I’m looking to acquire some small businesses (3-5 @ <1.2m valuation) and while I have the basics down reading through financials & doing my own valuations, I want to learn more about strategy and structure as well as learn from past mistakes. Anything books come to mind? A lot of the M&A books I’ve found are directed toward M&A teams at large corps, which I am not.

Thanks!

Edit: I’m mostly looking at established semi-local small businesses as owners retire increasingly faster… not messing with asset-less, cashflow-less tech startups.

  • fediverser@alien.topEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

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  • naripan@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    For general strategy, I recommend “Foundations of Strategy by Robert M. Grant”. It’s quite old, but the content makes sense and it has some good case studies as well.

  • LouGarret76@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I dont know what the intent is here but M&A is a matter that requires an expertise in business strategy, finance, federal and state law and tax, besides a good understanding of the business you are acquiring. That is why you need a significant team to make it work.

    I would recommend against doing this the amateur way.

  • Fluffy-P0et@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    While I can’t recommend any specific books, I’d like to suggest considering online courses such as those on Coursera and Udemy, or even professional advice services of a business broker. You may also be able to get insights from business podcasts or interviews with successful small business investors.

    Remember that it’s not just about buying the business, but about knowing how you can add value to it once it’s yours. It’s also crucial to really understand the specific risks for the kind of businesses you’re buying. Risk and strategy are two sides of the same coin.

    What kind of businesses are you considering to acquire? That could help us recommend more specific resources. Plus, if someone else on the thread has experience in buying and running that kind of business, you could get some invaluable firsthand knowledge.