Interviews
From Angel To Exit
Karl shares insider strategies on how founders can prepare for a high-value exit. With decades of experience on both the buy and sell sides, Karl reveals why 80% of lower middle market deals fail—and how you can avoid becoming a statistic. Learn the must-have foundations for exit readiness, how to think like a buyer, and why building a culture of preparation pays dividends. A must-listen for founders scaling toward a sale or acquisition.
Key Takeaways:
- 80% of lower middle market exits fail due to poor preparation and unrealistic valuations.
- Clean, audited financials are essential for attracting serious buyers.
- Valuation is driven by future cash flow, quality of earnings, and industry comparables.
- Strategic buyers and micro PE funds require different approaches—know your audience.
- Scaling past $1M–$3M in EBITDA significantly boosts your exit multiple.
- Succession planning is non-negotiable; your business must be transferable.
- Founders should think like buyers—objectivity creates better deal outcomes.
- Exit planning should begin 5–10 years in advance, not 6 months before a sale.
The Cash-Rich Exit
Talking to Colleen O'Connell-Campbell of RBC Dominion Securities.
Here is what we talked about:
- Why $5M-$50M companies are underserved in traditional M&A processes
- The importance of long-term planning and education before an exit
- Why you should start exit preparation 2-3 years in advance - or earlier
- How cultural fit between buyer and seller drives long-term success
- How private equity can protect rather than destroy value
- The difference between a transaction and a journey
- Why you shouldn’t fall in love with your business - and how to prepare it for its next owner
Canadain Wealth Secrets
- Is your business an acquisition target, take the quiz to find out
- Be sure to grab Karl’s book: selling your Canadian business.
Why 80% Of Canadian Business Owners May Never Sell
We’re discussing the complexities of selling your privately held business, an important yet often challenging process, especially for owners nearing retirement. As many business owners consider transitioning out of their companies, understanding how to make your business an attractive acquisition target and navigating proprietary deals becomes vital.
Is “Now” The Time? What Older Owner-Operators Are Thinking, Post-Pandemic
Mario Nigro’s guest for this podcast is Karl Sigerist, a business advisor focusing on the lower midmarket. Many of Karl’s clients are owner-operators who are thinking about exits. He and Mario discuss the value of engaging an outside advisor and, in particular, the impact that the pandemic has had on the succession strategies of many long-time operators who recognize that new energy may be needed, sooner rather than later, to drive their businesses forward in a changing world.