Choosing our lower middle market M&A advisory firm means working with a team of highly experienced M&A deal making professionals who are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Florida M&A Advisors, Inc., and what services do you provide?

South Florida M&A Advisors, Inc. is a boutique M&A advisory firm specializing in sell-side advisory services for lower middle-market companies. The firm provides merger and acquisition services to business owners looking to sell, recapitalize or maximize business value. Led by Russell Cohen and his team, the firm combines extensive transaction experience, strategic insights, industry knowledge and a relationship-driven approach to help owners make informed decisions throughout the M&A process.

How are Florida M&A Advisors different from a traditional business broker?

Unlike a traditional business broker, Florida M&A Advisors provide strategic advisory services backed by deep deal making experience and a structured deal process. We confidentially market businesses to an extensive network of private equity groups, strategic buyers, family offices and qualified investors. Our relationship-driven approach is designed to maximize value while protecting our clients' best interests throughout the transaction process.

What should business owners look for when choosing an M&A advisor in Florida?

Business owners should consider an advisor's transaction experience, industry knowledge, buyer relationships, track record and familiarity with the company's deal size. Communication style and responsiveness are also important. A trusted advisor should be accessible, communicate clearly and understand the owner's objectives. Choosing an M&A advisor who provides personalized attention and strategic insights can help owners make informed decisions throughout the transaction.

When should I start planning my business exit?

Business owners should ideally begin exit planning three to five years before a planned sale. Starting early provides time to strengthen financial performance, address operational issues, improve transferable processes and identify opportunities to increase business value. An effective exit plan is especially important for owners approaching retirement, helping them prepare for a successful transition rather than making major decisions under time pressure.

Why is an exit plan important for business owners nearing retirement?

An exit plan helps owners approaching retirement determine how and when they want to transition out of the business while protecting the value they have built. Without adequate planning, an unexpected or poorly prepared exit can create financial and operational challenges and may place an unnecessary burden on unprepared family members. Working with experienced M&A advisors early can help owners evaluate their options and develop a transition strategy aligned with their personal and financial goals.

How can I prepare my business for sale before going to market?

Preparing a business for sale should begin well before it is marketed to buyers. Owners should evaluate financial performance, strengthen operations, address potential risks and identify the factors that drive business value. It is also important to maintain accurate financial records and present the company's performance transparently. Business owners should avoid manipulating financial figures before selling, as inconsistent or misleading financial information can undermine buyer confidence and complicate due diligence.

How do M&A advisors help maximize the value of a business?

M&A advisors use valuation expertise, market knowledge, strategic insights and buyer relationships to help position a business for a successful transaction. A structured process can include evaluating value drivers, developing the appropriate deal structure, identifying qualified buyers, managing negotiations and coordinating due diligence. Creating competitive interest among qualified buyers can help sellers pursue favorable terms while protecting their long-term interests.

How does South Florida M&A Advisors' deal process help sellers?

The process begins with understanding the business, its value drivers and the owner's objectives. The advisory team then develops an appropriate transaction strategy, prepares the company for market, confidentially approaches qualified buyers and manages the transaction through negotiations, due diligence and closing. This structured approach combines extensive experience with senior-level attention and is designed to help business owners maximize value while maintaining confidentiality.

What industries does South Florida M&A Advisors serve?

South Florida M&A Advisors works with lower middle-market companies across a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, business services, construction, transportation, technology and other specialized sectors. Its industry experience helps advisors understand the factors that influence buyer interest and business value and develop strategies appropriate to each company's market and deal size.

Does South Florida M&A Advisors work with private equity groups and international buyers?

Yes. The firm's network includes private equity groups, strategic acquirers, family offices and other qualified investors, including international buyers seeking acquisition opportunities in the United States. Access to a broad buyer network can expand the pool of qualified prospects and help sellers evaluate opportunities that may not be available through a traditional business broker.

What role does Russell Cohen play in the M&A process?

Russell Cohen brings more than 25 years of M&A experience and has guided owners in the sale of more than 700 businesses. His experience across valuation, deal structure, negotiations and buyer engagement provides business owners with strategic insights throughout the transaction process. Russell and his team remain actively involved in helping clients evaluate options, navigate challenges and pursue their desired outcomes.

How do M&A advisors structure their fees?

M&A advisory fees can vary based on the scope of services, transaction complexity and deal size. Business owners should understand an advisor's fee structure before engagement and consider whether the arrangement aligns the advisor's interests with the client's goals. A well-aligned fee structure can encourage the advisor to remain focused on creating value, executing the transaction effectively and achieving the best possible outcome for the client.

What does due diligence cover in a lower middle-market transaction?

Due diligence typically involves a detailed review of a company's financial, legal and operational position. Depending on the transaction, this can include financial statements, tax records, contracts, customers, employees, operations, legal matters, market conditions and other factors that may affect value or transaction risk. Experienced M&A advisors help coordinate the process and provide strategic guidance so buyers and sellers can make informed decisions before closing.

Why is confidentiality important when selling a business?

Confidentiality helps protect employees, customers, suppliers, competitors and the ongoing value of a business during a sale. M&A advisors use a disciplined process to approach qualified buyers and protect sensitive information throughout the transaction. Maintaining confidentiality can help minimize disruption to operations while allowing the seller to explore acquisition opportunities discreetly.

What does AM&AA certification mean for an M&A advisor?

AM&AA certification demonstrates specialized education and professional commitment within the mergers and acquisitions field. For business owners, professional credentials can be one factor to consider when evaluating an advisor, alongside transaction experience, industry knowledge, communication style, responsiveness and track record.

Why trust South Florida M&A Advisors with your business sale?

Selling a business is one of the most significant financial decisions an owner can make. South Florida M&A Advisors combines extensive transaction experience, industry insights, strategic guidance and a relationship-driven approach to help business owners navigate the sale process. With Russell Cohen having guided owners through the sale of more than 700 businesses, the firm provides experienced advisory services designed to help clients make informed decisions and pursue the best possible transaction outcome.