M&A Advisory Process
Our M&A advisory process is designed to give Owners complete clarity and control — helping them understand their options, evaluate the right partners, maximize value, and move from the first conversation through close and beyond with confidence.
How We Work
Every M&A engagement is different — in timing, structure, motivation, and outcome. Our process is a framework, not a formula. We adapt to your situation while providing the structure and expertise needed to navigate it well.
We begin with a no-obligation, fully confidential conversation. We listen to your situation — your goals, your timeline, your concerns about clients and staff — and share relevant market perspective. No information leaves the room without your permission.
We work with you to understand your firm's financials, client demographics, team structure, growth trajectory, and operational model — and how these factors influence your positioning in the current M&A market.
We present a clear overview of the transaction structures available to you — full exit, partial liquidity, growth partnership — along with a realistic assessment of what each looks like in terms of valuation, timeline, and post-close involvement.
Drawing on our market relationships across aggregators, PE-backed platforms, independent RIAs, and strategic buyers, we identify a targeted set of potential partners whose model, culture, and strategic priorities align with yours.
We conduct confidential outreach on your behalf — gauging interest, assessing fit, and gathering the information needed to evaluate each potential partner honestly. For buyers you approve, we coordinate and conduct introductory calls to further assess strategic alignment before moving into a more formal process.
We support the negotiation of LOI terms — purchase price, deal structure, earnout provisions, employment terms, and transition obligations — ensuring your interests are clearly represented and the deal is structured to close.
We remain engaged through due diligence — helping you navigate requests, manage timelines, and address issues as they arise — through to a successful close. We coordinate with your legal and financial advisors throughout.
Uniquely, we can support post-close talent needs — whether that's retaining key staff, backfilling departures, or building out the leadership layer needed to execute the combined firm's growth plan. This is where our dual practice creates real additional value.
Fee Structure
Platform Scale Partners works on a contingent, success-based fee model for M&A advisory. We don't charge retainers. Our fee is earned when the transaction closes — ensuring our interests are fully aligned with yours.
We do not charge upfront fees or hourly rates. You pay nothing until value is created.
Fees are a percentage of transaction value, structured and disclosed clearly at engagement.
We succeed when you succeed. Our model ensures our incentives are entirely aligned with your outcomes.
Confidential. No-obligation. No upfront fees.