Walden

Walden is a trusted Atlanta-based M&A firm built upon integrity, creativity, and confidentiality since 1991. Our principals lead an experienced Atlanta M&A firm of specialists with decades of combined experience, including successful histories as business owners.

Navigating Personal Dynamics in Family-Owned M&A Transactions

Selling a family business is a significant milestone, and it often involves as many emotional challenges as logistical ones. While finances and strategy are important, interpersonal dynamics are a crucial but often overlooked consideration in family-owned M&A transactions. Walden Principal Sara Burden recently shared her insights and firsthand experience with these unique issues, including common […]

March 3, 2025

M&A South Takeaways From Walden

This year’s M&A South 2025 conference in Alpharetta, Georgia, proved to be a valuable experience for Walden M&A, offering insights into current market trends and fostering connections with private equity groups. Many of our Principals attended the event, including Dean McDonald. He shares his key takeaways, which included an optimistic atmosphere and numerous opportunities for […]

February 25, 2025

Selling a Staffing Business: Preparing for a Successful Exit

In the staffing industry, your people are your business. Selling a staffing business requires more than just finding a willing buyer or financial statements; it demands a focus on the human element. To protect your company’s reputation and market position, you need to present a stable foundation for continued growth and facilitate a smooth transition. […]

February 19, 2025

The Power of Partnership: Walden M&A and Cornerstone International Alliance

Collaboration and strategic partnerships are crucial for both the buy-side and sell-side during mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This is why Walden M&A proudly serves as a founding member of the Cornerstone International Alliance (CIA). This global network of M&A firms provides unparalleled resources, support, and opportunities for its members, ultimately enhancing their ability to serve […]

January 30, 2025

6 Tips to Prepare Your Business for a Sale

When you decide to prepare your business for a sale, transitioning ownership isn’t just about finding a willing buyer. It’s about presenting a compelling opportunity to attract the right buyer. Think of it like staging a house before putting it on the market. To achieve a successful sale and maximize your return, you need to […]

January 21, 2025

M&A South 2025: Tips for Building Connections

For industry professionals, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) represent a dynamic ecosystem in which relationships are crucial to success. According to Walden M&A President John Phillips, events like M&A South 2025 provide opportunities to build and strengthen meaningful connections, leading to tangible results. “M&A South 2025 is an opportunity for buyers and sellers’ representatives to meet […]

January 16, 2025

7 Ways Business Owners Can Prepare to Sell

Selling a business is a complex and multifaceted process, and it shouldn’t be approached haphazardly. In fact, Walden Principal and serial business owner Sara Burden says savvy business owners should prepare to sell from the very first day they open their doors to position the company effectively for when the time comes to exit. If […]

December 17, 2024

Why Sellers Should Choose an M&A Firm with Valuable Buyer Relationships

Choosing the right M&A firm is crucial for selling your business. While many firms focus primarily on the seller, a truly successful firm also prioritizes building and nurturing valuable buyer relationships. At Walden, we understand success hinges on our ability to take sellers through a targeted process sale with the most suitable acquirers. This is […]

December 12, 2024

How M&A Strategy Leads to a Successful Sale

Even if you know your company inside and out, navigating the intricacies of a business-level transaction requires a unique blend of expertise, time, and M&A strategy. An M&A partner with a proven process is essential for generating favorable terms. At Walden, our M&A strategy and process includes four phases: Each phase includes its own challenges […]

December 5, 2024

Selling a Professional Services Business | A Walden Case Study

This case study highlights the success of an M&A transaction involving selling a professional services business — in this case, an automotive repair facility. The transaction was facilitated by Walden principal Dean McDonald and can provide useful insights for owners who are considering the sale of a professional services business. No matter how well you […]

December 4, 2024