M&A Advisory

Successful transactions require a comprehensive effort from your advisor. There is no "cookie-cutter" process, no standardized plan. Benefit from active engagement from the first "hello".

M&A Planning

If you are not ready to sell today, but want to properly position your company for a future process, pre-M&A planning can enhance enterprise value and speed the close of a transaction. 

Why the Square Management System Matters Pre-M&A

  1. Exposes Alignment Gaps Before Due Diligence
    SMS identifies disconnects between leadership, operations, and execution before diligence uncovers them. This reduces surprises and improves deal confidence.
  2. Standardizes Operational Visibility
    "Visibility = Control = Growth." SMS ensures clean KPIs, mapped processes, and clear accountability—boosting buyer confidence in operational maturity.
  3. Quantifies Culture Fit Using Process, Not Platitudes
    Instead of vague culture assessments, SMS evaluates culture through measurable processes and decision rights. This gives both parties a real read on post-close compatibility.
  4. Replaces Hero-Driven Execution with Systemized Success
    Buyers want to know: will this business still run if the founder leaves? SMS helps institutionalize know-how so value doesn’t walk out the door.
  5. Accelerates 100-Day Integration Readiness
    SMS provides a built-in framework for post-close execution: cross-functional workflows, operating rhythms, reporting cadence, and leadership alignment.

Summary Table: With vs. Without SMS

Without SMS

  • Siloed org, unclear accountability
  • Hero dependency
  • Ambiguous culture fit
  • Reactive integration planning

With SMS

  • Cross-functional alignment
  • Repeatable, systematized processes
  • Culture scored via operational behaviors
  • 100-day plan rooted in tested framework

 

Ideal For:

  • Founder-led businesses prepping for exit
  • PE-backed companies planning a platform add-on
  • Strategic acquirers seeking integration-ready targets

Next Step: Deploy the 40-point SMS Assessment to audit alignment, systems, and visibility before diligence begins.

Transaction Advisory

Town Square Advisors supports buy-side mandates through:

  • Target Identification & Screening
  • Strategic Fit Assessment
  • Valuation Modeling
  • Due Diligence Management
  • Deal Structuring & Negotiation Support
  • Market & Competitive Intelligence
  • Synergy Analysis & Integration Planning
  • Relationship Management
  • Board & Investment Committee Readiness

Town Square Advisors consults on transfers of privately-held companies located within the United States below $50mm in enterprise value.

Experience the Square Management System

cover culture of alignment

The Square Management System (SMS) is a full 40-element framework used to identify, assess and create successful organizational structures that can empower a dynamic and loyal workforce.

Curious to dig in and learn more about how you can build a high-trust, high performing organization?

Find out your Square Score (your optimal degree of Constrained Independence) by taking the full survey today! Click the link below!