Question 1

How does the M&A process work?

Accepted Answer

The M&A process typically begins with a confidential discovery conversation to understand your goals and timeline. From there, we conduct a thorough business valuation, prepare marketing materials, and confidentially approach qualified buyers. We manage negotiations, letters of intent, due diligence, and guide you through to a successful closing. At Dundee M&A, we also help you plan for what comes after — family wealth, legacy, and next generation stewardship.

Question 2

How is my business valued?

Accepted Answer

Business valuation is based on several factors including your normalized EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), revenue trends, customer concentration, industry multiples, and the strength of your management team. Buyers will recast your financials before applying any multiple, which is why working with an experienced advisor early — before going to market — is critical to maximizing your outcome.

Question 3

How long does it take to sell a business?

Accepted Answer

Most transactions take between six months and one year from the time you formally go to market to closing. However, the preparation phase — getting your financials in order, addressing value gaps, and aligning on goals — can and should begin one to three years before you plan to sell. Owners who prepare early consistently achieve better outcomes.

Question 4

How do you keep a sale confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is built into every step of our process. We never identify your business by name in initial outreach. Prospective buyers must sign a non-disclosure agreement before receiving any identifying information. We carefully vet buyers before sharing details, and our outreach is targeted — not broadcast — to protect your employees, customers, vendors, and competitive position throughout the process.

Question 5

When should I start thinking about selling my business?

Accepted Answer

The best time to start thinking about selling is two to three years before you actually plan to exit. This gives you time to address any gaps that might reduce your valuation, build a stronger management team, normalize your financials, and make strategic decisions that position your business to command a premium. At Dundee M&A, we get involved early — before the pressure starts — because that is exactly when the most important judgment calls are made.

Question 6

What does Dundee M&A charge?

Accepted Answer

Our fee structure is success-based, meaning we earn our primary compensation when your deal closes. We align our incentives with yours — we only win when you win. Specific fee arrangements are discussed during our initial confidential conversation and are tailored to the size and complexity of your transaction.

Question 7

What size businesses does Dundee M&A work with?

Accepted Answer

Dundee M&A works with business owners across a wide range of industries and company sizes. We are a boutique firm, which means we take on a select number of engagements at any given time so every client receives our full attention, full network, and full commitment.

Question 8

What happens after the sale closes?

Accepted Answer

The closing is not the finish line — it is the starting gun. Many business owners experience disorientation after a sale, even a highly successful one. Questions about identity, purpose, and what comes next are real. Through the Dundee family of companies — including Dundee Family Office and Dundee Wealth Management — we help owners navigate wealth planning, philanthropy, estate planning, and next generation stewardship after the transaction is complete.

Question 9

How is Dundee M&A different from a business broker?

Accepted Answer

Business brokers typically handle a high volume of transactions and focus primarily on the mechanics of the deal. Dundee M&A is a boutique advisory firm that gets involved before the transaction — often years before — helping owners prepare, plan, and position their business for the best possible outcome. Every engagement is senior-led. We fight for the highest valuation and care about what happens to you after the wire clears, not just whether a deal gets done.

Question 10

What is sell-side M&A advisory?

Accepted Answer

Sell-side M&A advisory means we represent you — the business owner — in the sale of your company. We manage the entire process on your behalf: business valuation, buyer identification and outreach, marketing materials, negotiations, due diligence management, and closing. Our job is to maximize your outcome while protecting your confidentiality and your interests at every stage.

Your business is your life's work. Let's find it the right next chapter.

Advisory built around you, not the transaction.

Services designed for sellers.

A process built for clarity and confidence.

Owners who've been where you are.

A track record of results.

Senior advisors. Every engagement.

Every question business owners ask us — answered.

What we wish every business owner knew before the conversation started.

Every conversation is confidential.