Sima Griffith, Aethlon founder and Managing Principal, recently participated in a FEI Twin Cities, Private Directors Association®- Minnesota Capital Markets and M&A Update panel alongside Jared Brown, Jay Trumbower, Elizabeth Lilly, and Nii Quaye (pictured left to right). The discussion presented M&A landscape highlights that could impact today’s business owners.
- What boosted the M&A Market in 2024:
A vast buyer pool of over 10,000 private equity funds, family offices, and publicly traded companies eager to drive revenue and profit growth. - What challenged the M&A Market in 2024:
- High Interest Rates: Made acquisitions more expensive.
- Valuation Gaps: Differences between buyer and seller expectations led to many broken deals.
- Economic & Political Uncertainty: Concerns over elections and the broader economy complicated transactions.
- Looking Ahead to 2025:
There is shared optimism that 2025 will see increased M&A activity, driven by solid corporate earnings and anticipated regulatory relief, including tax cuts and less red tape. - Buyer Dynamics of Family Offices vs. Private Equity:
Family offices tend to hold companies for the long term, while private equity firms generally target exits within five to seven years. - The Importance of Trusted Advice:
In today’s complex market, working with an experienced investment banker is critical. You need a partner who can:- Run competitive bidding processes
- Navigate deal obstacles and avoid pitfalls
- Negotiate effectively and get the deal done right
- Deliver honest, tailored advice from start to finish
We also touched on how buyers are now scrutinizing cybersecurity and data practices – asking about ransomware risks, phishing incidents, and how AI is used within your business. Additionally, ensuring proper sales tax compliance is increasingly vital for companies with national reach.
At Aethlon, our deep industry expertise and hands-on approach ensure that your business receives the full reward for its hard work. If you’re considering a sale or simply want to discuss how these trends might affect you, let’s connect.
Your success is our reward.
