Financial readiness assessment
Review historical results, reporting quality, profitability trends, and issues that could complicate a buyer's financial review.
Sell-Side M&A Advisory · Minnesota
Sell-Side M&A Advisory for Minnesota Business Owners
Considering selling your company? Get practical financial preparation, transaction-readiness guidance, and support through the financial demands of a business sale.
Discuss a Potential Sale →
Clarity before and during a transaction
Prepare for one of your most important business decisions.
Selling a privately held business can involve more than agreeing on a price. Buyers may examine earnings quality, working capital, customer concentration, financial controls, forecasts, and the risks involved in taking over the company. The better prepared you are, the more confidently you can respond to those questions.
Herman Consulting, LLC supports business owners across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest with the financial analysis, preparation, and coordination involved in a potential sale. Our sell-side advisory focus is generally on companies with approximately $5 million to $50 million in annual revenue.
Sell-side transaction support
Earnings and cash-flow analysis
Analyze operating performance, potential normalization adjustments where supportable, cash conversion, and financial trends that help explain the business.
Sale preparation materials
Organize financial information and help communicate the company's operating story, performance drivers, and opportunities clearly and consistently.
Buyer due diligence preparation
Help organize requested financial documents, anticipate common questions, and prepare management for the information demands of a transaction.
Working capital and deal considerations
Support analysis of working capital, debt-like items, and other financial terms that can influence the proceeds and mechanics of a transaction.
Advisor coordination and transaction support
Work with your legal, tax, and other transaction advisors to help keep financial analysis and information requests organized through the process.
When owners reach out
- You are exploring a sale and want to understand how prepared your company is.
- A potential buyer has contacted you and requested financial information.
- You want a clearer understanding of earnings, cash flow, and value drivers before discussing a price.
- You need help organizing financial materials for buyer due diligence.
- You want experienced financial guidance alongside your attorney and tax advisor.
- You are not ready to sell immediately but want to address issues before going to market.
How we approach a potential business sale
We begin with a confidential conversation about your objectives, timing, company size, and current financial information. From there, we identify the most important readiness gaps, establish a practical work plan, and help prepare the financial materials and analysis needed for the next stage. The scope of support is tailored to the transaction and coordinated with other professional advisors as appropriate.
If a sale is still several years away, our business exit planning services can help you focus first on value creation, risk reduction, and transferability. If your immediate need is ongoing financial leadership, explore our fractional CFO services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a sell-side M&A advisor do?
Sell-side advisory work helps a business owner prepare for and navigate aspects of selling a company. Herman Consulting focuses on financial preparation, analysis, buyer due diligence support, and coordination with the owner's transaction team. The exact engagement scope is agreed upon in advance.
What size businesses does Herman Consulting typically work with on a sale?
Our primary sell-side M&A focus is privately held businesses with approximately $5 million to $50 million in annual revenue. We can discuss whether our services are a fit for your situation.
How is sell-side M&A advisory different from exit planning?
Exit planning helps an owner strengthen a company and prepare for a future transition, often over several years. Sell-side M&A advisory focuses on the financial preparation and support needed when an owner is considering or actively pursuing a transaction.
Do I need an attorney and tax advisor when selling my business?
Yes, a business sale often involves important legal and tax issues. Herman Consulting provides financial advisory support and works alongside qualified legal and tax professionals; it does not replace their advice.
Can you guarantee a valuation or sale outcome?
No. Business value and transaction outcomes depend on many factors, including company performance, market conditions, buyer interest, and deal terms. We focus on informed preparation and sound financial analysis rather than promises about price or closing.