Merger & Acquisition

We Don’t Run Auctions,
We Run Strategies

We understand that selling your business is a deeply personal decision. It’s more than just a transaction—it’s about your legacy, your team’s future, and the clients you’ve served for years. At Gladstone, we’re committed to guiding you through this significant transition, including navigating mergers and acquisitions, with the care and attention it deserves.

Our expertise in financial services isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding the unique challenges and aspirations of RIA business owners like you. We’re here to ensure your firm’s long-term success while honoring the relationships you’ve built.

Sell-Side Advisory

Entrusting someone with the sale of your life’s work is a big step. At Gladstone, we take this responsibility seriously. Our comprehensive process includes:

Listening to your story through in-depth stakeholder interviews
Carefully assessing your financials
Creating thoughtful projections and valuation guidance
Curating a list of potential suitors who align with your values
Crafting a Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) that truly represents your firm
Managing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect your interests
Working closely with legal counsel on Letters of Intents and Purchase Agreements
Expertly handling all sensitive negotiations on up to the close

Buy-Side Advisory

As an M&A firm borne out of a retained executive search firm, Gladstone has the know-how to design and execute buy-side engagements that build meaningful pipeline—we get deals closed.

Merger Advisory

When two firms are ready to merge, a knowledgeable external arbiter is often needed to value, structure and negotiate mutually acceptable terms. Gladstone will unlock the code to the combination.

“When the time comes to monetize & transition the business you have built over a lifetime, engaging with Gladstone will ensure the best terms, structure, cultural match & consideration for you, your team, and your clients.”

– Michael D. Bilotta
President/Gladstone Associates

“After several decades of building a successful professional services business, I bring a distinct competitive advantage when the time comes for founding principals to Buy, Sell, or Merge their business.”

– Daniel A. Kreuter
Founder & CEO

“Knowing this street for decades of successful talent search experience on behalf of Asset Managers, RIAs and Institutional Players provides our clients with a competitive advantage when it’s time to go to market. ”

– Steven Clark
Senior Managing Director/President Search

We approach the market discreetly and efficiently, always prioritizing your confidentiality. Our strategic insights guide you through every step, ensuring you feel confident and informed up to closing.

14 Step Transaction Process for RIAS & Wealth Managers

Gladstone has fine tuned a disciplined 14 step sell-side process exclusively representing your interests to optimize your firm’s enterprise value and deal terms.

Phase 1 - Preparation and initial steps

INTERVIEWS
Gather information and conduct interviews with stakeholders
Result: comprehensive write-up with preparedness analysis; project is named and initiated

DATA COLLECTION
Data Request for Gladstone analysis & valuation range and commentary
Result: confidential data room set up for secure document storage and sharing

CLIENT INFORMATION (ANONYMIZED)
Survey household data
Result: creation of client demographics

INVESTMENT & TECHNOLOGY APPRAISAL
Communicate investment thesis and tech stack
Result: clear communication on investment strategy and technology

Phase 2 - Packaging and Go-to Market

RANGE OF VALUATION
Determine valuation range
Result: benchmark valuation based on EBITDA assessment and future value

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
Design of a confidential deck complete with “rationale for transaction”, financial models and detailed company information
Result: creation of a CIM which will be shared with approved suitors

SUITOR LIST
Highly screened list of likely suitors shared with and approved by client
Result: ready for go-to-market with a short list of suitors

GO-TO-MARKET
Teasers sent, NDAs execute
Result: initiating engagement with potential suitors

MEETINGS & CONVERSATIONS WITH SUITORS

Zooms & meetings with approved suitors
Result: stack-ranking and prioritizing of suitors for discussions

Phase 3 - Diligence and Finalization

PRELIMINARY OFFERS & FEEDBACK
Start negotiating terms of the deal
Result: review offers and select finalist(s)based on feedback

LETTER OF INTENT
Negotiations begin for LOI participants
Result: finalize winning LOI for a “willing buyer/willing seller” process

DILIGENCE
Detailed information exchange and mutual diligence
Result: address questions and clear the brush to move to a Purchase Agreement

SIGNING OF PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Purchase & Employment Agreements negotiated
Result: agreements signed, consents & closing timeline established

CONSENTS & CLOSING
Consents executed
Result: begin new life & business adventure!