Geopolitical events are becoming an increasingly important factor in business transactions, and Canadian business owners need to understand how global uncertainty can influence the sale of their companies. In this episode, we explore how geopolitical risks affect buyer confidence, valuations, financing, supply chains, and overall deal execution, helping you prepare for a more resilient and informed exit strategy.

We discuss the due diligence process through the lens of geopolitical risk, including trade policies, cross-border operations, regulatory changes, economic uncertainty, and supply chain exposure. You'll learn what buyers are evaluating, how to identify potential vulnerabilities before they become obstacles, and the proactive steps that can strengthen your business during the sale process.

Whether you're selling to a domestic or international buyer, this episode offers practical guidance to help you anticipate concerns, reduce risk, and position your business for a successful transaction in an evolving global marketplace. 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.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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!

The success of a business sale in 2026 will be influenced by more than just your company's financial performance. In this episode, we examine the eight key forces shaping today's M&A market and explain how they can impact business value, buyer demand, deal structures, and transaction timing. You'll gain practical insights to help you better understand the market before making important exit decisions.

We explore the economic, financial, and industry trends that are influencing acquisitions, along with evolving buyer expectations and competitive market dynamics. You'll also learn how preparation, operational strength, leadership, and strategic positioning can improve your company's appeal and help you navigate changing conditions with greater confidence.

Whether you're planning to sell this year or building toward a future exit, this episode provides valuable guidance to help you understand the factors that matter most and position your business for a successful transaction. 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.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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!

Is now the right time to test the M&A market, or should you wait for the perfect opportunity? In this episode, we explore the advantages and potential risks of taking your business to market before you're fully committed to selling. You'll learn how exploring buyer interest can provide valuable insights into your company's value, market positioning, and future opportunities.

We cover what it really means to test the market, how confidential sale processes work, and what sophisticated buyers are looking for in today's acquisition environment. You'll also discover how market feedback can help strengthen your business, refine your exit strategy, and determine whether selling now or later is the better decision.

Whether you're actively considering a sale or simply evaluating your options, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Understanding the M&A landscape today can position you for stronger outcomes whenever you're ready to move forward. 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.

Thanks for listening. If you're finding these episodes helpful as you think through your exit, there's another resource we want to mention.

We've put everything we know about selling a Canadian business into a book—Selling Your Canadian Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Value and Securing Your Legacy.

It covers the full journey, from preparing your company for sale, to navigating due diligence, to negotiating deal terms that protect 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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!

Preparing to sell a business in 2026 requires more than finding the right buyer. In this episode, we explore the key trade-offs business owners face before taking their company to market, from deciding when to sell to balancing growth investments with maximizing current value. You'll gain practical insights that can help you make informed decisions throughout the exit planning process.

We discuss how market conditions, financial performance, operational readiness, and buyer expectations influence the outcome of a business sale. You'll also learn why timing, risk management, and long-term planning are essential, along with strategies that can strengthen your negotiating position and increase the attractiveness of your business.

Whether you're considering selling in the near future or simply planning ahead, this episode provides valuable guidance to help you understand the choices that matter most and prepare for a smoother, more successful transition. 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.

Thanks for listening. If you're finding these episodes helpful as you think through your exit, there's another resource we want to mention.

We've put everything we know about selling a Canadian business into a book—Selling Your Canadian Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Value and Securing Your Legacy.

It covers the full journey, from preparing your company for sale, to navigating due diligence, to negotiating deal terms that protect 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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!

Selling a business in Canada in 2026 presents both exciting opportunities and new challenges. In this episode, we explore the economic trends, buyer expectations, and market conditions that are shaping business sales across the country. Whether you're planning your exit this year or preparing for the future, you'll gain valuable insights to help you navigate the process with greater confidence.

You'll learn what today's buyers are looking for, how business valuations are evolving, and why financial performance, operational systems, and growth potential play a bigger role than ever in attracting premium offers. We also discuss common mistakes that can reduce business value and the practical steps owners can take before bringing their business to market.

If you're a Canadian entrepreneur considering retirement, succession planning, or your next business venture, this episode provides actionable guidance to help you maximize your company's value and prepare for a successful sale. 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.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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!

The period following the signing of a Letter of Intent is one of the most important stages of any merger or acquisition. While many business owners assume the major terms are finalized, new conditions often emerge as due diligence uncovers operational, financial, or legal considerations. In this podcast, we explore why introducing new conditions after an LOI can be both appropriate and strategic when handled thoughtfully, and how sellers can maintain buyer confidence while protecting the value of the transaction.

Throughout this episode, we discuss practical strategies for presenting post-LOI conditions in a collaborative way, including the importance of timing, communication, and demonstrating mutual benefit. We examine common scenarios such as lease extensions, employee retention plans, regulatory requirements, and operational risks, along with the negotiation techniques that help prevent unnecessary friction and keep deals moving toward a successful closing.

Whether you are a business owner preparing for a sale, an executive involved in acquisitions, or an M&A advisor, this episode provides practical insights into navigating one of the most delicate phases of the transaction process. You'll learn how to balance flexibility with certainty, reduce negotiation risk, and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome for both buyers and sellers.

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.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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 Quality of Earnings report can have a significant impact on the outcome of a business sale, often influencing valuation, deal terms, and the confidence buyers have in your financial performance. In this podcast, we explore why a sell side Quality of Earnings report has become an essential part of the M&A process and how preparing one before going to market allows business owners to control the narrative, reduce surprises, and strengthen their negotiating position.

Throughout this episode, we explain what buyers look for during financial due diligence, including adjusted EBITDA, working capital, revenue quality, cash flow, and common financial red flags that can affect value. We also discuss the advantages of commissioning your own Quality of Earnings report, how it can accelerate the transaction process, and the practical steps business owners can take to prepare for a successful sale.

Whether you are planning to sell your business in the near future or simply want to understand how sophisticated buyers evaluate financial performance, this episode provides valuable insights to help you maximize value, avoid costly surprises, and approach your exit with confidence.

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.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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!

Selling a business is one of the most significant financial events an entrepreneur will experience, and earnout provisions can have a major impact on the final value received. This podcast explores how Canadian business owners can protect themselves when a portion of the purchase price depends on future EBITDA performance. Listeners will gain practical insights into the risks of earnout structures and the strategies that can help safeguard their interests before signing a share purchase agreement.

Throughout this episode, we cover the key contractual protections every seller should negotiate, including operating covenants, clear EBITDA calculations, governance rights, acceleration triggers, payment security, dispute resolution, and the evolving duty of good faith under Canadian law. We also discuss common pitfalls that can reduce earnout payments and how experienced advisors help structure agreements that minimize unnecessary risk.

Whether you are preparing to sell your business, advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, or simply looking to better understand earnout negotiations, this episode provides practical guidance to help you approach the process with greater confidence and clarity.

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.

Thanks for listening. If you're finding these episodes helpful as you think through your exit, there's another resource we want to mention.

We've put everything we know about selling a Canadian business into a book—Selling Your Canadian Business: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Value and Securing Your Legacy.

It covers the full journey, from preparing your company for sale, to navigating due diligence, to negotiating deal terms that protect 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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 the successful completion of the sell side mandate for Minisis, culminating in its acquisition by Soutron Global. It provides an inside look at the strategic planning, transaction process, and key milestones that helped bring the deal to a successful close. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, from preparing a business for sale to managing negotiations and achieving a favorable outcome.

Throughout the episode, we examine the factors that made Minisis an attractive acquisition target, the role of advisors in guiding the transaction, and the importance of aligning business objectives with buyer expectations. Whether you are a business owner, investor, executive, or M&A professional, this discussion offers practical lessons that can be applied to future acquisition and exit strategies.

By listening, you will better understand the dynamics of sell side transactions, the value of strategic preparation, and the critical decisions that shape successful business sales. This episode provides real world perspectives and actionable knowledge for anyone interested in corporate transactions and business growth.

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.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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 successful business transition doesn't happen by chance. It requires thoughtful planning, strong leadership development, and a clear strategy for transferring ownership and responsibility. In this episode, we explore why business transition and leadership succession planning should begin long before an owner is ready to step away, helping ensure continuity, preserve business value, and protect the future of the company.

This conversation examines the differences between leadership succession planning and ownership transition planning, while highlighting the importance of identifying future leaders, preparing key employees, documenting your transition strategy, and planning for both expected and unexpected events. We also discuss the impact of retirement, illness, death, divorce, shareholder changes, and other life events that can affect business continuity, along with the role of communication, valuation, tax planning, and stakeholder alignment in creating a successful transition.

Whether you're planning to retire, transfer ownership to family members, sell to management, or prepare your business for a future sale, this episode provides practical guidance to help you create a living transition plan that evolves with your business. Learn how proactive planning today can protect your legacy, strengthen your organization, and provide greater confidence for everyone involved in the next chapter of 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.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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!