Results & case studies
How we help owners exit for maximum value—and what a Waddell M&A process looks like in practice.
How we create results
Value isn’t found. It’s engineered.
Strong outcomes come from a disciplined process: an accurate valuation, confidential competition among qualified buyers, and tight management of negotiation and due diligence so your price holds from letter of intent to close.
Creative deal structuring
We bridge buyer and seller expectations with structures—seller notes, earnouts, rollovers—that get deals done without sacrificing your outcome.
Confidential competition
Multiple vetted buyers, engaged quietly and in parallel, create the tension that moves price and terms in your favor.
Protecting the close
Most deals die in diligence. Proactive preparation and momentum management keep your agreed price from eroding.
Representative scenarios
What a good outcome looks like
Illustrative examples of the situations we’re built for. Details are composites for confidentiality—we’re happy to discuss relevant, real references on a call.
The owner-dependent trade business
A trades owner doing much of the selling and estimating personally. We help document processes, reframe recurring revenue, and position for home-services acquirers—turning ‘owner is the business’ risk into a transferable, financeable company.
The retiring founder
A profitable, long-held business whose owner is ready to retire. We run a confidential process that protects staff and customers while creating competition among strategic and financial buyers to maximize the founder’s proceeds.
The founder-led agency or firm
A services business where relationships run through the founder. We help diversify concentration, structure an earnout that protects upside, and match the owner with buyers who value the team and book of business.
Waddell Mergers & Acquisitions was founded in 2025. The scenarios above are illustrative composites of the engagements our process is designed for, not specific past transactions. We’re glad to provide relevant references during a confidential conversation.
Client testimonials
In their own words
From our first meeting, DJ explained every step of the process and set realistic expectations. He kept our sale confidential, screened buyers carefully, and handled negotiations professionally. We always knew where we stood, and we ended up closing a deal that exceeded what we expected. I would recommend Waddell M&A to any business owner considering an exit.
I interviewed several brokers before choosing Waddell M&A. The difference was the preparation. The marketing package, financial analysis, and buyer communication were all first class. DJ managed the process from start to finish and made what could have been a stressful experience much easier.
Selling a business you’ve spent years building is a major decision. DJ took the time to understand both my business and my personal goals. He brought qualified buyers, protected confidentiality throughout the process, and helped us navigate every obstacle before closing. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
What impressed me most was the quality of the buyers. We weren’t wasting time with people who weren’t financially qualified. Every meeting had a purpose, and DJ handled difficult negotiations with professionalism and confidence. If you’re thinking about selling your business, Waddell M&A is worth the call.
The communication throughout the engagement was outstanding. Emails were answered quickly, phone calls were returned, and I always felt like my transaction was a priority. Selling a business is complicated, but DJ made the process organized and manageable from beginning to end.
Start here
Want an honest read on your likely outcome?
Book a confidential call and we’ll outline your value range, likely buyers, and the risks that could affect your result.