Seller's M&A Journey
STANZO presents "off-market" owners of digital marketing, product design and development, and technology services firms full or partial exit opportunities to explore.
Our Buyers are vetted, qualified and actively seeking strategic growth M&A transactions in the $1-5M EBITDA range.
We conduct extensive upfront research to evaluate synergy and will contact prospective Sellers with a personalized message only when we identify alignment with one of our Buyers. Every message we send is highly intentional.
If we can be a resource in achieving your exit goals, please reach out.
You Receive Personalized Message from STANZO About an Interested Buyer & Schedule an Introductory Call
Learn More About the Opportunity & Why We Think You Could be a Fit
Still Interested? STANZO Arranges an Introduction to Buyer, like a Chaperoned "First Date"
Get Acquainted & Learn More About Each Other's Long-term Goals
If Both Sides Want to Continue, We Request Additional Information About Your Business to Help Formulate a Potential Offer Structure
Once an Offer is Presented and a Letter Of Intent (LOI) is Signed, In-Depth Due Diligence Begins
Due Diligence Typically Lasts 45-60 Days, Depending on the Deal
After That, the Deal is Done and Integration is Put in Motion!
Your Questions Answered
Do you have a real Buyer?
Yes, we only reach out to you when we have a specific Buyer who has retained us to identify potential acquisition or partnership opportunities on their behalf.
Why did you reach out to me?
We researched your business and, from what we could see on your website, LinkedIn, and anywhere else you have a footprint online, you appear to align with the criteria we've established for our Buyer. Things like HQ location, team size, service offering, customer logos, case studies, and industry focus, but also equally as important, core values, your company mission statement, and the overall "vibe" we pick up to gauge cultural alignment.
Do I owe you a fee?
No, the Buyer is responsible for all of our fees.
When do I meet the Buyer?
After our team has had a brief introductory call to get to know you, what you might be looking for in a partner or your ideal post-transaction scenario (i.e. you want to stay involved in the business and help it grow long-term, or maybe you want to be out after a transition period), and confirm some of the details about your business that we found during our research.
How long does the process take if I do want to proceed?
It depends how quickly you are comfortable moving. Our Buyers are ready, with capital to do deals, and looking for opportunities. If both sides see a fit on the initial introductory call, it is not uncommon that we may present a Seller with an offer in a few weeks and look to move right into due diligence from there. Due diligence typically lasts about 30-60 days.
Is it possible to stay on post-acquisition in either a leadership or consulting position?
Absolutely, this has happened in every deal we've ever done. During our introductory call, we will ask what your ideal scenario would be post-acquisition. Some owners are looking to be bought by a partner who can help them scale their business beyond what they could do alone and they want to stay on in a leadership role long-term. Others are looking to take a more flexible consulting position through a transition period of time. We make sure we understand your goals up-front to ensure alignment for each specific opportunity.
Is your process discreet? I don't want my team to know I'm exploring a sale.
Yes, very discreet. We agree it's best to keep a potential transaction quiet until near the very end of the process, so confidentiality is a top priority. We will ask you the best way you are comfortable communicating, like via text or a personal email account, if needed. It's totally up to you and we will follow whatever level of privacy you need.
What if I speak with STANZO and then the Buyer, but decide I don't want to Sell right now?
That's totally fine! Sometimes things don't line up or the moment isn't right. We always appreciate the opportunity to help both sides make new connections and we're always happy to share insights about the process, so hopefully we can be a resource down the line when the timing is better for you.
I get these messages all the time, why should I speak to you?
We are not like others who are spamming you with vague, AI written messages - I guarantee it. We hear it constantly, "I never take these calls, but something about your outreach and approach was different," or "This was a really pleasant call and not at all what I've experienced in the past. I'm glad I responded to your message." We won't waste your time, we'll always be up front, and we don't leave people hanging. If it turns out, there isn't a fit like we expected or hoped, we will typically tell you on our initial intro call together.