vs financial - and how business owners can best navigate the sale process.
Q1 2026 M&A Activity: Large Deals Drive Volume
Enthusiasm for M&A in 2026 started strong, but total volume has been driven by large deals. Learn how family-owned businesses are navigating the M&A environment and what you can do today to prepare for a sale.
Leadership Succession and Exit Planning: A Guide for Family-Owned Businesses
Family-Owned Business Succession Planning: for family business owners, the question isn't whether you'll exit - it's whether you'll exit on your terms. Actively take control of your legacy. This guide covers the succession and exit planning strategies that protect your legacy, reduce tax exposure, and give your business the best chance of thriving when you step back.
Is Your Shareholder Liquidity Plan Ready for What's Next?
Shareholder Liquidity Primer for Family-Owned Businesses
Decisions about when and how to provide liquidity for shareholders can have significant implications for a company’s growth, operations, and culture. Whether driven by a generational transition, or a desire for diversification, the method(s) for providing liquidity can shape a company for generations.
3 Critical Steps: Building a Shareholder Liquidity Strategy for Private Family-Owned Businesses
Learn how to build a proactive shareholder liquidity strategy for private and family-owned businesses, including liquidity event planning and capital structure considerations.
Finding an Investment Bank That Specializes in Family-Owned Businesses
For many founders and family-owned businesses, a sale, recapitalization, or other liquidity event for their company is one of the most significant decisions they will ever make.
Before hiring an investment bank to help guide your process, make sure you review these key considerations.