Selling a business requires strategic preparation to maximize value and ensure a smooth transition. The process begins with defining personal and financial objectives — whether retirement, new ventures, or liquidity — to establish realistic expectations for timing and valuation.
Operational independence is critical for attracting buyers. Businesses overly dependent on the owner should develop succession plans and empower key personnel to demonstrate continuity. Financial readiness is equally essential; organized, accurate statements reflect company health and support favorable valuations. Upgrading financial systems may enhance the business’s appeal.
External relationships matter significantly. Review customer and vendor contracts for ownership-change clauses and maintain relationship stability throughout the transition. A realistic, well-supported valuation considers not just EBITDA but also revenue diversity, market position, and scalability. Improving profitability and addressing operational risks enhances buyer appeal.
Successful business sales demand thoughtful planning and execution. With clear goals, thorough preparation, and expert advisers, owners can position their companies for rewarding transitions that reflect years of dedication and growth. This milestone represents both an ending and an opportunity for new beginnings.
M&A Market Activity
U.S. deal volume declined by 3.3 percent in the year-to-date period through May 2025 compared to the same period last year. Despite ongoing uncertainty from tariffs and geopolitical tensions, private equity firms remain well-capitalized and active, while companies are increasingly divesting non-core assets to sharpen strategic focus and enhance financial resilience.
The Cleveland M&A market experienced a 46.7 percent increase in activity in April 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with several noteworthy transactions completed by both strategic acquirers and private equity firms. Park Place Technologies, Align Capital Partners, Oswald Companies, and Applied Industrial Technologies all completed strategic acquisitions.
Deal of the Month
On May 6, 2025, Cleveland-based Park Place Technologies, a global leader in data center and networking optimization, announced its acquisition of UK-based Computer Systems Integration Limited (CSI Ltd.), an IT Managed Services Provider specializing in hybrid multi-cloud solutions for legacy IBM systems. This represents one of the most significant acquisitions in Park Place’s 34-year history, second only to its 2020 acquisition of Curvature, Inc.
“This is an exciting time for Park Place Technologies,” said Chris Adams, President and CEO of Park Place Technologies, in a statement. “CSI Ltd. brings exceptional talent, deep hybrid cloud expertise, and a stellar reputation for service excellence. By joining forces, we’re unlocking new possibilities for our customers around the world, delivering smarter, more agile IT solutions that power transformation.”
Read the full article in Smart Business.
Sources: PitchBook™, S&P Capital IQ, MelCap Investment Banking knowledge, company websites and public company filings.
Andrew J. Chalhoub is an Associate at MelCap Partners LLC, a middle-market investment banking advisory firm.
For more information on MelCap Partners, please visit www.melcap.com or email andrew@melcap.com.
Originally published July 3, 2025
