Transaction Advisory Services
Transaction Advisory Services for Buying or Selling a Business
Lutz provides comprehensive transaction advisory services (TAS) for lower middle market businesses across the country. Whether you’re preparing to sell your company or acquire another, our team goes beyond standard due diligence. We deliver insights that uncover risks, highlight opportunities, and position you for stronger deal outcomes.
With decades of M&A experience, our credentialed professionals partner with you through every stage of the process. We identify the critical factors that impact valuation and deal terms, get in front of deal killers, and ensure you have the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals.
Solutions
-
Sell-Side Full Process Representation
Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. We specialize in guiding businesses in the lower middle market through every stage of the sale process. From strategic positioning and targeted marketing to expert negotiation and seamless closing, we help you unlock maximum value in today’s competitive market.
Our process includes:
+ Strategic Positioning - Analyze your company's strengths and market position to maximize appeal
+ Deal Marketing - Develop a tailored marketing strategy as unique as your business
+ Buyer Identification - Leverage our extensive network of strategic buyers, private equity firms, and family offices
+ Competitive Process Management - Cultivate interest, urgency, and competition among qualified prospects
+ Negotiation Support - Advocate for your interests until you're satisfied with the results
+ Transaction Coordination - Manage all moving parts from LOI through closing -
Quality of Earnings (QoE)
A Quality of Earnings report goes beyond standard financial statements to assess the accuracy and sustainability of cash flows. We identify potential risks and liabilities, uncover value drivers, and highlight potential synergies, enabling buyers and sellers to make confident decisions.
-
Due Diligence
Thorough due diligence is critical in every deal. We help you dig into the details that matter most, from accounting policies to cash flow analysis, so you can make confident decisions and avoid costly surprises down the road.
Examples include:
+ Overview of Accounting Policies & Procedures
+ Preparation of Adjusted EBITDA Schedule
+ Analysis & Verification of Management Adjustments
+ Cash Proof
+ Cash to Accrual Analysis
+ Income Statement Fluctuation Analysis
+ Reconciliation of Material Balance Sheet Accounts
+ Working Capital Analysis
+ Tax Due Diligence -
Succession Planning
Your business represents years of hard work and strategic decisions, and its future deserves the same careful planning. We help business owners prepare for ownership transitions with strategies that protect value, reduce tax burdens, and ensure continuity. Our Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPAs) partner with you to design a plan that reflects your goals and safeguards your legacy.
-
Market Analysis
Industry market research is one of the most critical steps in a transition or transaction. Our M&A professionals deliver detailed industry analysis to help you understand trends, evaluate competitors, and position your business for a competitive advantage.
-
Transaction Readiness Assessment
Timing matters in any deal, and preparation can mean the difference between good results and great ones. We evaluate your financial, operational, and strategic readiness before you go to market, helping you address issues early and position your business for stronger results.
-
Transaction Structuring
Deal structure shapes everything from tax outcomes to regulatory approval. We help you evaluate options and choose the structure that best aligns with your goals and protects your interests.
-
Negotiation Support
Successful deals are built on smart negotiations. We provide guidance throughout the process, ensuring your priorities are represented and long-term success is protected.
-
Tax Consulting
Every deal carries tax implications. Our tax experts will identify risks, uncover opportunities, and design strategies to maximize after-tax value and minimize liabilities.
-
Business Valuation
Our accredited professionals deliver valuations that provide a clear, accurate picture of your company’s worth. We analyze your operations, financials, and industry landscape to give you insights you can trust for planning, compliance, and transactions.
-
Financial Modeling
We build financial models that test scenarios, project returns, and show the long-term impact of your transaction, giving you the insight needed to make strategic decisions.
-
Opening Balance Sheet Preparation
Starting off on the right foot means setting accurate opening financials. We prepare balance sheets in line with GAAP and transaction documents so your new entity begins on a strong foundation.
-
Purchase Price Allocation
Valuing acquired assets and allocating an acquisition’s purchase price is a complex process that can significantly impact your financial statements and provide tax implications for both buyers and sellers. We will help you evaluate and correctly allocate the assets of your business to determine a fair value, ensure financial accuracy, and discover key value drivers.
-
Post-Transaction Advisory
Your deal may be done, but our work doesn’t stop there. We support you beyond the close with strategic post-transaction services designed to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success. Whether you need help with financial integration, aligning financial reporting, or planning your next move, we’re here to keep your business moving forward. Examples include:
+ Financial Integration Support
+ Post-Close Financial Statement Preparation
+ GAAP & Tax Compliance Assistance
+ Purchase Price Dispute Consulting
+ Net Working Capital True-Up Calculations
+ Earnout Calculations
+ Integration Planning & Execution
+ Performance Tracking & Benchmarking
Quality of Earnings (QoE)
A Quality of Earnings (QoE) report examines a company’s historical financial statements to determine the accuracy and sustainability of the target’s cash flows. We understand that every transaction is different. We offer tailored solutions to fit your unique needs. Let's work together to create a plan that is best for you.
QoE Lite |
QoE |
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview of Accounting Policies & Procedures | Y | Y |
| Analysis & Verification of Management Adjustments | Y | Y |
| Review Financial Statements for Due Diligence Adjustments | Y | Y |
| Preparation of Adjusted EBITDA Schedule | Y | Y |
| Income Statement Fluctuation Analysis | Y | Y |
| Cash Proof | Y | Y |
| Reconciliation of Material Balance Sheet Accounts | Y | Y |
| On-Site Visit (upon request) | N | Y |
| Management Meetings to Discuss Operations/Performance | N | Y |
| Working Capital Analysis | N | Y |
| Review Audited Workpapers | N | Y |
| Revenue/COGS Analysis | N | Y |
| Review Customer/Vendor Concentrations | N | Y |
-
QoE Lite
- Overview of Accounting Policies & Procedures
- Analysis & Verification of Management Adjustments
- Review Financial Statements for Due Diligence Adjustments
- Preparation of Adjusted EBITDA Schedule
- Income Statement Fluctuation Analysis
- Cash Proof
- Reconciliation of Material Balance Sheet Accounts
- On-Site Visit (upon request)
- Management Meetings to Discuss Operations/Performance
- Working Capital Analysis
- Review Audited Workpapers
- Revenue/COGS Analysis
- Review Customer/Vendor Concentrations
-
QoE
- Overview of Accounting Policies & Procedures
- Analysis & Verification of Management Adjustments
- Review Financial Statements for Due Diligence Adjustments
- Preparation of Adjusted EBITDA Schedule
- Income Statement Fluctuation Analysis
- Cash Proof
- Reconciliation of Material Balance Sheet Accounts
- On-Site Visit (upon request)
- Management Meetings to Discuss Operations/Performance
- Working Capital Analysis
- Review Audited Workpapers
- Revenue/COGS Analysis
- Review Customer/Vendor Concentrations
Let's Talk
M&A Success Stories
News & Insights
Leveraging Market Analysis Reports for Successful Sell-Side M&A Transactions
From the Ground Up: Succession Planning for Farm and Agri-Family Enterprises
Lutz adds Camelin, Goodrich, Lawless, Maly, and Mendick
Is an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) right for your business?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are transaction advisory services (TAS)?
Transaction advisory services help business owners and investors manage the complexities of buying, selling, or merging companies. At Lutz, TAS includes financial due diligence, business valuation, tax consulting, and transaction structuring to ensure informed decision-making and successful outcomes.
What is a Quality of Earnings (QoE) report, and why is it important?
A QoE report goes beyond the income statement to evaluate the accuracy and sustainability of earnings. It gives buyers and sellers a clear picture of a company’s true financial health and highlights risks or adjustments that could impact valuation or deal terms.When should I engage a transaction advisory firm like Lutz?
The earlier, the better. Engaging TAS professionals before you go to market or signing a letter of intent helps you prepare financials, identify potential issues, and maximize value throughout the deal lifecycle.What types of businesses does Lutz work with?
Lutz specializes in serving middle-market businesses across the Midwest, including family-owned companies, private equity firms, and strategic buyers or sellers.How does Lutz support clients during a business sale or acquisition?
Our team provides end-to-end M&A support, including due diligence, valuation, financial modeling, tax consulting, negotiation support, and post-transaction advisory. We tailor our approach to your goals and help you navigate every stage of the M&A process.What credentials does the Lutz TAS team hold?
Our professionals hold advanced designations such as CPA, ABV, CVA, and CEPA, ensuring expert-level guidance throughout your transaction.

.jpg?width=300&height=175&name=Mega%20Menu%20Image%20(1).jpg)
%20(1).jpg?width=300&height=175&name=Mega%20Menu%20Image%20(2)%20(1).jpg)
%20(1)-Mar-08-2024-09-27-14-7268-PM.jpg?width=300&height=175&name=Untitled%20design%20(6)%20(1)-Mar-08-2024-09-27-14-7268-PM.jpg)

%20(1)-Mar-08-2024-09-11-30-0067-PM.jpg?width=300&height=175&name=Untitled%20design%20(3)%20(1)-Mar-08-2024-09-11-30-0067-PM.jpg)
%20(1).jpg?width=300&height=175&name=Mega%20Menu%20Image%20(3)%20(1).jpg)
%20(1).jpg?width=300&height=175&name=Mega%20Menu%20Image%20(4)%20(1).jpg)
%20(1).jpg?width=300&height=175&name=Mega%20Menu%20Image%20(5)%20(1).jpg)
-Mar-08-2024-08-50-35-9527-PM.png?width=300&height=175&name=Untitled%20design%20(1)-Mar-08-2024-08-50-35-9527-PM.png)