Selling Your Canadian Business

This podcast episode explores how changing economic conditions, market uncertainty, and shifting business trends are influencing the value of privately owned companies today. From the impact of supply chain disruptions and workforce challenges to evolving buyer demand and record levels of available investment capital, listeners will gain a clearer understanding of why business valuations can vary dramatically depending on timing, industry, and future growth potential.

The episode also examines the key drivers behind business value, including profitability, scalability, leadership structure, operational independence, and intangible assets. It explains why some business owners are choosing to exit after difficult years, while others are capitalizing on exceptional growth opportunities and strong market conditions to achieve premium valuations. The discussion also highlights how lower middle market businesses are being evaluated and why EBITDA multiples have shifted in recent years.

Whether you are preparing to buy, sell, grow, or transition a business, this podcast provides practical insight into what buyers and investors are looking for in today’s market. It offers valuable context to help entrepreneurs better understand valuation trends, succession timing, and strategic planning opportunities in an evolving business 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.
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This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice. Consult qualified advisors for your specific situation.

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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 episode explores the key considerations business owners should understand before preparing to sell their company, including whether a holding company structure could benefit their long term strategy. Listeners will gain insight into the differences between operating companies and holding companies, how assets can be protected, and why many entrepreneurs use these structures as part of broader business and financial planning.

The episode also covers important topics such as creditor protection, tax planning opportunities, income splitting, estate planning, and the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE). It explains how holding companies may help preserve wealth, manage retained earnings, and create flexibility for future investments or succession planning, while also outlining the potential risks, costs, and complexities involved.

Whether you are considering a future business sale, preparing for succession, or simply evaluating ways to better structure your company, this podcast provides practical educational insights to help you start informed conversations with legal, accounting, tax, and wealth management professionals. 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.

Support the show

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 podcast episode, we explore the process of private company acquisition and what buyers, investors, and business owners need to know when navigating a successful transaction. The discussion covers how private acquisitions are structured, why companies pursue acquisitions for growth, and the strategic opportunities that can emerge through ownership transitions.

Listeners will gain insight into valuation methods, due diligence, financing structures, negotiation strategies, and risk management throughout the acquisition process. The episode also examines legal and operational considerations, including leadership continuity, integration planning, and maintaining business performance during ownership changes. Whether you are considering acquiring a company or preparing your business for sale, this episode provides practical guidance to support informed decision making.

This episode is designed to help entrepreneurs, investors, and executives better understand the complexities of private company acquisitions and how to create long term value through strategic transactions. By understanding the acquisition lifecycle, listeners can identify opportunities, minimize risks, and position themselves for stronger business outcomes.

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.

Support the show

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 podcast episode, we explore how foreign investors can buy a company through direct investment and what this process means for business owners, entrepreneurs, and global investors. The discussion breaks down the fundamentals of foreign direct investment, including ownership structures, investment strategies, and the key financial considerations involved in acquiring a company across borders.

Listeners will gain insight into the legal, regulatory, and operational factors that influence international business acquisitions. The episode also covers due diligence, valuation methods, compliance requirements, and the importance of understanding local market conditions before completing a direct investment transaction. Whether you are an investor seeking expansion opportunities or a company preparing for international buyers, this podcast provides practical guidance to help navigate the process.

This episode is designed to help business leaders and investors better understand the opportunities and risks associated with foreign direct investment. By learning how cross border acquisitions work, listeners can make more informed decisions, strengthen investment strategies, and identify growth opportunities in global markets.

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.

Support the show

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 episode breaks down one of the most important financial metrics used in buying and selling private businesses, adjusted EBITDA. It is designed to help business owners, buyers, and advisors understand how earnings are normalized to reflect the true cash-generating ability of a company. By explaining what EBITDA is and how adjustments are applied, the episode provides clarity on a metric that often becomes a key driver in valuation discussions.

The discussion explores how adjusted EBITDA is calculated and why it frequently becomes a point of negotiation between buyers and sellers. It covers common adjustments such as one-time expenses, owner-related costs, non-recurring items, and compensation differences, all of which can significantly impact perceived business value. The episode also highlights how operational decisions, like capital structure and expense classification, can influence EBITDA outcomes and ultimately affect deal pricing.

Finally, the podcast emphasizes the importance of accuracy and transparency when presenting financial performance during a transaction. It explains why buyers carefully review adjustments to determine whether they are truly non-core, while sellers aim to present a normalized and fair representation of earnings. With practical insights into valuation dynamics and deal negotiation, this episode helps business owners better prepare their financial story and strengthen their position in a 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.

Support the show

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 most important personal and strategic reasons business owners decide to sell their company. It is designed to help entrepreneurs recognize the signals that may indicate it is the right time to begin planning an exit. From retirement and partnership disputes to market pressure and shifting personal priorities, the episode breaks down the real-world factors that influence one of the most significant decisions a business owner will ever make.

The discussion also focuses on timing and preparation, emphasizing that selling a business is not a quick decision but a long-term process. It explains how early planning can significantly improve outcomes, especially when it comes to valuation, buyer interest, and deal structure. The episode highlights how growth trends, profitability, customer stability, and operational efficiency all impact what a business is worth and how attractive it is to potential buyers.

Finally, it outlines the role of expert advisors in helping owners position their business for a successful sale and navigate a structured transaction process. From valuation and buyer outreach to confidentiality, negotiations, and due diligence, the episode shows how a professionally guided process can increase competition and improve final outcomes. It ultimately helps owners understand not just why to sell, but how to do it in a way that maximizes value and protects their legacy.

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.

Support the show

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 one of the most important questions every business owner eventually faces: is it time to sell your business? It takes you through the emotional and practical journey of entrepreneurship, from building a company with years of effort and personal sacrifice to recognizing when it may be time to transition out and realize the value you have created. It is designed to help owners think clearly about timing, readiness, and long-term personal goals.

The discussion also examines how a business evolves over time and why many owners begin shifting their focus from growth to monetization and wealth realization. It covers key considerations such as personal circumstances, health, lifestyle changes, market timing, and the concept of turning “paper value” into actual liquidity. The episode also highlights how your business fits into your broader financial picture and why concentration risk becomes increasingly important as you approach retirement or a new phase of life.

Finally, the podcast explains how to prepare for a successful sale by engaging the right professional support early, including financial planners, accountants, legal advisors, and experienced deal professionals. It breaks down the different types of advisors available depending on business size and complexity, and why expert guidance can significantly improve outcomes. With the stakes so high and most owners selling only once, this episode helps you avoid costly mistakes and approach a potential exit with 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.

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

Support the show

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 episode provides a clear and practical guide for business owners on the importance of due diligence when preparing to sell, finance, or acquire a business. It explains how due diligence serves as a structured process for identifying risks, validating information, and ensuring that major business decisions are made with full transparency. Whether you are planning a sale or responding to buyer interest, this episode helps you understand what professionals look for and why preparation is essential.

The discussion breaks down the key areas of due diligence, including legal and regulatory compliance, financial performance, operational efficiency, commercial positioning, human resources, real estate assets, and IT systems. Each section highlights what buyers evaluate, from contracts and tax records to customer relationships, supply chains, workforce structure, and cybersecurity. By understanding these areas in advance, business owners can identify weaknesses, strengthen their position, and avoid delays or value erosion during negotiations.

Ultimately, this episode emphasizes that due diligence is not just a buyer’s exercise, it is a critical preparation tool for sellers as well. Proper readiness can reduce deal risk, improve valuation outcomes, and prevent costly surprises late in the process. By approaching due diligence proactively, business owners can maintain control, build buyer confidence, and support a smoother, more 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.

Support the show

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 important role Wealth Managers play in guiding business owners through the process of selling their company. It is designed for entrepreneurs who are beginning to think about exit planning and want to understand how financial planning, investment strategy, and long-term wealth decisions connect directly to a successful business sale. The discussion highlights how wealth management support helps owners move from business value creation to personal financial security.

The episodes walk through key areas such as defining personal and retirement goals, conducting financial needs analysis, and understanding how business value translates into post-sale income. It also explains how Wealth Managers contribute to determining business value, aligning investment strategies with exit timing, and strengthening financial structures before a sale. Additional focus is given to protecting and growing value through planning tools such as retirement structures, employee benefit strategies, contingency planning, and estate considerations.

Beyond financial preparation, this podcast emphasizes coordination across advisors to ensure a smooth and well planned transition. It shows how aligning business decisions with personal wealth objectives can reduce risk, improve deal outcomes, and create long term stability after the sale. By bringing structure to both the business and personal side of an exit, it helps owners make informed decisions and move forward 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.

Support the show

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 episode explores what it really means when you receive unsolicited interest in buying your business. It explains why buyers approach companies directly, what they are typically looking for, and how to interpret their motivations. Rather than reacting emotionally or rushing into discussions, the episode helps business owners understand how to assess early interest with clarity and confidence.

You will also learn how business valuation works in these situations, including common methods used by investors and how to position your company to reflect its true value. The discussion highlights the importance of strengthening financial performance, understanding what drives buyer demand, and preparing your business before any negotiations begin. It also outlines how to evaluate whether a direct or “off-market” offer is actually in your best interest.

Finally, the episode focuses on maintaining control of the process from the very first conversation. It covers how to qualify potential buyers, structure negotiations, and consider key deal terms beyond just price. With practical guidance on due diligence and professional advisory support, this episode helps you protect your interests while making informed, strategic decisions about a potential 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.

Support the show

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!