The U.S. Battery Market: Growth, Consolidation and the Case for Selling Now
⏱ Reading Time: 8 minutesThe battery market is growing fast, and acquisition demand extends well beyond battery manufacturers.
Manufacturing M&A news and advice
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Finding the Right Fit – Comparing Family Offices, Private Equity, and Strategic Buyers in Lower Middle Market Manufacturing M&A
⏱ Reading Time: 10 minutesThe highest offer isn’t always the best outcome. This article explores how different buyer types can impact legacy, employees, growth, and long-term success.
The Best Manufacturing Acquisition May Not Be the “Perfect” Company
⏱ Reading Time: 6 minutesNot every great acquisition target looks perfect on paper. Learn why experienced buyers often find the most value in companies others overlook.
Aerospace & Defense Contract Manufacturer Acquisition Opportunity
⏱ Reading Time: 3 minutesThis is not a single-process manufacturer. It is a rare, multi-capability manufacturing platform with nearly eight decades of operating history and an unusually broad set of production capabilities under one roof.
Customer Concentration in Manufacturing M&A: How Buyers Evaluate Contracts, Repeat Revenue, and Customer Risk
⏱ Reading Time: 10 minutesCustomer concentration is only one part of manufacturing M&A diligence. Learn how buyers evaluate contracts, repeat revenue, pricing power, margins, switching costs, and customer transferability before assigning value.
Preserving Certifications Through an LLC Partnership Reorganization
⏱ Reading Time: 12 minutesHow LLC partnership reorganizations can help manufacturers preserve AS9100, Nadcap, ISO, ITAR, and customer approvals during an M&A transaction while still achieving many of the tax and continuity benefits buyers seek.
U.S. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market
⏱ Reading Time: 11 minutesThe U.S. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle market is rapidly emerging as a high-growth, strategically important sector and manufacturers serving this space may be entering a strong window to explore valuation and acquisition opportunities.
Why a Strong CPA Firm Matters in the M&A Process
⏱ Reading Time: 8 minutesA strong CPA firm can play a critical role in a successful manufacturing M&A transaction by helping sellers prepare for diligence, avoid costly surprises, and protect business value before going to market.
Mastering Emotional Intelligence in M&A: A Guide for Lower Middle Market Sellers and Buyers
⏱ Reading Time: 4 minutesIn M&A, the human element often determines success. Learn how Emotional Intelligence helps buyers and sellers navigate complexity, protect legacy, and close deals.
U.S. Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Market Outlook Through 2036: Repair, Replacement, Growth Trends and M&A Valuation Drivers
⏱ Reading Time: 10 minutesAging infrastructure and rising investment are driving growth and increasing M&A opportunities in the water and wastewater sector, while attracting strong buyer interest and premium valuations.
Finding the Right Future for Your Manufacturing Company & Legacy
⏱ Reading Time: 2 minutesAfter decades spent building a respected manufacturing company, many owners find that preparing for a transition is about far more than numbers, it’s about legacy, employees, and community.
Why U.S. Semiconductor Manufacturers Are Becoming Prime Acquisition Targets in 2026 and Beyond
⏱ Reading Time: 14 minutesThe semiconductor supply chain is entering a major growth phase. Learn why manufacturers in this space are attracting strong acquisition interest.
Articles
Article
Aerospace Component & Surgical Instrument Manufacturer Seeks Acquirer
⏱ Reading Time: 2 minutesThis New England based Aerospace Component & Surgical Instrument Manufacturer is an acquisition that can very easily double in size in a short period of time. Company Highlights: How the…
Article
Power Transmission Component & Gear Manufacturer Seeks Acquirer
⏱ Reading Time: 2 minutesThis Mid-Atlantic based power transmission & gear manufacturer has so much of what quality buyers want in an acquisition.
Article
6 Critical Steps If You Get Unsolicited Offers for Your Business
⏱ Reading Time: 3 minutesIncreasingly business owners are receiving unsolicited offers to buy their companies. This is particularly true within the manufacturing sectors which have been one of the most sought-after segments of the mergers & acquisitions market. In this article, we’ll explore six critical steps to take if you get an unsolicited offer to buy your manufacturing company.
Article
Boost Employee Productivity by Adopting Lean Manufacturing Principles
⏱ Reading Time: 5 minutesIf you are thinking about selling your business at some future date, you should take steps now to implement industry proven steps to a more efficient workplace. The best approach is to embrace the core principles of Lean Manufacturing (“Lean”). This will give you a great story to tell buyers who already understand the value of this well-known approach.
Article
An Acquisition That Can Easily Double in Size – Does It Exist?
⏱ Reading Time: 3 minutesEvery buyer wants a business that can easily double in size. Many businesses advertise a claim that they can, but with a deeper dive, it’s discovered that doubling in size…
Article
Maintain Confidentiality While Selling a Manufacturing Business
⏱ Reading Time: 5 minutesAs a business broker specializing in the sale of manufacturing companies, one of the questions most often asked by potential clients is how my firm can maintain confidentiality while selling a business and what security procedures we have in place to protect our clients.
Article
Sell Your Manufacturing Business on a High
⏱ Reading Time: 3 minutesActivity in manufacturing M&A is booming. The California Association of Business Brokers (CABB) predicted back in 2015 that this will be a decade of Baby Boomers both buying and selling businesses, turning over $10 trillion worth of assets and 12 million businesses. In 2019, this prediction still holds. A Forbes article from just this past September forecasted that M&A activity in manufacturing will continue its increase in the next 5 years through the digitization of the industry. All accounts point to a strong market for manufacturing M&A.
Article
Grow Manufacturing Earnings & Customers with Speed
⏱ Reading Time: 2 minutesAs a successful manufacturer you already know the cost associated with obtaining new customers. You also know the lifetime value of a customer to your organization. Building a solid manufacturing business that is successful and diversified in customers and industries served can take decades to build. But what if you could dramatically speed the process of acquiring new customers, diversifying your own customer base and at the same time reduce the cost of new customer acquisition?
Article
Building an enterprise that can survive your absence – it’s all about processes and systems
⏱ Reading Time: < 1 minuteIn an earlier blog post, we talked about what a manufacturing business buyer wants to see in a potential acquisition. We alluded to the risk of information and skill concentration in your employees, but we need to make it clear that this risk is most significant at the top of the organization. More importantly, it’s a risk that often convinces a buyer to pass you up for a more attractive acquisition. If a buyer decides to make an offer it may be lower than you expected because they don’t believe the business can thrive without you. It’s up to you to start building a business that can continue to prosper when you are gone, and you should begin that process before actively trying to sell your business.
Article
4 Critical Steps to Buying a Manufacturing Company
⏱ Reading Time: 3 minutesIf you have been dreaming of owning your own business for years, there’s no time like the present to ramp up your search! We previously wrote an article on the “101 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a Manufacturing Company.” Before you can even ask these questions however, you will need to find the right business! Click to read more and learn more about the 4 Critical Steps.
Article
What Acquirers Really Want to See in a Manufacturing Business
⏱ Reading Time: 5 minutesIf you are thinking about retiring in the next few years, you may be wondering what it really takes to sell a manufacturing business and attract a qualified buyer who can sustain and grow your business to the next level. Financials are important, but some other areas of buyer scrutiny may surprise you.
Article
How Smart Manufacturers are Closing the Skills Gap – Apprenticeship
⏱ Reading Time: 7 minutesA variety of public programs and innovative initiatives can help you find qualified entry-level Manufacturing Apprenticeship talent.
Guides
Guide
Mastering Emotional Intelligence in M&A: A Guide for Lower Middle Market Sellers and Buyers
⏱ Reading Time: 4 minutesIn M&A, the human element often determines success. Learn how Emotional Intelligence helps buyers and sellers navigate complexity, protect legacy, and close deals.
Guide
Lower-Middle-Market Manufacturing M&A Due Diligence Guide
⏱ Reading Time: 20 minutesSelling a manufacturing business? This guide breaks down the must-have due diligence items buyers will ask for after LOI—so you can protect valuation, move faster, and close with confidence.
Guide
The 2026 Exit Guide: Preparing Your Manufacturing Business for a Premium Sale
⏱ Reading Time: 4 minutesPreparing your manufacturing business for sale in 2026 demands strategic alignment across financials, operations, technology, risk management, and growth planning. Learn the 12 seller readiness pillars driving higher valuations.
Guide
Why Social Media Matters in Manufacturing – 101 Ways Manufacturing Companies Can Use Social Media
⏱ Reading Time: 11 minutesWhy social media matters in manufacturing: learn how manufacturers use LinkedIn, video, and digital platforms to attract buyers, build trust, and drive RFQs.
Guide
Selling Your Manufacturing Business to Private Equity: A Guide for the Legacy-Minded Owner
⏱ Reading Time: 4 minutesUnderstanding how PE works, their exit strategies, and their track record is key to ensuring your life’s work continues to thrive long after the deal closes.
Guide
2025 definitive guide to preparing your manufacturing business for sale
⏱ Reading Time: 13 minutesLearn Why Now Is The Ideal Time To Sell Your Manufacturing Business. Explore Market Trends, Valuations, and Expert Tips To Maximize Your Sale.
WAM Podcast
Podcast
Ellen Pietrowitz-Phillips Is A Force In Business And An Advocate For Women In Manufacturing
Today, on the Women and Manufacturing Podcast, Ellen shares with Fran her experiences, good and bad, as a woman in manufacturing and the wisdom she’s gained along the way, including the importance of all women sharing what they’ve learned, collaborating and cooperating with other women in the interest of overcoming any barrier to success.
Podcast
Digital Marketing for Small Manufacturers with Whitney Koch
On this episode of the WAM Podcast, Fran welcomes Whitney Koch, Marketing Communications Specialist with Welker Inc., in Sugarland, Texas. Whitney shares with us how she transitioned from a high school teacher to writing technical copy and finally managing the digital marketing efforts for a 3rd generation manufacturing company. Whitney explains how small to medium-sized companies can handle their digital marketing in-house, including the various platforms she uses to get the job done.
Podcast
Alternative Proteins And The Food Revolution With Elysabeth Alfano
On today’s episode, Fran and Elysabeth discuss the need for change in the global food supply system to address global population growth. Elysabeth explains in detail how we use our resources to create food is inefficient. 77% of our agricultural land is used for animals to graze and to grow crops to feed those animals. This 77% returns only 18% of our calories. On top of that, 42% of our clean water supply is used to grow crops for and as drinking water for those same animals. As we move forward with a rapidly growing population, these inefficiencies are not sustainable.
Podcast
Bridging Manufacturing and Marketing Disconnect with Emily Wilkins
How do you bridge the disconnect between manufacturing companies and their potential marketing success? Emily Wilkins, Founder and CEO of Marketing Metal, explains why her company is successful, while other marketing agencies struggle to meet manufacturing companies in the middle. From hesitancy when handing over marketing to inexperience in laying out goals and misunderstanding why marketing is needed at all, the reasons for disconnect are seemingly endless.
Podcast
Guidewheel Is Helping Manufacturers Reach Sustainable Peak Performance
Today, on the Woman and Manufacturing Podcast, Fran Brunelle talks with Lauren Dunford, CEO of Guidewheel, a global software company. This company is on a mission to empower all the world’s factories to reach sustainable peak performance, and Lauren is on a mission to show everyone how Guidewheel is making this a reality. Lauren shares with Fran how even the oldest manufacturing equipment can take advantage of Guidewheel’s technology to achieve peak performance.
Podcast
Supporting Young Black Women in STEM with Kara Branch
Kara Branch is an engineer who has always been the only Black woman on all the teams she’s ever worked on and has experienced many challenges as a result. When one of her daughters decided she also wanted to pursue a career in engineering, Kara decided she wanted better for the next generation and so she founded the Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation. Today she joins us to tell us more about the fantastic work she is doing. Tuning in you’ll discover how the Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation is developing young women in all areas of STEM. To hear all about Kara Branch, the fantastic organization she started, how it is transforming lives, and how you can help, tune in today!