Welcome to ENLIGN Advisors

This whitepaper discusses the potential of mass deportation of undocumented individuals specific to Labor Market Disruptions, Financial Impacts / Cost of Labor, Product and Service Price Increases, Social and Community Impacts, as well as Long-Term Economic Considerations.

In this IBBA Podcast, "Maximizing Business Value Part 1," J.C. Maldonado discusses strategies business owners can implement to maximize the value of their businesses.

ENLIGN facilitated the purchase of US Fitness Products by Richard and Sarah Roberts from owners Clint Arms and Tom Flanagan. The transaction was consummated on 11/21/2024.

The IBBA and M&A Source's Third Quarter 2024 Market Pulse Report, presented by ENLIGN Advisors, highlights three significant market factors.

At the M&A Source® 2024 Fall Conference & Deal Market, Jeff Snell, Principal Broker and Founder of ENLIGN Advisors, was selected as a panelist in the Mastermind Session, The Lions of Dealmaking.

The transaction terms and conditions were negotiated in a record 7 minutes due to the business acquisition expertise of the buyer and broker. Ownership of the six locations transitioned from Brad and Jane Bofenkamp to Kyle Mallien on November 1^st 2024.

ENLIGN facilitated the purchase of Salon Suites to Brad and Jane 17 years ago in October of 2007.

ENLIGN Business Brokers announces the sale of Working Space located in New Bern, North Carolina.

Whether you’re looking to grow or exit the business, your first step (after identifying its value) is to de-risk personally, financially, and in your business.

ENLIGN Business Brokers announces the sale of West End Kitchen and Catering, located in Pittsboro, North Carolina. This acquisition by West End Kitchen, LLC a North Carolina Limited Liability Company, leverages the company's extensive track record of operating successful food service offerings.  The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Jeff Snell, CM&AP, M&AMI, LMCBI, ABI, Principal Broker and Founder of ENLIGN Advisors, was selected by the IBBA to be an instructor in the 2024 Master Certified Business Intermediary  (MCBI) program for main street business brokers.

In this IBBA Podcast, "Insights Perspectives on Buying and Selling Businesses," Mike Finger discusses the importance of preparing small businesses for sale and why some businesses may not be sellable. 

The IBBA and M&A Source's Second Quarter 2024 Market Pulse Report, presented by ENLIGN Advisors, highlights three significant market factors. 

In business disputes involving valuation, the role of a financial neutral is pivotal in providing objective and expert analysis that facilitates fair resolution. Financial neutrals, often financial analysts or forensic accountants, offer unbiased insights into the financial aspects of a dispute, crucial for reaching equitable outcomes.

ENLIGN Business Brokers announces the sale of Flame Treating Systems, Inc. located in Durham, NC. This acquisition by Applied Thermal Coatings, Inc. (ATC) of Chattanooga, Tennessee expands the company's offerings of their heat-treating services. ATC offers a wide range of Engineering and metallurgy fields services.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia discusses her career path, training as a corporate attorney, cooking competitions and string of successful restaurants.

ENLIGN Advisors presents highlights of the Q2 2024 BizBuySell Insight Report, focusing on three key market factors.

In this episode of IBBA Insights, the host discusses how the 2024 U.S. election cycle could impact businesses with Emmy award-winning journalist Tim Boyum.

ENLIGN is proud to represent the owners of an asphalt/paving contractor in the sale of the business. Watch the executive summary video to learn about this premium business acquisition opportunity.

In this case study, Jeff Snell, a Lifetime Master Certified Business Intermediary, explains what a debt service coverage ratio is, the factors that impact its calculation, why lenders rely upon it and how buyers and sellers can use creative structuring to achieve fair market value transactions in a high-interest-rate environment.

ENLIGN Advisors presents highlights of the Q1 2024 IBBA/MAS MarketPulse Survey, focusing on three key market factors.

On May 12, 2024, Jeff Snell (CM&AP, M&AMI, LMCBI, ABI), presented an educational workshop he developed for the IBBA membership, titled Choosing the Business Brokerage Structure that Works for You.

In the “IBBA Insights Perspectives on Buying and Selling Businesses,” business coach and entrepreneur David Barnett shares his expertise on the sale of businesses from a seller’s perspective. 

Selling your business is likely to be the single most important financial decision you’ll ever make. With this in mind, preparation is essential. Let's dive into some key aspects you’ll want to check off your list before your business is placed on the market.

IBBA was proud to recognize our inaugural Hall of Fame at our 2024 annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky! This distinguished accolade is reserved for individuals who have made a significant and sustained impact on both the IBBA and the business brokerage profession. Learn more about the IBBA Hall of Fame here: https://www.ibba.org/about/hall-of-fame/

When seeking a broker to represent you in the sale of your business, it's essential to prioritize certain designations that signify expertise and commitment to the field. Here are the key designations you should look for:

In this episode, Holly Magister, a seasoned CPA specializing in business sales, provides actionable insights into tax planning for entrepreneurs gearing up to sell their businesses. 

ENLIGN Advisors presents highlights of the Q1 2024 BizBuySell Insight Report, focusing on three key market factors.

In the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), confidentiality is paramount. In every MarketPulse Survey conducted by the IBBA and M&A Source business sellers have overwhelmingly shared that confidentiality was their number one concern. So, why do business brokers not sign Non-Disclosure Agreements? Because ultimately disclosing confidential information is exactly what they are being hired to do.

“Buy a cash flowing business with NO MONEY DOWN!” is being pitched by dozens of “guru’s” all over social media. In most cases they are selling courses or seminars and offer no assurance or guarantee of actually being able to deliver on their claims.

ENLIGN Business Brokers announces the sale of a Pure Barre boutique fitness studio located in Holly Springs, NC. This acquisition by PB H Springs, LLC expands the company’s reach in the Raleigh Triangle area.

Jim Parker, MAMI, CBI, CMAP and MCBI interviews Jeff Snell, CMAP, MAMI, LMCBI, ABI and discuss the business brokerage industry, trends, best practices and how to maximize value for their clients.

Understanding the dynamics of pricing businesses for sale: Factors influencing whether to state an asking price.

In this edition of IBBA insights, Cress V. Diglio and Evan Ottaviano of Bennett Thrasher CPAs discuss the importance of quality of earnings (QoE) reports in the sale of businesses. They discuss what a QoE is, why it is important, and how it impacts business buyers, sellers, lenders, and the M&A process. 

The SBA has modified the SOP making it permissable for an individual to receive approval for multiple SBA guarantees on acquisitions in different NAICS codes.

ENLIGN is proud to represent the owner of a Laminated Indoor & Outdoor Wood Structures Design / Build Firm in the sale of the business. Watch the executive summary video to learn about this premium business acquisition opportunity.

ENLIGN Advisors presents highlights of the Q4 2023 IBBA Insight Report, focusing on three key market factors.

A swathe of fledgling entrepreneurs have taken the plunge and set up their own companies, with review site Yelp counting a record number of new business openings last year. All told, Yelp tallied a total of 762,200 new ventures in 2023, representing a 20% uptick in 2022.

Acquiring a business can be a strategic move for entrepreneurs seeking growth, market expansion, or industry consolidation. However, one of the critical challenges in this endeavor is securing the necessary funds. In this article, we will delve into various means of funding a business acquisition, ranging from traditional financing to innovative alternatives.

ENLIGN Advisors presents highlights of the Q4 2023 BizBuySell Insight Report, focusing on three key market factors.

Jeff Snell, Principal Broker & Founder of ENLIGN Advisors, has achieved the highest level of Certification available in the Business Brokerage profession from the International Business Brokers Association.

At the M&A Source Fall Conference & Deal Market in Charlotte, NC, ENLIGN Advisors’ Principal Broker, Jeff Snell, who holds the association’s Merger and Acquisition Master Intermediary designation (M&AMI), moderated a discussion of esteemed professionals on the topic, “Advanced Add-Backs in M&A.”

ENLIGN is proud to represent the owner of a Commercial Custom Medical Casework manufacturer in the sale of the business. Watch the executive summary video to learn about this premium business acquisition opportunity.

While he was still in college, Jeff Snell started serving in the Army Reserves. Growing up in a military family, he felt it was the right thing to do.

ENLIGN is proud to represent the owners of a coastal NC electrical contracting firm in the sale of their business. Watch the executive summary video to learn about this premium business acquisition opportunity.

Jeff Snell has been announced as an inaugural cohort recipient of the International Business Brokers Association Master Certified Business Intermediary designation.

ENLIGN Advisors presents highlights of the Q3 2023 BizBuySell Insight Report, focusing on three key market factors.

ENLIGN Advisors is pleased to announce our 20-anniversary milestone. Over the years, our Certified Business Intermediaries and M&A Advisors have completed hundreds of transactions in a wide range of industries

AI, or 'Artificial Intelligence," is all the rage in business media. What can it do? What will it become? How will it disrupt business norms?

In this article, I address the aspects of business transactions that require experienced human involvement that cannot be replaced by AI in the foreseable future.

ENLIGN Advisors presents highlights of the Q2 2023 BizBuySell Insight Report, focusing on three key market factors.

Raleigh, NC – ENLIGN Business Brokers has served as the intermediary in the sale of Fowler Electrical Contractors. 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has recently made a significant change to the equity injection requirements for their loan programs. The SBA will now allow up to 50% of the equity injection (buyer down payment) to be provided in the form of seller financing. Seller financing is when the seller provides a portion of the financing to the buyer to help with the purchase of the business.

The labor market is constantly evolving, and it is not uncommon for there to be periods where labor is difficult to attract and retain, but how do you respond?

Definitions:   A tight labor market is one in which there are more jobs than qualified candidates available to fill them. Backlog is committed work from clients that has to wait because your staff is overextended. 

ENLIGN Advisors presents highlights of the Q1 2023 BizBuySell Insight Report, focusing on three key market indicators.

Over the past few years, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has significantly changed its 7(a) loan program. One such change, which may surprise some business owners, is that buyers can now purchase less than 100% of a business with an SBA 7(a) guaranteed loan.

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) has been the benchmark interest rate used globally for over 40 years.  However, LIBOR is scheduled to be phased out by the end of 2021, as the financial industry transitions to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).

Since 2003, ENLIGN Advisors has successfully sold hundreds of main street and lower middle market businesses. 

This newsletter is exclusive to current business owners and those who aspire to be. Subscribers will find valuable content related to acquiring, growing and selling businesses.

ENLIGN is proud to announce this Digital Transformation Agency for sale.

To view the executive summary video click the link below.

ENLIGN is proud to announce this Specialty Commercial Sitewall Construction Company for sale.

To view the executive summary video, click the link below.

Closed Captioning is provided.

Statesville, NC – Lane’s Tire & Auto Center, a full-service automotive repair, tire & service shop, keeping the domestic automobiles of Statesville, Mooresville, Troutman and the surrounding areas in great running order since 2001, is under new ownership.   

In this edition of ENLIGN Transaction Topics we explore the differences between stock and asset transactions when buying or selling a business and the pros and cons of each.

To view this Transaction Topics video, click the link below.

Welcome to the BizBuySell Fourth Quarter 2022 Insight Report highlights presented by ENLIGN Advisors. With experienced professionals to serve your main-street to lower middle market business transaction requirements nationwide.   Referencing the most recent BizBuySell Insight Report we will focus on three key market indicators. 

ENLIGN is proud to announce this Established Machine and Tool Shop for sale.

To view the executive summary video click the link below.

No business is perfect, meaning that when selling your business, you will want to take inventory of the good, the bad and (if there is any) ugly as well for your and the buyer’s ultimate benefit.   Where to Start? Since “good” is more difficult to improve than the “bad

Dwelling on failed acquisitions isn’t how we like to spend a lot of our time, but it’s important to learn from past transactions that didn’t make it to the finish line. Below are the four most common reasons we’ve seen that transactions unravel before they are completed. Th

In this edition of ENLIGN Transaction Tips we explore the Six Critical Steps to Successfully Buying or Selling a Business.

To view the this Transaction Tips video click the link below.

  When selling an asset as valuable as most privately owned businesses it's worth investing some time and effort in researching the exit process to maximize the value of the transaction.   Below are eight of the most critical components of making sure that you, as a business seller, don&r

To answer that question perhaps it’s best to first answer the question what is the difference between M&A transactions and business broker transactions and while the answer to that is simple, it’s not very clear. That is because the definition of M&A transactions and business br

  Most business owners don't think twice about going to the doctor once a year for a physical. So why don't they treat their company with the same care and attention? The truth is that many executives haven't done a "physical" on their companies in decades. They only stop to really look at the

  Choosing to sell your company is a big decision! You have invested a lot of time, money, and effort into starting, maintaining, and growing your company. It might define your entire life's effort. You've determined that this is the correct moment to sell, and you want the best possible profe

  This famous Benjamin Franklin quote is as true today as when first spoken.   When I was younger and didn’t have a lot of disposable income I would have described myself as “frugal”.  I didn’t spend a lot on non-essentials and when I did I would look for the least ex

  When you're trying to buy a business, it's important to think things through. No matter how good the opportunity seems at first, you should ensure that you thoroughly analyze all aspects during due diligence. No matter how excited you are about the idea of owning a business, you should be on

  Your asking price is one of the most important factors to take into account when marketing your business for sale. Let's examine how business brokers and M&A advisers work with their business owners to support that pricing with specifics of why it is appropriate once you have dete

Nothing scares a business owner more than an error or omission in closing documents. The best way to avoid big legal problems is to work with a team you can trust and that has a lot of experience. If not, it's easy to miss important steps or make legal errors. There are a lot of moving parts when

  "Twenty 'X' in Twenty Four" you ask. Jeff what does that even mean?   First, the numbers used are approximate as to not reveal the client's identity.   What "Twenty 'X' in Twenty Four" means is that if you have moderate financial means and relevant business experience with an exper

  The Market Pulse Report provides market conditions quarterly. M&A Source and the International Business Brokers Association coordinate the report. Business brokers and M&A advisors are surveyed for the data. The report covers Main Street firms (up to $2MM) and the lower middle m

  The buyer adores your company; it is exactly what he or she has been looking for. They  have reviewed your financial statements and made an offer subject to several conditions. You've reviewed the offer and it appears to be acceptable, so what's next? The deal's contingencies indicat

There is more to selling a business than merely relaying information. Sometimes it's more about the "why" than the "what".  When communicating with buyers the company's story should be emphasized. Since buyers make purchase decisions based upon facts and emotion they must have the history of th

  Fuel prices have doubled recently. Does that mean you don't buy a car?   Due to the nearly monthly increases in interest rates, some purchasers are becoming extremely anxious and some backing out of transactions.   The SBA has also recently approved a spread increase for lenders

Are you considering giving a family member ownership of your company? This happens quite frequently, especially for smaller businesses. Here are some factors to take into account when you are planning and make decisions about a transfer.   Do you have a Solid Contract? Although members of

You should put maintaining confidentiality first and foremost in your mind when selling a business. Since 2012 when the first Market Pulse Survey was conducted confidentiality was reported as sellers largest concern when selling their business. The truth is that when confidentiality is violated and others find out that your company is for sale, business can be disrupted and transactions can subsequently fail. Let's examine the reasons for this.

No one ever said selling a business was easy or predictable. The truth of the matter is that very little is predictable and every sale is different. Even the reasons behind a business owner deciding to sell his or her business vary tremendously. Buyers have various reasons for wanting to acquire a b

There have been countless instances when someone has gone into business with a relative or close friend and made the mistake of skipping a formal agreement. No matter how good a friend may be, you will always want to get the terms of the partnership in writing. A partnership agreement is a vitally

Many business owners are truly committed to their businesses. As a result, it is very difficult for them to step away even when they approach retirement age. It is not uncommon for business owners to keep working into their golden years sometimes by choice and sometimes due to external factors. But