Insights
Choosing the Right M&A Advisor: 2026 Guide
A founder-focused reference for choosing the right M&A advisor based on mandate type, transaction size, buyer universe, sector expertise, senior involvement, process capability, regulatory fit, fees, management bandwidth,…
Buy-Side M&A: A Middle-Market Playbook for Operators and Private Equity
A production-grade middle-market buy-side M&A playbook covering acquisition thesis design, buy-box validation, deal sourcing, target screening, mandate deliverables, buyer underwriting, valuation, financing, LOI structure, diligence, platform and add-on…
Sell-side M&A advisory: Middle-Market Owner’s Playbook
A practitioner’s playbook for sell-side M&A in the middle market. See how to design the auction, prepare decision-grade materials, price and structure deals, manage diligence, and close with…
Earnout Disputes in M&A: How Sellers Protect Payouts
Earn-outs can bridge valuation gaps—but they also create friction. Here’s how to structure metrics, definitions, and protections so you actually realize the upside.
Quality of Earnings (QoE) in M&A: What Buyers Flag
A founder-focused guide to Quality of Earnings in M&A, including what QoE means, what a QoE report includes, common adjustments and red flags, buyer and lender underwriting, working…
Working Capital in M&A: Avoid Price Chips at Close
Most price “chips” happen between LOI and close—and working capital is the #1 culprit. Here’s how to set the peg, manage seasonality, and protect your purchase price.
Strategic Buyer vs. Private Equity: Who Pays More?
A founder-focused comparison of strategic buyers and private equity buyers, including who can pay more, how control premiums and synergies affect value, when PE-backed platforms can win, and…
Editor’s Picks
View all
How Accurate Are Business Valuation Calculators? What Owners Should Know
Online business valuation calculators can be useful—but only if you understand what they measure, what they ignore, and why results vary. This guide explains how accurate…
ARTICLEM&A Advisor vs Business Broker vs Investment Bank: Which Should You Hire?
A middle-market seller’s guide to choosing between a business broker, M&A advisor, boutique investment bank, or larger investment bank based on buyer access, deal size, sector…
ARTICLEM&A Advisor Fees: Modified Lehman Formula, Lehman Scale, and Success Fee Structures
A founder-focused guide to M&A advisor fees, including the Modified Lehman formula, original Lehman scale, Double Lehman, Reverse Lehman, retainers, success fees, fee bases, earnouts, rollover…
ARTICLESell-Side M&A Timeline: 9–12 Month Process from Mandate to Close
Selling a middle-market company is a project with a tight cadence. Here’s the typical sell-side M&A timeline—from prep to buyer outreach, IOIs/LOIs, diligence, financing, and close—plus…
Get middle-market M&A insights, bi-weekly
Valuation, QoE, working capital, earnouts, buyer strategy—direct to your inbox. No spam.
Topics: Valuation • Deal mechanics • Buyer strategy • Process design • Sector trends
Browse by Sector
Explore Auxo’s middle-market M&A insights by industry—valuation drivers, deal mechanics, and strategy notes.
