M&A advisor incentives quietly shape how deals unfold. This article explains where conflicts arise, how advice gets distorted, and how founders can spot misalignment early.
Choosing a sell-side M&A advisor isn’t about brand names or buyer lists — it’s about fit, incentives, and who actually owns the process when leverage is on the line. This guide explains how founders should evaluate advisors based on mandate clarity, fee structures, and process discipline, and why misaligned incentives quietly destroy value long before price is negotiated.