M2 Ventures advises owners, founders and investors on both sides of a deal: buying a company, selling one, or combining two. We help find the right deal, structure it and negotiate it. Every engagement is led by an operator who has led five M&A transactions.
Who is it for?
M&A advisory is for owners and founders preparing to sell or bring in a partner, and for companies looking to grow by acquisition. It also suits investors who need operating judgment on a deal. We work mainly with founder-led, family-owned and investor-backed companies.
When does it fit?
- “We've had an offer, and we want to know whether to take it.”
- “I want to sell in the next few years, and I want the business ready.”
- “We want to grow by acquiring a competitor or a supplier.”
- “We have a deal on the table, and the terms are getting complicated.”
What's included?
Every transaction engagement is scoped to one side of one deal, or to one acquisition program, and agreed in writing.
Buy-side advisory
Buy-side advisory helps a company or investor find, evaluate and acquire the right business.
- An acquisition strategy and target criteria
- Target identification and outreach
- Evaluation, diligence coordination and an operating view of the target
- Negotiation of terms through closing
Sell-side advisory
Sell-side advisory helps an owner prepare the business, find the right buyer and negotiate strong terms.
- Readiness: the financial reporting, systems and team a buyer will examine
- Positioning the business and preparing materials for buyers
- Identifying and approaching buyers
- Managing offers, diligence and negotiation through closing
Deal making
Deal making is finding the right counterparty and getting both sides to the table, from first conversation to signed letter of intent.
Deal structuring
Deal structuring designs terms that work for both sides: price and payment, earn-outs and seller financing, and equity rollovers.
Negotiations
Negotiation support means an experienced operator on your side of the table, from letter of intent through the definitive agreement and closing.
How long does it take, and how is it scoped?
- Transaction engagements: buy-side or sell-side, scoped per deal from preparation through closing, for transactions of $3M to $50M. The timeline depends on the deal and is set out in the written scope.
- Transaction readiness: a defined project to prepare a business for a sale or a raise. See Business Consulting.
- Deal advisory: advisory hours or a retainer for owners who have a deal in front of them. See Advisory.
- Transaction-based fees: part of the fee for a transaction engagement can be tied to closing, by separate written agreement.
Every engagement is scoped and priced in writing after a first consultation. Prices aren't published.
Who does the work?
M&A engagements are led by Matthew G. Martinez, Founder & CEO, who has led five M&A transactions, supported by the senior M2 Ventures team. Legal, tax and accounting advice comes from your own attorneys and accountants; we work alongside them. All engagements are contracted with M Squared Ventures LLC.
Which industries do we work in?
We advise on transactions in manufacturing, the trades, business and finance, transportation, marketing and sales, agriculture and emerging industries, including consolidating, highly regulated markets. See Industries.
How does an engagement start?
- Book a consultation, or send a short note through the contact page. Conversations about a possible transaction are kept confidential.
- We reply within one business day.
- We meet for a free 30-minute consultation about the deal or the goal, and whether we're the right fit.
- If it's a fit, we send a written scope and proposal.
Frequently asked questions
Do you advise buyers or sellers?
Both. M2 Ventures provides buy-side advisory for companies and investors acquiring a business, and sell-side advisory for owners selling one.
What size of deal do you work on?
We work on transactions of $3M to $50M in deal size, mainly for founder-led, family-owned and investor-backed companies. Whether a specific deal is a fit is something we'll discuss in a first consultation.
When should I start preparing to sell?
Ideally well before you go to market. Buyers pay for clean financials, documented systems and a team that can run the business without the owner, and building those takes time. Sell-side readiness can start as a defined consulting project.
Do you replace our attorney or accountant?
No. Legal, tax and accounting advice comes from your own professionals. We bring the operating and negotiating experience and work alongside them through closing.
Is our conversation confidential?
Yes. Conversations about a possible transaction are kept confidential. We're happy to sign a nondisclosure agreement before you share details.