Why September is the Right Time to Prepare for a Business Sale
As summer winds down and the pace of business life picks up, many owners shift from a mid-year rhythm into a sharper, forward-looking mindset. September is often seen as a “reset month” — the moment when strategy, focus, and execution come back into alignment. For some business leaders, this means re-engaging with growth. For others, […]
Rethinking Capital: How Business Owners Are Funding Growth in Uncertain Times
In today’s tightening credit environment, traditional lending is becoming harder to access. As a result, many business owners are turning to more strategic and flexible ways to source capital. Whether the goal is scaling operations, upgrading infrastructure, expanding internationally, or preparing for a future exit, the capital is still available—you just need to know where […]
Helping Trusted Advisors Help Their Clients Sell Successfully
If you’ve ever walked alongside a business owner during the sale of their company, you know—this isn’t just a transaction. It’s emotional. It’s deeply personal. And it’s often the biggest financial moment of their life. As trusted advisors—accountants, lawyers, tax specialists, wealth planners—you’re typically the first to hear the early “what if” questions. You’re there […]
Smart Structuring in Uncertain Times: The Rise of the Second Bite
In today’s M&A landscape, uncertainty isn’t a red light—it’s a challenge that calls for sharper thinking. While interest rates remain high, geopolitical tensions linger, and the capital markets continue their slow dance, deal activity hasn’t stopped. It’s simply become more strategic. The strongest buyers in the market aren’t sitting still. They’re just more thoughtful, more […]
What Gives Buyers an Edge in Today’s Competitive M&A Market
The New M&A Landscape We’re seeing a surge in buyers—but not in quality deals. That’s the new normal in today’s M&A market: more capital chasing fewer opportunities. So how do smart buyers stand out? They don’t just chase. They prepare. They connect. They collaborate. Here’s what the best buyers are doing differently. 1. Have Your […]
Mid-Year Business Owner Checklist: 8 Ways to Refocus and Recharge for 2025
We’re officially halfway through 2025—a great time for business owners to hit pause and take stock. Whether you’re scaling up, maintaining steady growth, or starting to consider a future exit, a mid-year review helps you stay proactive and make intentional decisions for the second half of the year. Here’s a checklist I often recommend to […]
What Private Equity Groups Are Looking for in Canada Right Now
At Portage, we talk to buyers — a lot. Every week, we’re in conversation with private equity groups, family offices, and strategic acquirers who are looking for their next opportunity in the Canadian market. If you’re working with business owners in your network — especially those nearing retirement or succession — it’s worth knowing which […]
The Connection Between Business Strategy and Valuation
I often emphasize to clients that business valuation is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s deeply connected to the strategy of the business. A well-defined and executed business strategy can significantly enhance a company’s value, while a lack of strategy can lead to stagnation or even decline in worth. Here’s how strategy and […]
Tariff-Resilient Businesses: Why They’re Attracting Premium Valuations in Today’s M&A Market
In recent months, tariffs between Canada and the United States have dominated economic headlines, sparking significant uncertainty for many businesses. While industries highly dependent on cross-border trade are facing disruptions, there’s a notable segment of lower-middle-market businesses flourishing amidst this volatility: those demonstrating tariff resilience. What Makes a Business Tariff-Resilient? Tariff-resilient businesses typically share a […]
M&A Momentum in 2025: Canada Poised to Ride the Global Wave
There’s a wave of optimism building across global M&A markets in 2025—and Canada is very much part of the momentum. As an M&A advisor working closely with mid-market business owners and investors, I’m seeing firsthand how both global tailwinds and domestic developments are shaping what looks to be a dynamic year for dealmaking. Here are […]
