Chapman Associates, Inc.

Due diligence is a critical phase in any M&A transaction, especially when preparing to sell your company. It allows you to uncover hidden risks and ensure you’re making informed decisions to maximize value.  To help guide you through this process, we’ve outlined a few key areas to consider: ✔ Financial Review: Analyze financial statements, cash flow, and debt to get a clear picture of the company’s profitability and financial health. ✔ Legal Compliance: Ensure the company meets all regulatory requirements and has no pending or potential litigation that could impact the transaction. ✔ Operational Insight: Evaluate key operations, supplier relationships, contractual obligations, and systems integration to avoid post-sale surprises. ✔ HR & Management: Assess the company’s talent, organizational structure, and any risks associated with employment contracts or management continuity. ✔ Customer & Market Assessment: Review customer loyalty, retention rates, and market position to gauge future growth potential. If you’re considering selling your business and want our complete due diligence checklist, click here. https://lnkd.in/g4YcuKg2

How to Identify the Right Acquisition Target for Your Business: 5 Key Questions to Ask Before diving into an acquisition, ask these key questions to ensure the target is right for your business: Does the target align with your growth objectives? What competitive advantage will this acquisition give you? Is the target’s leadership team strong and ready to stay post-acquisition? Are the financials stable enough to support expansion? How will you integrate the company into your existing structure? Thinking about acquiring a business but unsure where to start? Click here to explore how Chapman Associates can help. 

Please join us in welcoming our newest Managing Director! Brett Davis joined Chapman Associates following a 30-year career in Global Project Management. During his career, he ran hundreds of projects from mergers, divestments, & acquisitions to SAP; data center migrations, large FPSO projects across the globe. His latest divestment was a 1.2-billion-dollar sale of a Fortune 100 large petroleum refinery to a foreign government. Brett has been involved in 17 mergers and acquisitions over the last 30 years. Many of the projects allowed him to build a network within the Oil & Gas, Energy, Healthcare, and Food and Beverage communities. Since Information Technology touches all aspects of business, running enterprise projects on a global level has granted Brett with the knowledge of experience-based business acumen to better navigate his future endeavors. Over Brett’s tenure he has worked with 5 of the largest oil companies based in Houston, several consulting firms, one of the largest banks in North America, and the largest children’s hospital network in Texas as well as the world’s largest airline based in Chicago. Brett studied International Business and Economics at Sam Houston State University. He also obtained his MBA from the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. He previously studied engineering for 3 years prior to expanding his knowledge into international business and economics. His professional licenses include: the Project Management Professional (PMP), and the Scrum Master certification. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors.

We are excited to announce that Jason Toffolo has joined Chapman Associates after a 25-year career as an executive in the Automotive Industry and after 8 years as a business owner and Entrepreneur in the Construction tool and supply industry.   Jason has lived internationally in Germany and Japan and has significant International business experience collaborating with large firms to small startups.   He has been involved in Mergers & Acquisitions since 2004 and due to his background makes him an ideal person to find value and opportunity within organizations. Jason’s diverse background and experience working in a variety of roles allows him to understand and negotiate the issues that can come up between buyers and sellers when executing transactions.   With a strong background in sales, due diligence, broad finance, operations, and post-merger integration, Jason enjoys understanding the people, systems, products, and processes of how businesses function and uses this information to help secure deals.   Jason studied business administration at the University of Michigan and earned a master’s degree; his undergraduate work was at Purdue University where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.   In his spare time, he enjoys golf, a variety of outdoor activities, international travel, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends.  

Mark Hofer brings up a great point in this article. The importance of understanding intangible assets, like intellectual property, is crucial to being able to come to terms on a valuation. How do you think traditional valuation methods should evolve to better account for these critical components in M&A deals?

Mark Hofer this offers great insight into the importance of having a plan. Not everyone is planning on selling now, but it is a reality that eventually has to be faced. This article goes over important topics such as: -Exit strategy planning -Valuation -Anchoring -Emotional attachments -Brokerage Fees -Preparation I encourage everyone to take the time and read this to gain insight on how to effectively prepare for future success.

  We are delighted to announce that Alexander Grelli has joined our team as Managing Director. A proud alumnus of the University of Chicago, where Alex earned both his undergraduate and law degrees, demonstrates a dedication to academic excellence from the outset.      With years of experience in the Corporate and Investment Management Group at Reed Smith LLP, Alex has expertise in counseling investment advisors and companies on regulatory, compliance, and governance matters, particularly within the realms of debt, equity, and commodity offerings.      Beyond his legal counsel, Alex has also served as a strategic advisor to privately held companies, driving growth, analyzing profitability, and optimizing operations. His diverse experience spans real estate investments, startup ventures, and family-run alcohol beverage manufacturing and distribution companies.      Alex co-led his family companies to a successful exit, with Chapman serving as their trusted advisor. Alex's firsthand understanding of both buyer and seller perspectives equips him with a unique insight into the transaction process.      Please join us in giving Alex a warm welcome as he begins this new chapter with our team!   

We understand that selling your business can be a complex and emotional decision, which is why we have put together a comprehensive guide of twelve tips to help guide you through the process with confidence. From conducting a thorough valuation of your company to negotiating the best terms with potential buyers, our tips will ensure you have the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about the future of your business. At Chapman Associates, we have extensive mergers and acquisitions experience and have helped countless business owners successfully sell their companies. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs and goals, and we will work tirelessly to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome. Don't leave the sale of your company to chance. Contact Chapman Associates today for advice regarding: ·      The fair market value of your business ·      Positioning your business to its best advantage ·      Developing and implementing a professional marketing program for your business ·      Identifying and contacting potential buyers ·      Representing you during showings and negotiations ·      Closing the transaction in a reasonable time frame https://lnkd.in/gc_GaMPR

In the fast-paced world of business, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is crucial for sustained growth and competitiveness. This guide offers 12 invaluable tips for those looking to navigate the complexities of acquiring a company successfully. If you would like to confidentially discuss any M&A questions, please reach us using the link below. https://lnkd.in/ghPxzdXg

Please join us in welcoming Mark Hofer to Chapman Associates. Mark brings an extensive background in technology, boasting over 28 years of experience. With expertise in Cyber Security, Engineering, and Enterprise Architecture, he has participated in 35+ corporate mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures throughout his successful career.   Mark's experience is diverse, covering the areas of software, hardware, and technology services. He has worked with startups, middle-market tech companies, and also participated in a Fortune 100 merger. Mark's technical proficiency and knowledge have made him an esteemed technical advisor for key business, legal, regulatory compliance, and financial stakeholders.   Mark Studied at The University of Texas at Austin with a focus in Business Administration and Communications. He augmented his education with engineering and professional certifications through private technical training. Mark has also contributed back to the community by engaging in diversity and inclusion training/recruiting and pro-bono consulting on security for non-profit organizations. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, and outdoor activities.   We are excited to have Mark join Chapman and look forward to staying updated on his impressive achievements in the field of strategic mergers and acquisitions within the Information Technology sector. Please join me in giving him a warm welcome!