“Cash-free debt-free” is a core M&A term that determines what sellers actually receive at closing. This guide explains what cash-free / debt-free means, how buyers define debt-like and cash-like items, and how enterprise value converts to equity proceeds through net debt and working capital adjustments. Includes a full deal example and EV→equity bridge walkthrough.
Do buyers really use EBITDA multiples? Yes—but only as shorthand. This guide explains how buyers actually value companies, what multiples buyers pay, and how private equity and strategic acquirers price risk in real transactions.
Wondering how much your business is worth? Learn how buyers estimate value using EBITDA or SDE, market multiples, and the EV-to-equity bridge that determines seller proceeds.
Enterprise value vs equity value explained with formulas, the EV-to-equity bridge, and a practical example used in real middle-market M&A transactions.
Net debt in M&A is the deal-defined bridge from enterprise value to equity proceeds. This guide explains the net debt formula, debt-like vs cash-like items, deferred revenue and lease nuances (ASC 842), and how LOI definitions and closing statements affect seller outcomes in middle-market transactions.
Business valuation calculators don’t determine deal prices. This guide explains how buyers interpret calculator outputs, adjust for risk, normalize earnings, and underwrite real transactions.
A founder-focused guide to when a business valuation calculator is enough, when professional valuation support is needed, and how owners should choose between a quick range, valuation services, a Market Value Study, and sell-side advisory.
A founder-focused guide to the inputs and assumptions that drive business valuation calculator outputs, including EBITDA, revenue, add-backs, valuation multiples, enterprise value, equity value, and buyer underwriting logic.
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 valuation calculators really are, what inputs drive the range, and when owners should (and shouldn’t) trust the output.
Control premiums and minority discounts sit on opposite sides of the “level of value” spectrum. Learn when each applies, common pitfalls (double counting, mismatched comps), how DLOM fits in, and practical ways to quantify control benefits in middle-market valuations.