When a small business owner decides to sell their company, the process can be overwhelming and daunting. The world of mergers and acquisitions can be complex, especially for those who are not familiar with it. In today's digital age, it is crucial for small business owners to adapt and leverage digital tools to ensure a successful sale. This blog post will explore the pitfalls of traditional mergers and acquisitions for small businesses, why 3 out of 4 small business sales fail, the digital transformation of mergers and acquisitions, successful case studies, and a step-by-step guide to digitally transform your mergers and acquisitions strategy. The Pitfalls of Traditional Mergers and Acquisitions for Small Businesses Navigating the traditional path of mergers and acquisitions can often feel like a labyrinth for small business owners. With an approach that hasn't seen significant updates in years, it's fraught with ...

Case Study: A Tech Startup’s Journey from Chaos to SaleBy Martin Hansen, CEO – MavrekDate: March 2024In the fast-paced world of tech startups, the journey from chaos to a successful sale can be a tumultuous one. This is especially true for a pioneering tech business that finds itself struggling to find a buyer due to messy financial records and unresolved legal complications from a past partnership. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to have the Mavrek software platform as your  transactional partner - taking  you through the journey of successfully completing the entire acquisition process with ease.Recognizing the Need for Financial and Legal ClarityThese two areas are primary to any buyer. The presence of poorly constructed or inaccurate financial statements can significantly deter prospective buyers, casting doubt over the viability and stability of the business. The same goes for any outstanding legal matters which typically ...

Case Study: Phase Owner Out Plan By Martin Hansen, CEO – Mavrek Date: December 2023 Introduction This case study highlights the story of two sisters, Martha and Mary, the owners of a retail furniture business with twenty-two full-time and five part-time employees. Additionally, this scenario also introduces Mavrek, a platform that assists business owners, future business owners as well as their business advisors (exit planners, CPAs, real estate professionals, business attorneys and wealth managers) with the process of selling, buying, or transferring a business. The Situation It was summertime, the sisters decided to sell their business and retire.  They spoke with their family looking for a potential heir that would take over the business but there were no takers. Several of their children work within the business yet no one wanted the responsibility of taking over the business. They conducted a store meeting with ...

Case Study: I was Prepared to Sell – Smooth as Silk By Martin Hansen, CEO – Mavrek Date: September 2023 Introduction This case study highlights the story of Caleb, the sole proprietor of a small architectural design firm with two full-time employees. Additionally, this case study also introduces the Mavrek software, a platform that assists small business owners and their trusted advisors (accountants, business attorneys, business advisors/brokers, exit planners, and financial planners) with the process of selling, buying, or transferring a small business. The Situation In February 2022, Caleb decided he wanted to retire.  His goal was to sell his customer list, office equipment / furniture, and to find a buyer who would keep on his two long-term assistant’s.  Caleb read several articles on how to best sell a small business and started to get all of his files, documents, and old records in ...

By Martin Hansen, CEO – Mavrek Date: May 2023 James got the bad news when he was 58.  He had a condition that would only worsen and soon would debilitate him – he needed to sale his agriculture service business.  He started the business 36 years ago; the same year he married his high school sweetheart. James, his wife, and the general manager of the business met with their business advisor  to discuss how to best sell their business.  The business advisor stated he had no real idea, other than putting it on a “business for sale” type website.  James asked what information a buyer would ask for and his business advisor stated he would probably need financial statements, tax returns and list of assets and customers. The business advisor reminded James that he only does their taxes so does not access to any ...