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More Than Just a Business Broker.
Your Legacy Deserves a Partner.

Maximize Your Company's Value and Achieve Your Goals

 

 Business brokers can treat you like a transaction. At Benchmark International, our advisors become your partners - spending real time understanding your business, your goals, and what matters most to you beyond the numbers.


"Benchmark International was not selling what we were today - they were selling the future. They were our professional friends. Friends don't let friends down." 

- Dan Boggio | PBK Architects, Inc.

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 Whether you're ready to sell this year or simply want to understand what your options look like, we'll meet you where you are. 


It all starts with a conversation.
No pressure, no commitment, just clarity.
Start yours today.

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Business Broker vs. M&A Advisor: Why the Choice Matters More Than You Think

When most business owners start thinking about selling, they Google "business broker." It makes sense, it's the term most people know. But the difference between a business broker and an M&A advisor isn't just semantics. It can mean hundreds of thousands - or millions - of dollars in your final outcome.

One client told us: "They were such machines when they came into our office. It felt like a transaction, not a conversation." That's the broker experience many owners encounter. Here's how the two models differ — and why it matters for someone who built their business from the ground up.

Dimension

Business Broker

M&A Advisor (Benchmark's Approach)

Relationship Model

Transactional. List the business, find a buyer, close the deal. Limited personalization.

✅ Advisory. Deep relationship built over months. Clients describe us as "professional friends" — we understand the emotional weight, not just the financials.

Buyer Access

Typically lists on marketplaces visible to anyone. Limited proactive buyer targeting.

✅ Confidential, targeted outreach to pre-qualified strategic and financial buyers. Your employees, customers, and competitors don't know you're selling until you want them to.

Valuation Approach

Often based on industry multiples and comparable sales. Standard methodology.

✅ Forward-looking valuation that positions your company's growth trajectory. "They weren't selling what we were today — they were selling the future."

Deal Complexity

Best suited for smaller, simpler transactions under $2M.

✅ Structured for mid-market complexity: tax optimization, earn-outs, management retention, multi-party negotiations. This is where the difference in outcome is most dramatic.

Post-Deal Outcome

Transaction ends at close. Broker's involvement is complete.

✅ We find buyers who invest in the business, not just acquire it. One client saw revenue and EBITDA triple within five years because we matched them with a buyer who shared their vision.

What is Right for You

If your business is generating more than $1M in revenue, the broker model likely undervalues what you've built. You didn't spend decades building something extraordinary to hand it off to someone who treats it like a line item. Talk to an advisor who understands the difference.

Business Owners We Serve

We focus on serving Presidents, CEOs, Founders and business owners in the privately-held middle market in more than 100 industries. Our clients' business typically fall into one or more of these buckets:

$5M – $250M

Annual Revenue

Every business and industry is unique, but our M&A experts achieve the best results when selling profitable companies within this revenue range.

$500K – $25M

Annual EBITDA

For most businesses, strong profitability (EBITDA) and a growing trajectory are essential to attracting multiple offers and maximizing the purchase price.

1 or More

W-2 Salaried Employees

For most businesses, having W-2 salaried employees reflects strong leadership, investment in a team, and established operational structures that drive success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to common questions about selling your business and working with Benchmark International.

When is the best time to sell my business?

The ideal time to sell your company depends on several factors, both personal and market-related. From a personal standpoint, you should consider selling when you're ready to transition to a new chapter in your life, whether that means retirement, pursuing a new venture, or spending more time with family. From a market perspective, you should sell when your business is performing strongly, and market conditions are favorable for sellers in your industry. This combination can lead to the highest possible valuation. However, life is unpredictable and being 'sale-ready' at all times allows you to be prepared whenever the right opportunity arises. Benchmark International helps you assess all of these factors to determine the best time for you to sell, not just the best time in the market. Engaging with us does not require a commitment to sell, but helps you to understand your options.

Why should I hire a sell-side M&A firm over a broker?

While brokers can be helpful for smaller transactions, a sell-side M&A firm like Benchmark International provides a higher level of sophistication, expertise, and resources, especially for middle-market businesses. We focus exclusively on sell-side transactions, offering a tailored approach to maximizing your company’s value and navigating the complexities of a sale. We have dedicated teams for each stage of the process, from marketing to negotiation, and a global network of buyers. Unlike brokers, we manage the entire process, focusing on securing the best possible deal for you, not just a quick sale. Our singular focus, structured teams and aligned interests set us apart from brokers, ensuring that your best interests are always front and center.

How long does it take to sell a company?

The timeline for selling a company can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the business, market conditions, and the buyer's due diligence process. However, a typical sale process with Benchmark International takes roughly 10 to 12 months. Some sales will move more quickly, others might take more time. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your operations. Our robust process and team of specialists are focused on moving the deal forward effectively without sacrificing value. We will provide you with a more specific timeline after assessing your business and your goals.

How do you find buyers for me and list my company?

Benchmark International utilizes a proactive and highly targeted approach to finding the right buyers for your business. We don't just 'list' your company. We leverage our extensive global network, proprietary databases, and industry contacts to identify qualified and strategic buyers, both domestically and internationally. Our team conducts comprehensive outreach, effectively communicates the unique value of your business to potential acquirers, and actively cultivates interest from strategic buyers and private equity groups. We work diligently to ensure we’re finding the buyer that not only offers the best deal, but who is also the best long-term fit for your business and your goals. We maintain strict confidentiality throughout the marketing process.

What is the fee structure?

Our fee structure varies based on several factors, including the size of the business, industry, and the seller's motivation. We offer a two-part fee structure: a one-time retainer fee when you agree to our services, and a percentage fee based on the transaction value upon completion. Fee amounts are negotiable to ensure flexibility and alignment with your specific needs.

1,850+ business owners helped with value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting businesses.


193

Business Owners We Helped Last Year Move To The Next Chapter In Their Lives

Is your company’s industry seeing historical multiples?
Now is the perfect time to capitalize on this momentum and secure the best possible deal.
Our expert team can help you navigate the market and maximize your company's value.  

Don't Wait Another Day

In today's dynamic business landscape, time is of the essence.
Act now to secure your position and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
 

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.