bizval hosted an expert panel discussion unpacking the findings of our 2025 US SMB M&A Report. Drawing on more than 2,000 proprietary valuations, survey data, and interviews with leading intermediaries, the webinar explored the realities of deal-making for businesses in the $1M–$50M revenue range. Our panel Mike Finger (Exit Oasis), Candice Bradley (Bradley & Company), Ryan Tansom (Independence by Design), and Luke Maupin (Choice Bank) — shared data-driven insights on what’s shaping the market in real time.
Key takeouts included:
- Operational maturity and cash flow resilience matter more than size when driving value.
- Higher borrowing costs are reshaping deals, with seller notes and hybrid financing on the rise.
- Multiples should be viewed as outcomes, not inputs, predictable cash flow is the foundation of value.
- Clean financials and forward-looking forecasts remain non-negotiable.
- Sellability and ownability go hand in hand, owners who prepare early create more optionality.
Standout themes:
- Why chasing multiples can mislead owners.
- How the “owner-operator trap” holds businesses back.
- Reframing exit as an “end game” that goes beyond a simple sale decision.
- How AI and technology are influencing due diligence and risk.
A special thank you to our panelists: Mike, Candice, Ryan, and Luke for sharing their expertise, and to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.
Download the full 2025 US SMB M&A Report at bizvalglobal.com.