Author: Sullivan Consulting

Selling a Business

Selling a Business: Maximize Value and Execute with Confidence Expert Guidance for a Successful Business Exit Selling a business is a major milestone that can succeed or fail depending on preparation, timing, and transaction structure. Whether you are planning for retirement, navigating a partnership dispute, or pursuing a strategic exit, proper planning is critical to maximizing Read More

Quality of Earnings

Quality of Earnings (QoE) Report  A Quality of Earnings (QoE) report provides an independent, in-depth assessment of a company’s financial performance, focusing on the sustainability, accuracy, and reliability of earnings. As a critical component of M&A diligence and financial due diligence, a QoE analysis normalizes reported results to present a clear view of Adjusted EBITDA and Read More

409(A) Valuation

A 409A valuation is a critical requirement for private companies issuing equity-based compensation, as it establishes the fair market value (FMV) of common stock in accordance with IRS Section 409A. This valuation directly determines the strike price of stock options and ensures compliance with federal tax regulations. Our 409A valuation services provide independent, defensible assessments designed Read More

Startup Valuation

Calculating the enterprise value of a startup can be tricky and in most cases represents a mere approximation, especially if the start-up is pre-revenue. Valuation for startups is different from valuing established companies because of the high risk and uncertainty associated with the venture.  Startup valuations are largely determined based on qualitative attributes rather than more Read More

Exit Planning & Value Enhancement

Maximize Business Value Before You Go to Market The most successful exits are planned well in advance. Our exit planning and value enhancement services help business owners optimize financial performance, reduce risk, and position their company for a premium valuation — typically 12 to 24 months prior to a sale. By focusing on EBITDA growth, operational Read More

Earn-outs in M&A Transactions

Valuation and deal structure represent a critical step in executing M&A transactions.  Setting realistic expectations between the buyer and seller can improve the chance of getting the deal done. An earn-out is a risk allocation tool used in M&A transactions whereby a portion of the purchase price is deferred over a specific period of time and Read More

Recapitalization

At some point, most founders and owners face financial constraints and consider whether they should sell their business. What most of them don’t know is that there is an option to sell the business and still have the opportunity to participate in its future growth. Recapitalization allows owners to sell part of their shares and cash-out Read More

Carve-outs

A carve-out represents the sale of a business unit, division or a part of an enterprise. Over the past few years, divestitures have accounted for a rapidly increasing portion of M&A activity.  The rationale behind carve-outs is to getting rid of business units or subsidiaries which don’t play a key role in the business and are Read More

Letter of Intent (LOI)

A letter of intent (LOI) is a written document that outlines the intentions of the buyer and the seller during a potential transaction.  Among other things, the LOI includes the purchase price and payment terms in addition to other key considerations to the transaction.  The main purpose of the letter of intent is to ensure there Read More

Exit Planning

Exit planning is a strategic, long‑term process that prepares a business owner to successfully transition out of their company—whether through a sale, succession, merger, or closure. A well‑designed exit plan protects the owner’s financial future, preserves business value, and ensures continuity for employees, customers, and stakeholders. This report outlines the core components, benefits, and best practices Read More