By: Marcy Paulson

“If you are a business owner considering an exit, today’s political shifts, Federal Reserve policy uncertainties, and global geopolitical changes may give you pause, observes Philip Alberstat, Managing Director at DBD Investment Bank. “These external factors deserve careful consideration. That being said, ideal timing hinges more on your personal readiness.”

Despite the market’s constant ebb and flow, the well-worn adage rings true — great companies are acquired, not sold. When a company is genuinely prepared to exit and has done all its due diligence to show it is a valuable offering, buyers come knocking.

“Even the most sophisticated market models can’t nail timing perfectly,” Alberstat explains. “That’s why I counsel clients to focus less on predicting the ideal exit window and more on building a company that’s genuinely ready for sale. When your fundamentals are solid — clean financials, strong operations, clear growth trajectory — you can execute successfully regardless of market conditions.”

Exit Planning for Founders Can Bring Hidden Opportunities in Today’s Volatility

Today’s uncertain market conditions have not diminished demand for quality businesses. Quite the opposite: unique factors create advantages for well-prepared sellers, particularly middle-market founders offering exceptional companies with clear competitive advantages.

Even in today’s market, private equity firms are ready to deploy capital, partly because the sector holds substantial reserves, often referred to as “dry powder.” Regardless of shifting economic indicators, these funds must be invested to meet the firms’ obligations and their investors’ expectations. This factor ensures consistent demand for acquisition targets, even during periods of market turbulence.

In addition, today’s heightened global uncertainty has shifted priorities for strategic acquirers. Many are prioritizing US companies that show strong domestic growth. These buyers seek acquisition opportunities within sectors that are largely insulated from international disruptions, such as software and healthcare. Sellers in these spaces are enjoying a concentrated pool of interested buyers.

The recent volatility also spurred a flight to quality. In other words, the best-performing businesses with sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and strong customer retention still command premium valuations because they defy concerns about broader economic trends. In fact, buyers are increasingly willing to pay above-market valuations for fundamentally strong businesses that represent safe harbors during stormy economic periods.

Current buyer behavior underscores these opportunities. The emphasis is shifting from financial engineering to operational fundamentals. Companies demonstrating sustainable revenue streams, competitive advantages, and operational stability attract not only buyers but also better-quality deals. They achieve more thoughtfully structured transactions, better aligned long-term interests, reduced post-sale disputes, and higher valuations overall.

“Buyers are no longer focused on aggressive restructuring or short-term profits,” says Alberstat. “Instead, they’re seeking businesses with proven, resilient models. The bottom line is that middle-market founders who capitalize on this buyer focus can achieve stable outcomes even in today’s volatile market.”

Keys to a Successful 2025 Exit

While the market provides opportunities, pursuing an exit demands intentionality. Three critical elements will determine a company’s success.

First, Alberstat advises business owners to consider strategic positioning. “How does your business stand out among competing acquisition targets? Articulating your company’s unique value proposition within today’s market environment is vital. More than ever, today’s buyers need to understand why your business represents the ideal investment — and your messaging must cut through the noise.”

Next, he urges businesses to look closely at buyer alignment. “Different buyers have different motivations. Tailoring your outreach to private equity firms, corporate acquirers, or other strategic buyer segments ensures you speak directly to their goals. Crafting tailored approaches strengthens engagement and heightens competitive bidding.”

Finally, Alberstat advises business owners to examine their transaction structure. Because the landscape presents undeniable uncertainties, it’s critical to structure deals that protect the seller’s interests, mitigate risks, and balance economic volatility. Businesses that thoughtfully address these factors are rewarded with favorable valuations and terms.

The Critical Role of Advisory Teams and Sell-Side Advisory Services

The right advisory team can make or break an exit in today’s environment. Experienced investment bankers, transaction attorneys, and tax specialists who understand a company’s industry bring a multiplier effect to its valuation and deal terms.

“Ultimately, your advisory team ensures you remain in control throughout the transaction and emerge with a deal that exceeds expectations,” Alberstat remarks. “Advisors know the intricacies of today’s buyer landscape and valuation drivers. Their experience in structuring creative solutions for a variety of markets proves invaluable. They can uncover opportunity and mitigate risk even in volatile markets.”

For the middle-market founders looking to sell in 2025, the steps to exiting smart remain clear. They must align their timeline with their personal readiness, focus on strengthening their company’s fundamentals, and enlist expert advisors to navigate complexity and maximize opportunities.

Economic variables will always influence markets, but Alberstat believes a company’s personal readiness remains at the heart of every exit decision. “If you’ve built a thriving business and feel prepared to transition, 2025 remains full of promise, regardless of financial complexities. The market may be unpredictable, but preparation transforms uncertainty into advantage. Position your company to inspire competitive bids, secure premium valuations, and establish the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build.”

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice. Business owners considering an exit should consult with experienced financial advisors, legal professionals, and transaction experts to ensure they are making well-informed decisions based on their specific circumstances. The market conditions, strategies, and outcomes discussed in this article may vary depending on individual business factors.