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Kirk Michie
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Insights by Candor Advisors
The Funnel, Ep. 10: What Percentage Do Transaction Advisors Charge?
As you move closer to selling, it’s natural to ask what investment bankers or business brokers actually cost. The numbers can feel opaque if you’ve never done a deal before.In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk explains typical fee ranges by deal size, how success fees work, what retainers look like, and how different advisors structure incentives. If you want clarity before engaging anyone, this is worth watching.
2026-01-09
05 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
The Funnel, Ep. 9: Where Do You Find Your Buyer?
As founders move closer to selling, one common concern comes up: where do you actually find a buyer for your business?In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk explains how buyers are sourced, the difference between strategic and financial buyers, and why preparation matters more than hunting for a needle in a haystack. If you’re thinking ahead about who might buy your company, this will help you frame it correctly.
2026-01-02
04 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
The Funnel, Ep. 8: What’s the Process to Sell Your Business?
Once founders move past curiosity and decide to explore a sale, the next question is usually about process. What actually happens between deciding to sell and closing a deal?In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk breaks down the full sell-side process—from preparing materials and identifying buyers to due diligence and closing—so you can understand how all the pieces fit together.
2025-12-19
04 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
The Funnel, Ep. 7: Should You Hire an Investment Banker?
In this episode of The Funnel, M&A advisor Kirk Michie explains when founders should consider hiring an investment banker and when other approaches may be appropriate. As business owners move deeper into the exit process, questions about deal structure, buyer access, and negotiation leverage become more important.Kirk explains that investment bankers are most valuable when a business is attractive enough to generate interest from multiple buyers. By creating competitive tension, bankers can help drive higher valuations, better terms, and clearer post-close outcomes. He also notes that founders negotiating directly with a single buyer...
2025-12-12
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
The Funnel, Ep. 6: How Long Does Selling Take?
In this episode of The Funnel, M&A advisor Kirk Michie explains how long it typically takes to sell a business and why founders often underestimate the timeline. Many owners assume their transaction will be simple due to business structure or limited complexity, but most deals follow a similar sequence regardless of size or industry.
2025-12-05
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
How To Decide If You Should Sell Now
Deciding when to sell your company is rarely straightforward. Even founders who are open to a sale often feel unsure about whether current conditions favor moving ahead or waiting. In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk outlines the practical factors that shape good timing, including performance trends, economic signals, buyer behavior, and sector-specific momentum. He explains when it makes sense to go now—and when patience may lead to a better outcome. Watch the video below for a clear framework on making a timing decision.
2025-11-20
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
How To Make Your Business More Valuable
If you’ve been thinking about a potential sale but the numbers aren’t where you want them to be, you’re not alone. Many founders reach this stage and wonder what actually moves valuation.In this short episode of The Funnel, Kirk explains the three levers that make the biggest difference: professionalizing your financials, clarifying adjusted EBITDA, and reducing key risks like customer concentration and founder dependence.Watch the video here to see what buyers look for and how to strengthen your position before going to market.
2025-11-14
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
When Should You Sell Your Business?
In this episode of The Funnel, Kirk Michie tackles one of the biggest founder questions: when is the right time to sell?While many owners wait until they’re exhausted or facing setbacks, Kirk explains why the best time to go to market is actually when things are going well—when revenue is climbing, margins are strong, and your team can carry the business forward.He also breaks down specific internal and external signals to watch for—like contract renewals, industry appetite, and private equity activity—that can dramatically affect your valuation.
2025-10-30
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
When to Hire Advisors for a Business Sale
When should you bring in advisors when selling your business?From investment bankers and lawyers to accountants and financial planners, timing matters. Bring them in too early and you’ll burn resources. Bring them in too late and you risk costly mistakes.In this video, Kirk Michie shares how to sequence advisors and the critical points where their involvement adds the most value.
2025-09-24
04 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Selling a Business with Declining Revenues
Selling a business is challenging enough—but what if your revenues are down year over year? Many founders assume buyers won’t be interested, but that’s not the case. While valuation may be affected, a deal can still get done if you position your company strategically and highlight the value it brings to the right acquirer.In this article, Kirk Michie explains why declining results don’t automatically shut the door on an exit, what types of buyers are most likely to be interested, and the steps founders can take to maximize their outcome.
2025-09-18
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Scaling vs. Selling: Which Lowers Risk?
Every founder eventually faces the same question: do you keep scaling—or sell while things are strong?In this video, Kirk Michie shares how successful founders weigh growth capital against selling early, and why selling can sometimes be the best way to manage risk. From valuation trade-offs to protecting your outcome, Kirk explains how to decide which path makes sense for you.
2025-08-21
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
How to Prove Your Business Runs Without You
One of the biggest buyer concerns in any deal is whether the business depends too much on the founder. If it does, that’s a red flag—and it can hurt both valuation and deal structure.In this episode, Kirk Michie shares how to prove your business can run without you. From building a capable leadership team to showing successors in the room during buyer meetings, he explains the practical steps that make buyers confident and let you take more cash at closing.
2025-08-21
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
What Business Expenses Should You Cut or Keep Before Selling?
Before a sale, many founders try to optimize their financials by trimming costs or making strategic upgrades. But not every change lands well with buyers. In this short video, Kirk Michie explains how to think about expense timing, whether you’re investing in growth or managing EBITDA. He breaks down what’s smart to spend, what’s better left alone, and why buyers may not give you credit for certain moves. If you’re prepping for a sale in the next 6–18 months, this is essential advice.
2025-08-13
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Should You Trade Price for Better Terms
In this short video, Kirk Michie breaks down how to weigh structure vs. price when negotiating a business sale. From earnouts to seller notes to equity rollovers, he explains what to look out for and when it might make sense to accept a little less for a lot more peace of mind.
2025-07-31
03 min
The Nice Guys on Business
Kirk Michie: Acquire Wisely By Building Smart Deals
Prior to establishing Candor Advisors, Kirk Michie accumulated three decades' worth of experience collaborating with founders and families to address their strategic objectives and help them to achieve better outcomes. Over his career, Michie raised and allocated over $1 billion in capital, while actively participating in over 60 transactions, including buyouts, sales, and other deals, surpassing a total value of $1.5 billion. Kirk Michie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas, including transaction advisory services, mergers and acquisitions (with a specialization in founder-owned private companies), corporate and family office governance, capital raising, private equity, corporate stra...
2025-07-14
44 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Why is Selling a Business So Hard
Selling a business isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a full-time job stacked on top of your already full-time job. In this short video, Kirk breaks down the surprising emotional toll and practical pressures that catch many founders off guard—and shares what you can do to prepare and stay grounded through it all.
2025-07-09
04 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Q1’25 Market Update: Why Buyers Are Still Active
Curious how the 2025 M&A market is shaping up? In this short update, Kirk Michie explains why deal volume remains high, where private equity is looking to spend, and why some businesses tied to supply chains or tariffs might want to wait. Watch the quick video below to get the full story.
2025-06-24
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Will They Keep Your People? Here’s How to Think About It.
What happens to your team after you sell? It’s not always up to you—but there are smart ways to protect your people. In this 3-minute video, Kirk explains how buyers view staffing and what you can do about it.
2025-06-05
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
It’s Not Just About the Money—It’s About Your Why
Sure, the money matters—but it’s not the whole story. In this quick video, we explain why understanding your personal motivation is the most important part of your exit plan. Whether it’s freedom, purpose, or something else, your “why” will guide every decision that follows.Kirk Michie breaks down the key adjustments that can impact your sale price, timing, and terms. Watch this short video to get clear, tactical guidance before you go any further.
2025-05-29
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Before You Sign the LOI: Understand These Deal-Changing Adjustments
Before you sign a Letter of Intent, make sure you understand the deal behind the deal. From EBITDA adjustments to working capital pegs, these hidden levers can change your payout—and your future.Kirk Michie breaks down the key adjustments that can impact your sale price, timing, and terms. Watch this short video to get clear, tactical guidance before you go any further.
2025-05-14
05 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
How Culture Fit Can Make or Break Your Business Sale
Before the deal is done, there’s still work to do. In this video, Kirk Michie shares practical steps founders should take before and after closing to avoid problems that can disrupt operations, damage relationships, or hurt the legacy they’ve built. If you’re preparing to sell—or already deep in a deal—this is the checklist you didn’t know you needed.
2025-05-14
04 min
The Exit - Presented By Flippa
The Art of Exit Preparation: Kirk Michie's Advisory Insights
Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- In this episode of The Exit: Kirk Michie, Managing Partner at Candor Advisors, shares insights from his 30-year career in capital markets and M&A advisory. He discusses his transition from financial advising to helping founders navigate successful exits. Kirk emphasizes the importance of understanding your "why" as...
2024-11-18
34 min
Biz Mafia : Where Business Gets Made
EP 14: The Intricacies of Business Sales with Kirk Michie
What does it mean to sell, not just a business, but its soul too? In the world of mergers and acquisitions, the decision to sell your business isn’t one to be taken lightly. It's more than just transferring ownership—it often involves letting go of a piece of your identity, your hard work, and your dreams. It's a decision that can't be made overnight.In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature Kirk Michie from Candor Advisors. Candor Advisors provides investment banking advisory services to successful founder-led businesses. Whether you're a seasoned business owner...
2024-05-21
1h 02
The Nice Guys on Business
Kirk Michie: Selling Your Company The Right Way
Prior to establishing Candor Advisors, Kirk Michie accumulated three decades' worth of experience collaborating with founders and families to address their strategic objectives and help them to achieve better outcomes. Over his career, Michie raised and allocated over $1 billion in capital, while actively participating in over 60 transactions, including buyouts, sales, and other deals, surpassing a total value of $1.5 billion. Kirk has established himself as a prominent speaker and panelist, regularly participating in events organized by the Association for Corporate Growth, Vistage, and Entrepreneurs Organization. He is a sought-after guest on various acclaimed podcasts, including Entr...
2023-12-11
35 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Guest Podcast from Beyond 8 Figures
Find out more at the show page linked below:https://beyond8figures.com/podcast_episode/the-6-key-steps-to-selling-a-business-with-kirk-michie-candor-advisors/
2023-09-20
48 min
Pencils Down
The Founder’s Gladiator: Kirk Michie on Values-Driven Deals
The episode of Pencil’s Down features Kirk Michie, founder of Candor Advisors, a boutique investment bank and transaction advisory firm. Host Fed Baradello’s conversation with Michie uncovered Kirk’s unique approach at Candor, focusing on founder-centric advisory and transaction services, all undergirded by uncompromising values. Their broad-ranging and engaging conversation touched on many topics, including Kirk’s path from a financial advisor to leading his own firm; taking a holistic, purpose-driven approach focused on founders’ goals and not just maximizing fees; his emphasis on integrity and persistence as core values, standing up for founders against predatory b...
2023-09-20
44 min
Beyond 8 Figures
The 6 Key Steps to Selling a Business with Kirk Michie, Candor Advisors
Selling a business is more than just finding the right buyer; it’s about taking the necessary steps to effectively prepare for this major transition. In this episode, A.J. welcomes Kirk Michie from Candor Advisors to discuss the six key steps for a successful business sale. They talk about the importance of understanding your purpose in business, why entrepreneurs need to be more open to outside help, and the indispensable role that trusted financial advisors can play when you’re looking to sell your business.About Kirk Michie:Kirk Michie is the Founder and curr...
2023-09-20
48 min
How2Exit: Buy, Don't Build - M&A of Small Businesses
E127: Kirk Michie Discusses His Role As A Business Advisor And The Secrets To Selling A Business
Kirk Michie has been an active player in finance for more than 30 years, and involved in middle market M&A for nearly two decades. Since founding Candor Advisors 3 1/2 years ago, Kirk has been involved in nearly $1 Billion worth of sales of private businesses, several to large public companies. His varied experience, often referred to as reps in the M&A gym, paired with his daily involvement in the sector, drives his primary mission, guiding founders to better outcomes.According to Michie, the six secrets to selling a business are finding your why, matching your buyer with your why...
2023-06-28
57 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Guest Podcast by Becker Private Equity and Business
Kirk Michie talks about economic private & public sentiment, buying behavior trends he’s keeping his eye on, the importance of focusing on purpose over profit, & more.
2023-05-24
07 min
Selling Your Business with David King
Navigating the M&A Market in 2023 with Kirk Michie
Kirk Michie of Candor Advisors provides his expert read on the current state of the M&A market in this uncertain economy with high inflation and interest rates and how it's all impacting mergers & acquisitions. Kirk has over 30 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions. He's worked in investment banking, private equity, and as an investment advisor. Today with Candor Advisors, he consults with owners and with businesses that are at the initial stages of exploring all their capital raising and M&A alternatives and sees them through their sale. He's been directly involved in 60 M&A transactions. Kirk...
2023-04-07
31 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
What does Candor Advisors do for Founders?
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2023-01-01
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Important Terms to Know when Selling a Company
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2022-12-01
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Retrade
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2022-11-22
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Hope Is NOT a Strategy!
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2022-11-21
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
What's So Wrong With Earn Outs?
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2022-11-21
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Guest Podcast: Interview with Kirk by Kevin Craine on the Everyday MBA Podcast
Find out more about Candor Advisors at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-11-07
23 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Choosing an Investment Banker
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2022-10-31
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
When Should You Sell Your Business?
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2022-10-14
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Guest Podcast by Influential Entrepreneurs: Interview with Kirk Michie, Founder of Candor Advisors
Find out more about Influential Entrepreneurs at https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Learn More about Candor Advisors at https://candor-advisors.com
2022-10-10
22 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Seller Expectations - The Number One Deal Killer
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2022-09-22
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Knowing Your WHY in Selling
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2022-08-23
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Full Time Predators and Part Time Prey
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2022-08-22
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
The difference between an investment banker, business broker and exit planner
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2022-04-26
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Add Backs for Adjusted EBITDA
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2022-03-30
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Selling Your Company for More Money
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2022-03-28
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Selling Your Company for More Money
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2022-03-08
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Your Buyer Will Tip Their Hand Pre-LOI
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2022-03-03
02 min
Selling Your Business with David King
The Imposter Syndrome in M&A with Kirk Michie
Hosting Kirk Michie, founder of Candor Advisors who has more than 30 years’ experience working with entrepreneurs, closely held business owners, and high net worth families strategic planning to achieve their legacy objectives. In this episode we discuss Fear of Missing Out and how the Imposter Syndrome impacts founders in the M&A process. We also discuss the foundational elements to prepping for sale or navigating the sale process and Keeping the Four Agreements when selling. In strategic and senior management roles, Michie has raised and deployed more than $1 billion of capital, been involved with evaluating more than 2,000 direct investments, pa...
2022-02-24
27 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Does Buyer Quality of Earnings Analysis Always Work Against Sellers?
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2022-02-22
05 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Don't Mistake Marketing Outreach for Buyer Interest in Your Business
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2022-02-10
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Balancing Your Fears and Key Deal Points
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2022-02-02
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Who's the Buyer for your Business?
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2022-01-19
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Great Advisors act as Guru, Guide, and Gladiator
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2022-01-14
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Don't Let M&A FOMO Drive you to Sell too Soon
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2022-01-03
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Update on Full Time Predators and Part Time Prey
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2021-12-08
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
How Long Should Your Deal Take To Close?
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2021-12-03
04 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Transaction Bonuses For Key Employees
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2021-12-03
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Private Equity Comes in Many Flavors
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2021-12-03
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
You May Have Missed Your Window
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2021-11-12
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Make Hard Decisions Now to Maximize When you Sell Later
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2021-11-12
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
M&A Markets are Frothy...Should you Speed Up or Slow Down your Sale?
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2021-10-27
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Beware the Working Capital Adjustment
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2021-10-20
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Not Every Buyer Move is Strategic
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2021-10-18
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Don't Waste Time With The Wrong Buyer
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2021-10-11
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Strategic Buyers Are Always Better, Right?
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2021-09-28
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Taking Control Of Your Buyer's Due Diligence Process
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2021-09-28
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Is Your Buyer Dragging Out Due Diligence?
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2021-09-17
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Asset Sale or Stock Sale? Dude, What does that even mean??.m4a
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2021-09-07
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
The Call To Buy Your Business Isn't Made By A Decision Maker
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2021-08-31
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Waiting Is An Action!
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2021-08-31
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Every Deal Has At Least One Hiccup
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2021-08-19
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Buyers Price | Seller Terms - The Tradeoffs
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2021-08-19
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Should I Sell to Private Equity?
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2021-08-10
00 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
3 Unexpected Deal Killers
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2021-08-06
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
What's A Clean Team In Due Diligence?
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2021-08-03
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
The Difference Between Venture Capital and Private Equity
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2021-07-26
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Listen To Your Founder & Ceo Peers...To A Point
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2021-07-12
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Avoid This Simple AND COSTLY Mistake
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2021-06-30
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
It Only Gets Worse After You Sign The Loi
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2021-06-30
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
3 Understandable and Disastrous Mistakes Founders Make…
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2021-06-30
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Don't Give Up Too Much Too Soon
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2021-06-30
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Which Players Are Critical In The Sale Process?
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2021-06-30
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
What's A Founder Friendly Private Equity Firm?
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2021-06-30
04 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Make The Spacs Compete For Your Business
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2021-06-30
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Should You Sell To A Spac?
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2021-05-07
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
How to Deal with Poor Business Partners or Misaligned Shareholder Interest
We have dozens, if not hundreds of growth equity, structured finance, and traditional private equity firms in our network that are set up specifically to provide capital to solve these dilemmas.We can help!Find out more at https://candor-advisors.com
2021-05-07
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Impulses Don’t Scale
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2021-05-07
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
The Three Keys to Negotiating Your Sale
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2021-04-13
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
The Four Agreements in Due Diligence
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2021-04-13
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
4 Keys to Hiring the Right Investment Banker
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2021-04-13
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Getting Alignment with the Investment Bank Engagement Letter
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2021-04-13
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
What is a Fundless or Independent Sponsor?
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2021-04-13
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Getting Penalized for Great Results During the Pandemic
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2021-04-13
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Seller Expectations and Market Realities
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2021-04-13
03 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
You May Not Get as Much Cash as You Expect When Selling Your Business
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2021-04-13
04 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
What do Deal Professionals Mean by Dry Powder?
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2021-04-13
02 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
What Does It Mean For Founders To Take Chips Off The Table
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2021-04-13
01 min
Insights by Candor Advisors
Is This a Good Time to Sell?
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2021-04-13
00 min