The 7 Minute Takeover

When buying a business, most buyers focus heavily on customer concentration, but supplier concentration carries unique risks that can impact your margins or even threaten the business. In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover we break down how to analyze supplier risk during due diligence. Timestamps:00:21 - Customer vs. Supplier Concentration Risks01:57 - Worst-Case Scenario: Single Suppliers &am...

While many buyers avoid restoration contracting due to unpredictable weather events, this business relies heavily on concrete work for underground parking garages and long-standing municipal contracts. But with a $2.5M asking price against a $562,000 SDE, does the valuation hold up? Timestamps:1:21 - What We Like: Municipal Contracts & Retained Skilled Workforce2:34 - Episode Sponsor: Cassles...

Are you looking to buy a small business, only to find out they don't have formal customer contracts? Before you panic know that it's not always a red flag! In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeovers, we break down how to handle "handshake businesses" during an acquisition. Timestamps: 0:15 - What is a "Handshake Business"? 0:38 - Are Missing Contracts Always a Red Flag?...

In this mythbuster episode, we break down the real hurdles you will face when looking for acquisitions south of the border. From navigating the complex financing landscape to managing your right to work, we cover what it actually takes for a Canadian to successfully acquire a US company. Whether you are looking at small-scale seller financing or larger corporate acquisitions, we share how you can...

In this mythbuster episode, we debunk the common expectation that buyers will receive a standardized, perfect information package before submitting an offer on a business. We discuss why information is gated, how the brokerage sector operates, and what options you have to show seriousness and unlock the details you need.⏱️ Timestamps:00:36 - Why information packages aren't standardized across...

in this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we break down an SBA-approved flight school in Pennsylvania with $800K in annual revenue, $148K in SDE, and a $650K asking price. At first glance, this looks like the kind of regulated training business that could come with a serious moat. In this episode, Eamonn and Rob walk through what makes this flight school compelling, what buyers should be cautious...

When you see the term "cash-free, debt-free" in an LOI, it controls the actual purchase price flowing to the seller, but it leaves you operating the business from day one with expenses to cover. In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover we break down exactly where early cash strain comes from, how it impacts your relationship with commercial lenders, and the ultimate proactive steps you c...

When evaluating a lower middle market business for acquisition, discovering a massive year-over-year dip or swing in earnings can be an immediate red flag. But does a 50% drop mean you should walk away, or is it an opportunity to structure a safer deal? In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we dive deep into overcoming the objection of inconsistent earnings. Learn how to play the detective (or...

Do you need 20 years of experience to buy a business? Are all successful acquirers naturally fearless? In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, hosts Liz and Eamonn tackle the common myths and psychological hurdles that many first-time buyers face. Timestamps:00:33 – Addressing Impostor Syndrome in M&A01:04 – Myth #1: Is industry experience required?01:51 – Identifying and using transferable...

In this week's episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we discuss a crucial yet often overlooked part of the deal: what actually makes a good seller?. While buyers often focus on the numbers, the readiness and behaviour of the seller are key indicators of whether a deal will reach a successful closing. Timestamps:1:21 – Trait #1: Commitment. How to tell if they are truly ready to exit or just "...

In this week's episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, Eamonn and Rob sit down to analyze a profitable medical aesthetics spa for sale in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This business, established in 2020, presents a unique opportunity in a rapidly growing and highly fragmented industry driven by aging populations and increasing demand for preventative treatments. With the "Botox boom" mak...

Is the cash flow figure provided by a business seller always a true depiction of the company's profitability? In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we debunk the myths surrounding financial "ad-backs" and normalized EBITDA. Discover how to evaluate common adjustments and identify high-risk versus low-risk claims to ensure you’re making a sound investment. Timestamps: 0:24 - What...

Are you struggling to find the right businesses to acquire? In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we break down exactly how to build and evaluate a healthy deal pipeline. Whether you are searching part-time or full-time, understanding the "sales process" of buying a business is the key to your success. In this video, we cover:- The 4 Primary Deal Sources- The "one deal per hour&...

In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, the team analyzes a high-growth fencing company based in Houston, Texas, found on the Village Wellth platform. This 18-month-old business has quickly reached over $3 million in revenue, sparking a discussion on whether such rapid expansion is sustainable or a major red flag for potential buyers. While the business offers established branding, manufacturing...

Thinking about growing your business? Most owners make the mistake of trying to grow one client at a time. In this episode, we reveal why growth through acquisition is the ultimate accelerator for scaling your company. In this video, you will learn: - How operating companies get better lending terms than individual searchers - Why buying a "book of business" beats winning clients one by...

Are you a self-funded searcher looking to acquire a business but lacking the necessary equity to close the deal? In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover we discuss the critical process of finding, vetting, and managing co-investors to help you cross the finish line. We break down the different types of investors—from family and friends to specialized funds and family offices—and share effective n...

In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover the team analyzes a Vancouver-based e-commerce company that presents a unique entry point into a multi-billion dollar growing market. While the business offers established branding, manufacturing connections, and the ability to operate from home, its small size presents significant financial hurdles for traditional buyers. The discussion covers the potentia...

Which deal structure is truly better for an acquisition: an asset sale or a share sale? 🚩 In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we tackle the top myths surrounding business sale structures and break down the critical legal and tax implications for buyers and sellers across the Canadian and U.S. borders. Key Topics Covered:- Understanding why a share (or stock) sale involves taking on the whol...

What do you do when a red flag pops up late in due diligence? 🚩 In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we discuss the top four hurdles buyers face during a business acquisition and share expert strategies for mitigating risks before you close the deal. Key Topics Covered: - Why this often appears late in the process and how to ask for client characteristics or product breakdowns without needin...

Is mixing business with pleasure a recipe for disaster, or the ultimate power move? In this episode of The-7 Minute Takeover, we tackle the "myth" that you should never work with your spouse. While the risks can be significant, many couples find incredible success, freedom, and shared legacy by building a business together. We dive into the essential "guardrails" every couple n...

Is your deal being derailed by the other side’s advisory team? In this segment of The 7-Minute Takeover, we dive deep into one of the most common reasons deals fall through: misalignment with the seller's advisors. Once an LOI is signed, a new cast of characters enters the stage—lawyers, accountants, and brokers—all of whom can inadvertently slow down or even kill a transaction. In this video,...

Are you worried about your business loan being declined at the last minute? In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we are breaking down the four main reasons deals get rejected and how you can prepare a bulletproof package to ensure smooth sailing. Key takeaways from this episode:- Why credit committees are intentionally insulated from buyers to avoid "slick talkers"- How conservative...

One of the most common questions from first-time business buyers is: "Do I have to put my personal net worth on the line?". In this episode of The 7-Minute Takeover, we’re myth-busting the necessity of personal guarantees and exploring why lenders require them. In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why personal guarantees are required in virtually all business acquisitions.- The "Three C’...

Struggling to agree on price when buying a business? An earnout is one of the most common ways buyers and sellers bridge valuation gaps, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this video, we break down what an earnout is, when it makes sense, and the risks buyers need to understand before using one in a deal. We cover:• What an earnout actually is (and how it works)• Why it’s considered b...

Experienced searchers typically review 20–30 opportunities at any given time before identifying a business that truly fits their criteria. Think of it like baseball - every deal you evaluate is another “at bat” that helps refine your investment thesis and improve your decision-making. In this video, we break down how serious buyers manage a healthy deal pipeline, including: • Why experienced searc...