Partner. Collaborate. Close

In today’s competitive landscape, M&A success isn’t about finding a buyer—it’s about structuring the right deal. At Seaside Business Advisors, we go far beyond basic matchmaking or surface-level financials. We advise on transactions the way institutional firms do—through disciplined valuation, strategic structuring, and end-to-end execution that maximizes long-term value for founders, families, and operators.

Too many brokers focus solely on top-line valuation—often chasing inflated multiples or unsophisticated buyers. This leads to failed deals, missed value creation, or, worse, post-transaction regret. We see it differently.

True value lies in structure:

• Is the earnout realistic and enforceable?
• Does the buyer have strategic synergy or just capital?
• What happens to working capital post-close?
• Will your team, IP, and culture survive integration?

We’ve seen deals fall apart in diligence because of poor working capital language, misaligned earnout terms, or gaps in HR compliance. That’s why we start early—optimizing EBITDA, aligning operating structure with market expectations, and building a data room that holds up to institutional scrutiny.

Every transaction is different—but the goal is the same: maximize certainty, minimize surprises, and preserve upside. At Seaside, our playbook includes:

• Tax-efficient structures (e.g., asset vs. stock sales, 338(h)(10) elections)
• Retained equity strategies for owners seeking second bites
• Seller notes and earnouts that reward future performance without risking deal integrity
• Reps & warranties insurance to reduce post-closing exposure
• Working capital pegging tailored to seasonal or cyclical business models

We’ve advised deals ranging from $5M to $50M+ in enterprise value across sectors like manufacturing, SaaS, professional services, aerospace, logistics, and DTC brands.

Knowing how to position your business requires knowing how the market actually values them. Here’s what we’re seeing in today’s environment:

• SaaS (High-Growth, Low Churn): 6x–12x ARR depending on scale, profitability, and net revenue retention.
• Manufacturing (Light Industrial & Contract Manufacturing): 5.5x–7.5x EBITDA for process-optimized firms with recurring contracts.
• Logistics & 3PL: 6x–8x EBITDA for companies with integrated tech and regional coverage.
• Healthcare Services (Outpatient & Specialty): 7x–10x EBITDA, especially in multi-location, provider-led roll-ups.
• Aerospace & Defense Suppliers: 6.5x–9x EBITDA, with premiums for companies with AS9100 certs or government contracts.
• eCommerce & DTC Brands: 1.5x–3x revenue depending on margins, repeat purchase behavior, and fulfillment scalability.

✅ We think like operators, not just dealmakers.
✅ We build valuation through operational optimization.
✅ We model multiple scenarios—not just to sell, but to grow, merge, or recap.
✅ We craft deals that protect your legacy, people, and future upside.

Our clients aren’t just looking for a transaction—they’re looking for clarity, strategy, and strength. If you want to explore what that means for your business, we’re ready.

Let’s talk about how to build a deal that works for you—today and for years to come.

Seaside Business Advisors
M&A Advisory | Operational Strategy | Value Optimization