Project Ledger
After more than two decades serving businesses, individuals, and nonprofits, the partners of a respected accounting firm decided it was time to transition the business.
They wanted a successor who would protect what they’d built and position the firm for continued growth—so they turned to True North Mergers & Acquisitions and Sunbelt Business Advisors to lead the process.
Within weeks, True North positioned the firm for the market and launched a targeted four-week campaign that drew strong interest from strategic and private equity buyers.
The result? A competitive sale that produced multiple offers and a $3M transaction with a respected national private equity group—closed in just 110 days.
True North began by assessing trends across the accounting and financial advisory sector. The market was strong: recurring-revenue firms with loyal clients and low transition risk were drawing significant interest from both private equity and industry buyers.
The client’s practice fit squarely in that demand window—profitable, stable, and staffed by an experienced team ready to support growth. With those advantages, the deal team prepared to bring it to market quickly and confidently.
Among the interested groups, one private equity buyer stood out. Backed by a national financial services platform, they recognized the firm’s strong margins and recurring client relationships as an ideal foundation for expansion.
The final structure included $2.2M in cash at close and $0.8M in performance-based earnouts over two years—balancing immediate value with long-term growth incentives.
We built comprehensive marketing materials that highlighted the firm’s financial performance, client retention, and long-standing reputation.
Over a four-week campaign, True North and Sunbelt engaged more than 40 qualified buyers nationwide. Competitive interest formed quickly, and multiple offers followed.
True North guided both parties through due diligence and negotiations, securing a deal structure that aligned with each partner’s transition goals and ensured continuity for clients and staff.
While preserving the firm’s culture and client relationships remained the top priority, True North also worked to maximize value through competitive tension. Multiple offers strengthened the sellers’ position, resulting in favorable terms and employment agreements for all three partners.
Each owner remained involved post-close on timelines that supported their personal and professional goals, ensuring stability for clients during the transition.
The transaction delivered a smooth handoff for the sellers and a scalable platform for the buyer. The firm’s employees stayed in place, clients experienced no service disruption, and the business gained new resources for growth under a respected national brand.
By combining focused preparation, disciplined marketing, and precise execution, True North helped three owners exit on their terms while securing a lasting future for the practice they built.
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