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January 23rd | 11am EST / 8am PST / 4pm GMT

 

As 2025 begins, the M&A market is expected to be extraordinarily strong. Experts predict it will surpass the average levels of the past decade and may even set new records. While public discussions often center on billion-dollar deals, the lower middle-market M&A sector is primed for significant activity. For business owners in this space, 2025 presents a rare opportunity to capitalize on favorable economic, regulatory, and market conditions, with both strategic and financial buyers poised to aggressively expand through M&A.

Join Derek Avdul and Dara Shareef, Managing Partners at Benchmark International, for a live webinar offering insights, expertise, and informed perspectives on the year ahead in lower middle-market M&A.

 

 

Hosted by

Derek Avdul

Derek Avdul

Derek’s entire career has been spent in M&A and Corporate Development working within organizations such as EY, Sony, EMI Music, and PSI Services. He has also worked as a sell-side investment banker, an independent M&A advisor, a solo-practitioner, and as the leader of deal teams on both the buy and sell-sides, giving him an understanding of both perspectives in a transaction. He enjoys helping companies navigate the M&A process and he has always had a focus on middle-market and lower middle-market sized companies. Derek has the ability to see the big picture while also not being afraid to roll up his sleeves and do whatever it takes.
Dara Shareef

Dara Shareef

Dara Shareef serves as Managing Partner at Benchmark International and is charged with running the Tampa Transaction office. He also holds the rare distinction of having served in every role over the course of his career. His diverse background as both an operator of business and an investor into businesses allows him to anticipate issues in deals before they happen. Having been in each of their shoes, this allows him to think like both a seller and a buyer. Before arriving at Benchmark International, Dara served as COO of GSL Solutions. GSL provides web design and content management for roughly half of the US Senate and many school districts. Before GSL, he was a VC working for three different funds and held C-Suite operational roles in several businesses. Dara was formerly Vice Chairman of Sunmark Federal Credit Union in NY. One of the most exciting aspects of Dara's job is the opportunity it affords him to play with dozens of industries and business models. He has successfully facilitated transactions in sectors as diverse as SaaS, Commercial Landscaping, Vertical Market Software, Healthcare, Retail, Commercial Printing, Business Services, Marketing, IT Services, Niche Manufacturing, and Engineering.
Kayla Sullivan

Moderated by

Kayla Sullivan

As the lead of the Tampa Transaction Support team at Benchmark International, Kayla spearheads interactions with business owners to glean insights into their company’s operations and financial health. She meticulously analyzes our clients’ financial records and other corporate documentation, pinpointing the unique strengths of each entity to bolster valuation during negotiations for the preferred exit strategy.

Key Topics

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Political Climate

Understand how new policies and regulatory perceptions from the current administration will influence the M&A market.

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Interest Rates

Learn how the Fed's moves affect the broader economy and business outlook.

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Corporate Balance Sheet Strength

Why corporate buyers are ready to pursue strategic M&A opportunities aggressively. 

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Private Equity Capital Deployment

The pressure on PE funds to deploy “dry powder” reserves as fund lifespans near their end.

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M&A Momentum

The macroeconomic climate and broader M&A market trends set the stage for increased deal activity.

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M&A FOMO

How fear of missing out will likely drive activity for both buyers and sellers in 2025.

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Ranked #1 Sell-Side Exclusive M&A Advisor Worldwide

By Pitchbook's and Refinitiv's
Global League Tables

11B-1

Of Deal Transaction
Value Closed

Across Various Industries From Offices Around The World

 

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Additional Benefits

Why Attend?

Selling a business is a significant milestone that requires careful planning and execution. This webinar will provide you with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the complexities of the sale process. Our M&A expert will share valuable insights and practical tips that can help you achieve maximum value for your business.

Don't Miss This Opportunity

 

Gain critical knowledge that can help you successfully sell your business. Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards a profitable sale.

Our Team

Made up of the brightest minds in the mergers and acquisitions space, our team prides itself on personalized service.

We employ over 350 seasoned merger and acquisition specialists, dealmakers, researchers, and analysts at Benchmark International. We represent business owners who are highly motivated and want to take the next logical step with their businesses. Whether they seek to grow, transition, or diversify their personal wealth, entrepreneurs from around the world rely on our large team of professionals and motivated buyer contacts to achieve their objectives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Our Clients Have to Say

How leading provider of medical equipment O'Flynn Group scaled market presence to new heights

Why business executive Tim Wood decided to sell to explore new opportunities

In Their Words

We have been working with clients around the world

Family Business

"We chose Benchmark International as our advisor in this process to ensure that we received best and highest value. The Benchmark International team played a pivotal role in terms of both deal structure, as well as guiding all parties through to a successful closing.”

Gina Gruenwald

CEO of Blue Wave

Perfect Fit

“The Benchmark International team did a great job finding and matching us up with a perfect fit in a partner for an acquisition. We look forward to a great future thanks to their efforts in finding a partner that fits us very well and offers unlimited potential for our company and team going forward, and we couldn’t have asked for a better result!”

Greg Galante

CEO of ACS

New Heights

"From our initial conversation through the final closing, Benchmark International was thoughtful, responsive, and clearly had our best interests top of mind. Thanks to them, we were able to find the perfect buyer for this next phase of our growth."

Meighan Newhouse

Co-Founder and CEO, Inspirant Group

Efficient M&A

“My thanks to the Benchmark International team. The process was far more complex than I ever thought it could be. They were right there every step of the way not only handling the issues but also walking me through the key points so that I could make the best decision for my employees, family, and customers.” 

Luke Reinstetle

Founder and CEO of Morgan Wood

Perfect for Business Owners Who Are
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Looking to retire

Looking to sell your business for retirement or move on to other business ventures.

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Approached by a buyer

Approached by a buyer and want to ensure you receive a fair offer on your deal.

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Looking for a partner

In need of a strategic partner or additional capital to grow your business and fit your needs.

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Want to learn more

Interested in learning the value of your company in order to plan for the future.