In this episode of the M&A Guy podcast, Brian Franco and Carter Looney discuss the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions, focusing on the importance of choosing the right capital partner and preparing businesses for investment. They explore what makes a business investable, the significance of transparency, and the differences between financial and strategic buyers. The conversation emphasizes the need for founders to understand the capital raising process and to set clear expectations for their exit strategies.

In this conversation, Brian Franco and Jeanne Cummings discuss the fleeting emotional high that founders experience after selling their companies, emphasizing that the excitement often lasts only a few hours before the reality of 'what's next' sets in. He stresses the importance of preparing for this transition before going to market.

In this episode, Brian Franco interviews Christian Malek of Novastone Capital Advisors, discussing the concept of operator-led buyouts and the challenges of succession planning in family-owned businesses. They explore the importance of attracting top talent to manage these businesses, the significant transfer of wealth occurring as baby boomers retire, and the lessons learned from various transactions. The conversation emphasizes the need for growth and the role of operators in ensuring the legacy of family businesses while navigating the complexities of private equity.