The Pillar 

In mergers and acquisitions, deals don’t usually fall apart because of a single major issue. More often, they stall or die because of something far more subtle: deal fatigue. Deal fatigue refers to the mental, emotional, and operational exhaustion that builds over the course of a prolonged transaction. As negotiations drag on, diligence requests pile up, and timelines stretch, even well-aligned buyers and sellers can lose momentum. Understanding deal fatigue and how to manag

In mergers and acquisitions, details matter especially the legal ones that can quietly delay or derail a transaction. One of the most common (and most overlooked) is the UCC Filing. Understanding UCC filings is critical for business owners preparing for a sale, buyers conducting diligence, and lenders securing their position. Here’s what it is, why it exists, and how it shows up in real transactions.

As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: exit planning is entering a more complex, competitive, and data-driven era. A convergence of demographic shifts, evolving buyer behavior, regulatory updates, and technological advancements is reshaping how business owners must prepare for and execute a successful sale.

The Year-End Readiness Checkup As the year comes to a close, many business owners shift their focus to planning, budgeting, and personal goal setting. But year-end is also one of the most strategic times to evaluate whether your business is positioned for a successful sale, especially if you are considering going to market in 2026.

Small Business Saturday is more than a shopping holiday, it’s a celebration of the people who form the heartbeat of our local and national economies. Across the country, millions of independent businesses open their doors every day with grit, creativity, and a commitment to serve their communities. Today, we pause to recognize that strength.

As the leaves change and Halloween approaches, there’s something scarier than ghosts and goblins lurking in the world of mergers and acquisitions, seller mistakes. These haunting missteps can send deals running for the hills. So, grab your flashlight, and let’s uncover some of the spookiest mistakes sellers make during an M&A process (and how to keep your deal from turning into a nightmare).