Industry Update on M&A: If You Build It, Will They Buy It?

Part 2 of a 2-Part Series with Louis Diamond

Overview

For advisors who are reviewing their firm’s retire-in-place program, considering a recruitment deal, or looking to launch an independent firm, understanding the value on the open market is critical. Part 2 of this 2-part series explores what drives value and how to build a business that will be “attractive” to acquirers and garner the highest valuation at the end of the day.

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About this episode…

The first part of this 2-part series discussed the continuation of a super-active M&A market and how that’s driving interest amongst advisors at all levels—particularly those who have reached a point where they are considering their future.

Whether reviewing your firm’s retire-in-place program, considering another firm’s recruitment deal, or feeling the tug of your entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to be a business owner, the idea of building something bigger than yourself – that can sell on the open market – can be appealing.

But simply building an independent firm doesn’t guarantee the high multiples you may be seeing other firms selling for. Nor does it mean you will attract acquirers with deep pockets.

So what does a prospective business owner – and even those who currently own their independent practice – need to do to be “attractive” to acquirers and garner the highest valuation?

This episode explores that answer, plus:

• The different paths you can take to build an independent firm—and what to be aware of when it comes to your end game.

• IBD vs RIA—and how the choice may impact a firm’s valuation.

• Opting to sell a portion of the business at inception—with examples of business owners who did just that.

Will the frothy M&A market continue? No one knows for sure. But real potential exists for those with their sights set on building a business that could be attractive to an acquirer and command a high price tag at the end of the day—listen in and learn how.

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Mentioned in This Episode

Motivated by the Long Game: Why a UBS Breakaway Left a Deal Behind for Independence with Summit Financial

A conversation with Monish Verma, Managing Partner, Vardhan Wealth Management. Listen->

How an ex-Wells Fargo Team Turned a “Paper Tablecloth” Vision into 3X Revenue and $8.5B in Assets in 5 Years

A conversation with Gerry Goldberg, CEO and co-Founder, GYL Financial Synergies. Listen->

Betting on the Long-Term: Former Merrill Resident Director Shares Why Her $1B Team Broke Away

A conversation with Melissa Bouchillon, CFP®, Managing Partner, Sound View Wealth Advisors. Listen->

More Related Resources

Industry Update on M&A: If You Build It, Will They Buy It?

Part 1 of a 2-Part Series with Louis Diamond. The excitement around M&A activity has many financial advisors considering their future. Is independence the right path? And if you build an independent firm, who will buy it? This episode compares and contrasts options. Listen ->

From $30mm to $55B: The Strategic Vision Behind Creative Planning’s Extraordinary Growth

A conversation with Peter Mallouk – President & CEO, Creative Planning, LLC. Listen ->

Industry Update on M&A: Meet the Investors—Why It’s Important for All Advisors to Know Who They Are

A conversation with Special Guest Louis Diamond. Listen ->

Looking at M&A from the Acquirer’s Side of the Table

Part 1 of a 2-Part Series on M&A—A conversation with Karl Heckenberg, President & CEO of Emigrant Partners. Listen->

Looking at M&A from the Seller’s Side of the Table

Part 2 of a 2-Part Series on M&A—A conversation with Jeff Concepcion, Founder and CEO of Stratos Wealth Partners, and special guest host Louis Diamond. Listen->

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