How a Wealth Advisor Can Maximize Your AEC M&A Experience
Are you maximizing the financial potential of your AEC M&A transactions? It’s not just about closing the deal; it’s about building a lasting financial legacy. In our latest episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition, we explored this critical aspect with Brian McCarver, CFP, CIMA, and Jonathan Freeman, CFP, CIMA, CFA, Managing Directors at Stonebridge Financial Group. Their insights illuminated the often-overlooked financial considerations that extend far beyond the transaction, providing invaluable guidance for buyers and sellers.
Brian and Jonathan’s diverse backgrounds uniquely position them to understand the complexities of wealth management in M&A. Jonathan’s experience on the fast-paced trading floors of Fidelity in Manhattan, combined with Brian’s transition from military service to financial strategy, has forged a powerful approach to financial planning. They’ve built Stonebridge on a foundation of personalized advice, recognizing that each client’s financial goals are distinct and emphasizing how strategic, long-term financial planning can transform an M&A deal into enduring success.
The Strategic Importance of Pre-Sale Planning
A successful M&A transaction requires proactive planning and thorough preparation, especially when it comes to your financial strategy.
Selling your firm without a well-thought-out plan and the right team of advisors can be one of the most daunting experiences for a business owner. To maximize the value of your transaction and avoid leaving money on the table, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals- including a CPA, M&A advisor, wealth management advisor, and attorney. This team can guide you through critical aspects such as pre-sale planning, tax strategies, and estate and retirement projections, ensuring a smooth and financially optimized transition.
Additionally, when a sale results in more cash than a seller has ever managed, having a plan in place beforehand can be the key to achieving long-term financial security rather than facing unexpected challenges in retirement.
Navigating Risk and Ensuring Financial Security
Financial risks are an inherent part of M&A transactions, so it makes sense to partner with a Wealth Advisor for strategic guidance on identifying and mitigating these risks. By applying strategies such as establishing corporate retirement plans, building a strong leadership team to ensure continuity, and diversifying business lines to reduce reliance on a single revenue stream, a wealth advisor can help de-risk a transaction and set you on a pathway toward your future.
Practical Financial Advice for AEC Buyers and Sellers
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to wealth management. The best approach is to start with the end in mind. Having a clear vision of your financial goals is essential for creating a strategic pathway to success. While mergers and acquisitions can be a powerful exit strategy, they also come with complexity and uncertainty.
Partnering with a Wealth Advisor provides invaluable guidance that simplifies the M&A process and reduces stress. From long-term tax planning to minimize liabilities to risk management strategies after a liquidity event and developing early planning and cash flow projections for informed decision-making, a skilled advisor can help you navigate every stage with confidence.
When selecting a Wealth Advisor, seek out someone with deep experience in the AEC industry, a proven track record, and a commitment to aligning their strategies with your unique goals.
Your Strategic Partners for AEC M&A Success
At Stambaugh Ness, we recognize that navigating the intricacies of M&A in the AEC industry requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. That’s why we’ve partnered with Stonebridge Financial Group, combining our deep AEC industry expertise with their specialized financial strategy to ensure your M&A transactions are successful and contribute to your long-term financial vision.
Stambaugh Ness provides an array of services, including advisory, tax, and technology solutions, while Stonebridge Financial Group offers wealth management expertise and retirement planning, creating a holistic partnership to support your business throughout its full lifecycle.
Secure Your Financial Future
If a merger or acquisition is part of your future, and especially if you are considering selling your business, the best step you can take is to partner with a wealth advisor early in the process.
Listen to the full episode of AEC Unscripted now to learn more about the benefits of a wealth advisor partnership.
Ready to discuss your M&A strategy? Schedule a consultation with Stambaugh Ness today to discover how we can help you achieve your financial goals.
