In this episode of the Sell Side Podcast, Michael Stanley sits down with Wilbur Ellis to break down platform acquisitions, add-on strategies, and what they mean for founders navigating today’s M&A landscape. They unpack how private equity groups execute buy-and-build strategies, what makes certain markets attractive, and why many business owners are surprised by the value and flexibility these deals can offer. The conversation also dives into unsolicited offers, common pitfalls, and how running a professional, competitive process can significantly impact valuation. Whether you’re building toward a platform transaction or considering an add-on exit, this episode offers practical insight into preparation, timing, and maximizing outcomes for founders.

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In this episode of Sell Side Stories, we break down one of the most fundamental concepts in business valuation: how EBITDA and multiples work together to determine a company’s true enterprise value. We explore why EBITDA—earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization—is used to normalize profitability and reveal a business’s real free cash flow.

From there, we dive into valuation multiples, unpacking how risk, industry dynamics, market trends, and strategic fit all influence where multiples land. We also discuss common EBITDA adjustments, including pro forma add-backs and one-time expenses, that can shape the final valuation picture.

Whether you're preparing to sell, exploring acquisition opportunities, or simply wanting to understand how buyers assess value, this episode offers a clear, practical breakdown of the mechanics behind business valuation.

In this Sell Side Shorts episode, we break down the real mechanics behind how small-to-mid-sized businesses are bought and sold beyond the simple “cash at close” model everyone thinks of.

Michael walks through common deal structures, including:

• 💵 Cash at Close — the straightforward “check at closing” approach

• 🧾 Seller Notes — when sellers effectively finance part of the deal to bridge valuation or risk

• 📈 Earn-Outs — tying a seller’s payout to the future performance of the business

You'll hear why these structures exist, how they allocate risk between buyer and seller, and the tax implications sellers should understand when evaluating their sale options.

Whether you're considering selling your company or just want to understand how deals actually get done in the real world, this episode gives a clear, concise look at modern transaction strategies.