A “keystone” is defined as the essential center block of stone in an arch that holds all the pieces together. Without it, the entire arch would collapse.
Keystone Business Advisors has successfully facilitated the sale of over 250 businesses, showcasing our expertise in managing every aspect of a deal to ensure a smooth transition for our seller clients. We understand that each transaction comes with its own set of unique challenges, which is why partnering with a skilled M&A advisor is critical. Our team is adept at navigating complex issues, meticulously managing the process, and ultimately achieving the best outcomes for our clients. As a full-service mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, Keystone specializes in the often-neglected niche of the M&A market, focusing on companies with annual sales between $5 million and $100 million. This targeted approach allows us to add significant value, as we concentrate on the lower middle-market sector of privately-owned businesses in California—an area frequently underserved by many business brokers. Unlike most investment bankers in Southern California, who typically work with firms generating $50 to $100 million in gross sales and often require upfront retainers, Keystone offers a more accessible alternative. Our proven system for marketing and managing transactions is tailored specifically for lower-middle-market companies. We adopt a fee structure that aligns our interests with our clients, as our fees are only due upon the successful completion of the sale. This approach not only alleviates financial pressure but also motivates us to secure the best possible sale price and terms for our seller clients.
About Keystone Business Advisors
Keystone Business Advisors has sold over 250 businesses and has the proven experience and capability to hold the various aspects of a deal together to ensure a smooth transition. Each transaction comes with its own unique set of circumstances. Therefore, it is critical to utilize an effective M&A advisor who can provide solutions to complex problems, ensure the process is managed successfully, and deliver the desired outcome.
Keystone is a full-service mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. We specialize in the sector of the M&A market that is often underserved, companies with annual sales between $5 million and $100 million. While most business brokers in Southern California focus on the sale of main street businesses such as restaurants, retail, and small service businesses, we direct our focus to an underserved market, namely lower middle-market, privately owned California-based businesses. On the other hand, most investment bankers in Southern California service businesses with a minimum of $50 to $100 million in gross sales and charge upfront retainers. In contrast, Keystone Business Advisors has developed a proven system for marketing and managing the transaction process for lower-middle market companies with a fee structure that is not due until the transaction is complete.
What We Do For You
Prior to introducing a business to the market, we carefully analyze its value by leveraging market-based techniques, researching the industry, and examining industry sales comparable data. Obtaining an accurate value assessment is essential to make the best-informed decision about how and when to sell. In this initial stage, we may also suggest strategies to enhance its value.
Once we learn the intricacies of your business, we develop a tailored plan to help you achieve your goals. We conduct initial interviews to understand challenges and value drivers. We strive to collaborate with tax, legal, and financial planning advisors to tackle crucial issues and maximize after-tax proceeds.
The process of selling a business involves numerous stages, and two factors that can hinder the transaction are time and surprises. We take charge of the sale and related tasks, reducing impediments and allowing you to focus on running your business. Our aim is to identify challenges in advance and proactively address them to prevent the transaction from derailing.
Our marketing program aims to reach buyers while protecting your identity. It begins with a 30 to 50-page Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) that highlights vital aspects of the business such as value drivers, competitive advantages, operational summary, key management, customer/market/financial analysis, etc. A solid CIM is essential for a good first impression and better results.
Our expertise lies in marketing your business to potential buyers while maintaining confidentiality. For some, we believe a wider pool of buyers increases the chance of finding the perfect match. For others, we utilize a targeted approach to specific industry or private equity buyers using our extensive databases. This proactive approach saves time and effort while ensuring we reach the best buyers.
Before sharing any confidential information, we screen potential buyers to evaluate their financial and operational capacity. The purpose of this initial screening is to verify that the buyer has sincere intentions and is capable of carrying out the purchase.
Confidentiality breaches can harm business relationships, affecting a company’s position and value. To prevent this, we require prospective buyers to sign a confidentiality agreement before releasing sensitive information. This agreement prohibits them from sharing information or using it for evaluation purposes only.
We provide representation during negotiations to secure the most favorable price and deal terms that align your goals and objectives. Our advisors are skilled negotiators with expertise in negotiation tactics and dynamics. Our focus is on maximizing the price and obtaining the best possible terms on behalf of our clients.
Our clients are experts in their respective businesses yet lack the expertise to maximize their selling potential. Keystone is experienced in handling any potential issues that arise during the sale process. We conduct extensive due diligence upfront to prevent any problems before they become “deal killers.”
Research shows that only 20% to 30% of businesses that go to market end up selling. We are proud of our closing rate of over 90%. Our approach involves a rigorous client selection process and limited engagements to provide sufficient time for each project. We adhere to a strict timeline with our top priority being integrity and ensuring a successful deal.
What We Do For You
Prior to introducing a business to the market, we carefully analyze its value by leveraging market-based techniques, researching the industry, and examining industry sales comparable data. Obtaining an accurate value assessment is essential to make the best-informed decision about how and when to sell. In this initial stage, we may also suggest strategies to enhance its value.
Once we learn the intricacies of your business, we develop a tailored plan to help you achieve your goals. We conduct initial interviews to understand challenges and value drivers. We strive to collaborate with tax, legal, and financial planning advisors to tackle crucial issues and maximize after-tax proceeds.
The process of selling a business involves numerous stages, and two factors that can hinder the transaction are time and surprises. We take charge of the sale and related tasks, reducing impediments and allowing you to focus on running your business. Our aim is to identify challenges in advance and proactively address them to prevent the transaction from derailing.
Our marketing program aims to reach buyers while protecting your identity. It begins with a 30 to 50-page Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) that highlights vital aspects of the business such as value drivers, competitive advantages, operational summary, key management, customer/market/financial analysis, etc. A solid CIM is essential for a good first impression and better results.
Our expertise lies in marketing your business to potential buyers while maintaining confidentiality. For some, we believe a wider pool of buyers increases the chance of finding the perfect match. For others, we utilize a targeted approach to specific industry or private equity buyers using our extensive databases. This proactive approach saves time and effort while ensuring we reach the best buyers.
Before sharing any confidential information, we screen potential buyers to evaluate their financial and operational capacity. The purpose of this initial screening is to verify that the buyer has sincere intentions and is capable of carrying out the purchase.
Confidentiality breaches can harm business relationships, affecting a company’s position and value. To prevent this, we require prospective buyers to sign a confidentiality agreement before releasing sensitive information. This agreement prohibits them from sharing information or using it for evaluation purposes only.
We provide representation during negotiations to secure the most favorable price and deal terms that align your goals and objectives. Our advisors are skilled negotiators with expertise in negotiation tactics and dynamics. Our focus is on maximizing the price and obtaining the best possible terms on behalf of our clients.
Our clients are experts in their respective businesses yet lack the expertise to maximize their selling potential. Keystone is experienced in handling any potential issues that arise during the sale process. We conduct extensive due diligence upfront to prevent any problems before they become “deal killers.”
Research shows that only 20% to 30% of businesses that go to market end up selling. We are proud of our closing rate of over 90%. Our approach involves a rigorous client selection process and limited engagements to provide sufficient time for each project. We adhere to a strict timeline with our top priority being integrity and ensuring a successful deal.
"In the end we achieved the best possible result and a win for everyone involved including our employees."
After searching for the best partner to guide me through the process of selling my 32 year old company I chose Dave Richards at Keystone Business Advisors. Dave went above and beyond to understand not only the value of the company but also my needs and goals for the transaction. Dave has a special skill for handling the emotional side of things, both for "reading" potential buyers and helping keep you calm while the flow of the transaction is working through. In the end we achieved the best possible result and a win for everyone involved including our employees. I highly recommend Dave Richards and Keystone to business owners looking to sell their company.
Alan Sherry | Founder | Stellar Technical Products
"In the end we achieved the best possible result and a win for everyone involved including our employees."
Precision Measuring Tools
has been acquired by
Powder Coating Services
has been acquired by
The Pella Group, LLC
If you are looking for a Business Broker in Los Angeles or Business Broker in Southern California, contact us to learn how we can manage the sale of your business to maximize its value and maintain confidentiality. Our success fees are 100% aligned with your goals as we get paid once we successfully complete the transaction. Keystone Business Advisors continues to be rated as top Business Broker in Los Angeles and top Business Broker in Southern California.
250 N. Westlake Boulevard, Suite 230
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(888) 978-0550
info@keystonebusinessadvisors.com
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