Smart buyers don’t just negotiate on price—they use deal structure to win. This post breaks down how different buyer types (LMM operators, family offices, and PE firms) typically finance acquisitions, what terms they use, and what it means for sellers, buyers, and advisors. Whether you're navigating seller notes, earnouts, or private credit, understanding how the “smart money” structures deals will help you compete more effectively and close with confidence.

PE firms in the lower middle market don’t just need great numbers—they need great relationships. This post explores how High Point balances founder empathy with investor rigor across diligence and post-close execution.

Closing the deal is just the start. In this article, we show how High Point Advisory Group helps private equity firms turn investment theses into real-world execution — through 100-day plans, pricing strategy, KPI alignment, and founder-focused support that moves the needle.

In this article, we break down the real financial roles most PE-backed companies need after close — and why hiring a CFO too early can backfire. Learn the difference between a bookkeeper, controller, and CFO, and how High Point Advisory Group builds the right finance function for each stage of growth.

After a deal closes, clean books are critical for confident decision-making and long-term value creation. In this article, we break down what post-close financial cleanup actually looks like — from rebuilding the chart of accounts to implementing a real monthly close — and how High Point Advisory Group helps PE-backed companies establish scalable finance functions from Day 1.

In this follow-up article, we break down how High Point Advisory Group helps private equity firms move fast without missing key risks. Learn how our QoE and QoE Lite™ offerings uncover real EBITDA, set smart working capital targets, and preserve seller trust — giving buyers a tactical edge in deals under $100M.

Discover how High Point Advisory Group gives lower middle market private equity firms a strategic edge — from diligence and financial operations to post-close execution. Learn how our advisory support keeps your team focused on sourcing deals and driving returns while we handle the details.

Buyers pay more for businesses that don’t rely on the owner to function. In this post, we walk through how to make your business transferable by documenting key processes, reducing key person risk, and positioning your team and operations for a smooth handoff—boosting both deal certainty and valuation.

Messy financials, unclear payroll, and working capital surprises are some of the biggest reasons sellers lose value during due diligence. In this post, we break down the three most common financial issues we fix before a sale—and how they quietly erode enterprise value if left unaddressed. Whether you're 6 or 24 months from listing, these insights will help you avoid surprises and protect your price.

Most small business owners wait too long to prepare for a sale—then leave value on the table. In this post, we break down why exit planning should start 12–24 months before listing, what financial and operational improvements create real buyer confidence, and how to begin cleanup well before diligence starts. If you want maximum value, smoother terms, and faster closings, this guide shows you how to get ahead.

Buyers with assets—like real estate, investments, or existing businesses—are often approved for SBA loans more easily. But that approval doesn’t mean the business is sound. This post explains why high-net-worth buyers face greater risk when banks prioritize collateral over quality—and how financial diligence protects what you’ve built

Bank approval doesn’t mean the business is risk-free. This post breaks down why SBA lenders only review the surface-level numbers—and why buyers still need financial diligence to validate SDE, uncover red flags, and avoid overpaying. Especially for asset-backed borrowers, due diligence isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Why a solutions-oriented diligence partner matters: Learn how verifying financials—not blowing up deals—protects buyers, helps sellers close, and keeps brokers on track to earn commissions.

Think a smaller deal means limited risk? Think again. When a buyer pursued a charming Main Street coffee shop, our QoE Lite uncovered financial red flags, CPA-driven misstatements, and risks that could’ve cost him everything. Here’s how diligence protected the deal — and the buyer’s future.

Thinking of buying a business? A Buy-Side QoE helps you validate earnings, uncover risks, and avoid overpaying. Here’s what it includes — and why it’s essential for SMB acquisitions.

Buying a business? Learn why thorough buy-side due diligence is critical to protect your investment, validate cash flow, and avoid costly surprises after closing.