The Acquisition Entrepreneur
“Steve Divitikos is a Harvard MBA who’s education was focused on ‘Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition.’ These programs now offered at many Ivy League Schools have surged in the past few years,” shares Sam Thompson a Minneapolis business broker and the president of M&A firm Transitions In Business. “Steve bought a small business with support from investors and shares how he bought his business and eventually sold it.”
In recent years, “Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition” courses at Ivy League MBA programs have surged in popularity, outshining traditional classes in marketing or corporate finance. This trend reflects a shift in aspirations among students, many of whom now prioritize acquiring a business over roles in consulting or banking.
As a business owner, you’re likely to encounter increased interest from these eager MBA graduates keen on acquiring your company with the backing of people that specialize in funding these first-time entrepreneurs.
For example, this week we interviewed Steve Divitikos, a Harvard MBA who decided to acquire and build a small business using money he raised from investors. There are pros and cons of selling to an acquisition entrepreneur. In this episode, you will learn how to:
- Structure the sale of your business to an acquisition entrepreneur.
- Negotiate with an acquisition entrepreneur.
- Avoid the most common reasons acquisitions fall apart.
- Ace your meetings with potential acquirers.
- Identify complementary acquirers.
- Avoid having to roll equity with your acquirer.