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.
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.
Founder’s Guide to Understanding M&A Deal Structures
Deal structure is just as important as the headline price when selling your business. Asset sale, stock sale or merger - what you ultimately decide impacts your final net proceeds.
Selling a Family-Owned or Founder-Led Business: The Complete
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.
Thinking About Selling Your Business?
Business owners and founders - are you thinking about selling your company? The Keene Advisors team of investment bankers has compiled our top advice into a free whitepaper to provide you with for a roadmap to a successful exit. Prepare now to maximize your outcome.
Key Steps to Closing the Sale of Your Business
The closing phase of a business sale is one of the most underestimated stages in the M&A process. Executive leadership and M&A advisors work diligently to ensure a smooth, timely close by managing key stakeholders and verifying legal and financial conditions. This helps sellers minimize liability and achieve an optimal outcome.