About Waddell Mergers & Acquisitions
A boutique M&A advisory firm pairing Wall Street–level sophistication with Main Street values.
Who we are
Integrity, strategy, and expertise
Waddell Mergers & Acquisitions is a premier M&A advisory firm based in Fort Myers, Florida, specializing in the sale and acquisition of privately held companies. Our team of seasoned professionals delivers personalized, confidential, and strategic service to owners and buyers alike.
DJ founded the firm with a clear goal: to bring integrity, strategy, and expertise to the business-sales process—a boutique advisory firm combining Wall Street–level sophistication with Main Street values. After years in the industry, he saw a recurring problem: most brokers and advisors knew very little about the businesses they were selling. Our brokers are experts in their fields—most are former owners now representing businesses in the industries they once worked.
Why owners choose us
- Credentialed M&A advisors—CM&AP, IBBA & M&A Source members
- A confidentiality-first process from day one
- Success-based fees aligned with your outcome
- Focused on lower middle market companies ($2M–$200M+)
Meet the founder
DJ Waddell, CM&AP, CEPA
DJ Waddell is a Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional and licensed business broker who founded Waddell Mergers & Acquisitions to bring a sharper, more informed approach to selling businesses. He specializes in lower middle market and middle market transactions, with a strong attention to detail that keeps confidentiality at the forefront of every deal.
After years in demanding sales environments, DJ developed the negotiation skill and discipline to get sellers and buyers the best possible outcome for their situation. He builds a specialized plan for every engagement—an approach that has produced a success rate more than triple the state average.
- Certified M&A Professional (CM&AP), Kennesaw State University
- Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Exit Planning Institute
- B.S. in Finance, Florida Gulf Coast University
- Member, International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
- Member, The M&A Source
- Member, Business Brokers of Florida (BBF)
Our mission
Transitions that don’t just close—they succeed
We empower business owners and buyers through expert guidance, strategic insight, and unwavering integrity. We strive to create seamless, confidential, and value-driven transitions—structuring deals that close and succeed.
Our services
A comprehensive suite
- Business sales & divestitures: preparing, marketing, and successfully selling companies for maximum value and a smooth transition.
- Buyer representation: guiding buyers from identifying opportunities to closing.
- Business valuations: accurate, insightful valuations so clients understand the true worth of their enterprise.
Why choose us
A track record that speaks for itself
Expert advisors
Hand-picked advisors who are experts in their fields—most former owners who understand the challenges of small-business ownership.
Specialized training
Advisors hold industry-recognized certifications, including Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional (CMA&P).
Confidentiality
Discretion in all dealings, protecting sensitive information throughout the transaction.
Personalized service
Strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs and objectives.
Proven track record
A success rate more than triple the national average for sell-side clients.
Trusted partner
A strategic partner committed to one of the most important decisions of your life.
Let’s get in touch
Work with advisors who know your business.
Start a confidential conversation with a firm built on integrity, strategy, and real industry expertise.