This episode explores the real-world journey of selling a long-standing family business through the experience of retired entrepreneur Chantal Hampson. Listeners will learn how a combination of preparation, clarity, and the right buyer mindset can transform an uncertain transition into a rewarding exit. The story offers practical takeaways for anyone considering a sale, whether the goal is retirement, a new direction, or simply creating space for the next generation to lead.

Through Chantal’s reflections, this podcast highlights the value of understanding your numbers, anticipating buyer expectations, and building a succession plan that aligns with the long-term health of the company. Her experience showcases how early planning, strong operational teams, and proactive financial due diligence can significantly increase valuation and buyer interest. It also shows that knowing which buyer type best fits your culture can make the selling process smoother and more successful.

Listeners will gain insight into navigating competitive auctions, preparing quality earnings reviews, and managing the emotional and strategic decisions that come with stepping away from a business built on family legacy. Whether you are exploring a future exit or actively preparing for one, this conversation offers grounded advice from someone who has successfully walked the path. Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!

This episode guides Canadian business owners through the essential first step of any successful sale, understanding what your business is truly worth. You will learn why obtaining an informed opinion of value sets the tone for negotiations, shapes buyer expectations, and ensures you enter the market with confidence. By breaking down the valuation process into clear, practical steps, this podcast helps you see how early preparation can significantly influence your outcome.

We explore the most common valuation methods used in Canada’s mid-market, including EBITDA multiples, discounted cash flow, and comparable transactions. You will discover how industry trends, regional economic conditions, and business-specific factors like recurring revenue, customer concentration, and proprietary technology all contribute to your company’s value. The episode also highlights important Canadian tax considerations that can influence both valuation and after-tax proceeds.

Finally, this episode shows how owners can use a preliminary valuation to set realistic expectations and identify opportunities to improve their business before going to market. Through practical examples and actionable steps, you will gain a clear understanding of how to maximize value and prepare strategically for the sale process.

Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!

This podcast explores how owners of mid market Canadian businesses can set clear emotional and financial goals before selling. You will learn how to prepare for the personal transition that comes with letting go of a company, including identity changes, family dynamics, legacy concerns, and the unique challenges faced by family owned, digital, and cross border businesses. Each episode helps you understand what emotional readiness looks like and how to shape your next chapter with confidence.

We also break down the financial decisions that influence a successful sale. From establishing your minimum acceptable price to navigating tax efficiency, LCGE eligibility, valuation ranges, and ideal payment structures, this series equips you with practical strategies tailored to mid market firms across industries. Whether you are preparing for retirement, planning succession, or protecting key teams, these insights help you align your financial goals with your long term personal vision.

Through real world examples and actionable tools, this podcast guides you in balancing emotional clarity with financial preparedness. By defining your goals early, you can approach the sale process with structure, confidence, and a clear understanding of what success means for you and your business. Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!

In this episode, we dive into how mid-market Canadian businesses can significantly enhance their value before a sale. Whether your company generates between $5M and $50M in annual revenue, the strategies shared here will help you attract top-tier buyers and command a stronger valuation. From improving revenue diversity to optimizing EBITDA margins and integrating ESG practices, this episode outlines what truly drives buyer interest and higher offers.

You’ll hear actionable insights tailored to industries like SaaS, e-commerce, manufacturing, and logistics, along with real-world examples of how companies boosted their worth through smart operational and strategic moves. We’ll also explore how cross-border readiness and professional management systems can turn your business into a more appealing acquisition target.

If you’re preparing to sell or simply want to future-proof your company’s value, this episode offers a practical roadmap to increase your sale price, strengthen buyer confidence, and align with market trends. Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!

A pre-sale business audit is one of the most critical steps before selling a mid-market business. This podcast unpacks how a comprehensive audit can uncover hidden risks, enhance buyer confidence, and maximize your company’s valuation. From financial readiness and operational efficiency to legal compliance and ESG standards, you’ll learn how to prepare your business for buyer scrutiny and stand out in competitive markets.

We explore real-world examples of Canadian mid-market firms across SaaS and e-commerce, manufacturing, and logistics that successfully boosted their valuations through strategic pre-sale audits. You’ll discover how addressing tax discrepancies, solidifying management structures, and resolving compliance issues can turn potential deal-breakers into opportunities for value creation.

This episode also covers modern tools that streamline audits, including AI-driven financial platforms and ESG software, empowering business owners to complete their audit faster and with greater accuracy. Whether you’re planning a domestic sale or a cross-border deal, this guide helps you strengthen every area of your business before entering the negotiation table.

Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!

Building the right advisory team is the foundation of a successful mid-market business sale. In this episode, you’ll learn how to assemble experts who bring deep experience in M&A, legal, tax, and financial strategy, each playing a key role in navigating the complex process of selling a $5M–$50M Canadian business. Whether your goal is to maximize valuation, reduce risk, or manage cross-border transactions, this discussion breaks down exactly which kind of advisors you need and why their expertise matters.

We’ll explore the roles of M&A intermediaries, lawyers, accountants, tax advisors, and Quality of Earnings providers, sharing how their combined insights can uncover hidden value and ensure compliance across jurisdictions. Real-world examples, from SaaS firms securing private equity buyers to manufacturers closing deals with European investors, show how a strong advisory team drives both efficiency and profitability throughout the sale process.

You’ll also get practical steps to start building your own team, including an Advisor Hiring Checklist to help evaluate the right professionals for your industry and deal size. Whether you’re planning a cross-border exit or preparing your first mid-market sale, this episode equips you with the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions that protect and grow your business’s value.

Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!

Understanding business valuation is essential for Canadian entrepreneurs preparing to buy or sell a company. This podcast unpacks the key terms enterprise value, equity value, and selling price, so you can make confident, informed decisions. Listeners will gain clarity on how these valuation metrics shape negotiations, influence deal structures, and ultimately impact the financial outcome of a business transaction in Canada’s dynamic market.

Through real-world examples and practical explanations, you’ll learn how enterprise value captures the total worth of your business, how equity value reflects what truly belongs to you after debts, and how the final selling price is determined through strategic discussions. The podcast highlights why understanding these differences matters for both buyers and sellers, and how each term affects your position at the negotiating table.

Whether you’re planning to sell a long-standing family business or invest in a promising startup, this episode will help you navigate valuations with confidence. Gain the insights you need to understand your company’s true worth, align expectations, and make smarter financial decisions. Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!

In this episode, we explore the key valuation trends shaping the Canadian private business landscape in 2025. Whether you’re preparing to sell, seeking investors, or simply assessing your company’s worth, understanding how market conditions, profit margins, and deal structures are evolving can give you a strategic edge. You’ll learn what factors are driving recovery in valuation multiples and why timing and performance matter more than ever for achieving strong results.

We also dive into how industry differences, business size, and changing buyer preferences are influencing company valuations. From scaling your operations to aligning with sector benchmarks, this discussion highlights the insights every entrepreneur needs to make informed decisions about their next steps.

Packed with actionable advice and grounded in current market data, this episode helps Canadian business owners plan with clarity and confidence in a shifting economic environment. Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!

Canada’s lower-middle-market M&A scene is more active than ever, with a transaction closing nearly every day across the country. This podcast explores how that pace of activity, driven by companies earning $10 million to $50 million in revenue, reflects a healthy, resilient market. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of what’s fueling this growth, from steady deal flow and strong valuations to global investor interest, and why it matters for Canadian business owners.

Each episode dives into the real data behind the numbers, breaking down sector trends, valuation multiples, and the professionals guiding these transactions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur considering an exit, an acquirer exploring opportunities, or an advisor helping clients navigate M&A complexity, you’ll learn how these daily deals are shaping strategy and value creation across industries such as cannabis, technology, transportation, and healthcare.

Join us as we examine what this momentum means for timing, valuations, and strategic growth in the evolving Canadian market. Discover how expert insight and careful planning can help businesses seize opportunities in one of the most active M&A environments to date. Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!

Exiting a technology business is one of the most pivotal moments in an entrepreneur’s journey. This podcast explores how Canadian tech founders can navigate the complexities of selling, merging, or transitioning their companies while preserving value and vision. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, listeners will gain a clear understanding of exit options — from strategic and financial buyers to IPOs and management buyouts — and learn how to align their exit plan with their long-term goals.

Listeners will discover how to prepare their businesses for a successful exit by strengthening operations, protecting intellectual property, building strong leadership teams, and understanding valuation trends in Canada’s dynamic tech landscape. The discussion also covers how timing, market conditions, and industry shifts — particularly in AI, SaaS, and cybersecurity — can dramatically influence the outcome of a deal.

Finally, the podcast offers insights into managing due diligence, negotiating fair terms, and addressing common challenges like valuation disputes, buyer engagement, and emotional readiness. Whether you’re preparing to sell in the next year or laying the groundwork for a future transition, this episode provides a roadmap to ensure your exit is strategic, profitable, and smooth.

Explore more insights, guides, and resources at www.Shaughnessy.Group

You're listening to The Shaughnessy Group Podcast—insights on buying, selling, and growing Canadian businesses in the lower-middle market.
Let's begin.

Important Notice: These podcast notes are unofficial summaries created for personal reference and educational purposes only. They are not intended as a verbatim transcript, official record, or endorsement by the podcast hosts, guests, or producers of Shaughnessy Group.

While every effort has been made to capture key insights, quotes, and discussions accurately, errors, omissions, or interpretations may occur due to the subjective nature of summarization. Listeners are strongly encouraged to refer to the original episode for full context, nuances, and original audio.

No Advice Provided: The content discussed in Shaughnessy Group episodes, including these notes, does not constitute professional, financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. Any ideas, strategies, or opinions shared by guests are their own and should not be relied upon without independent verification and consultation with qualified professionals.

Copyright & Usage: All rights reserved. These notes are derived from publicly available podcast episodes and are shared under fair use principles for non-commercial, transformative purposes. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without permission from the podcast creators is prohibited.

For questions or permissions, contact the Shaughnessy team directly. Enjoy the learning, but always do your due diligence!