Explore Categories

All Insights
Benchmark International Named Investment Banking Firm of the Year for the Second Year in a RowThe M&A Advisor announced the winners of the 16th Annual International M&A Awards, and Benchmark International was again recognized in several categories, including being named Investment Banking Firm of the Year for the second consecutive year.Benchmark International also received the following awards this year:M&A Deal of the Year ($10MM to $25MM) •    For the acquisition of Whistler Tech by Milexia Consumer Staples Deal of the Year •    For the acquisition of Copernus Ltd. by Suempol Sp The M&A Advisor Awards are known as the Oscars of the M&A world, serving as the industry benchmark for dealmaking excellence and recognizing the leading M&A transactions, restructurings, deal financings, products and services, firms, and professionals. An independent panel of global M&A, restructuring, and corporate finance practitioners evaluated nominations from around the world, representing companies with deals ranging from $10 million to more than $10 billion. The winners will be honored on September 15-16, 2025, at a black-tie gala in New York City.Kayla Sullivan Earns the M&A Advisor's Emerging Leaders AwardBenchmark International is pleased to announce that our very own Kayla Sullivan has been named an Emerging Leader by The M&A Advisor’s 16th Annual M&A Awards. This award is given to a distinguished group of rising stars shaping the future of mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, and corporate finance. Navigating M&A in Uncertain Times: Why a Trusted Advisor Makes All the DifferenceThe M&A market has shifted.Benchmark International Announces Tyrus O’Neill as New Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AmericasTAMPA, FL – 03/14/2025 – Benchmark International, a leading global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm, is excited to announce Tyrus O’Neill as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Americas. The appointment is part of Benchmark International’s ongoing strategy to accelerate its global growth and service innovation.Expectations for Middle Market M&A in 2025Recent surveys have shown that the M&A outlook for 2025 points to the highest levels of optimism in recent years for dealmaking activity. Citizens Bank’s 14th annual survey of over 400 middle market C-suite executives and private equity principals in the United States stated that a favorable economic environment is a key reason businesses and investors will seek M&A strategies in 2025. Furthermore, uncertainties from the last several years have subsided, and valuations are predicted to be stable or higher than in years past. Meanwhile, smaller mid-size companies are taking a more reserved approach, with many sellers opting to sell a piece of their business versus a full sale. In summary, surveyed decision-makers expect 2025 to see economic growth and a higher rate of M&A deals.An Optimistic Future: Strong Demand for Capital, a Dealmaking Upturn, & a Surge of Private EquityWall Street is anticipating a strong level of deal activity in 2025 as Donald Trump returns to the U.S. presidency, based on an optimistic stock market, falling interest rates, and fewer regulatory interventions. A recent surge in demand for capital is expected to continue, as many experts expect dealmaking to rebound, resulting in a flurry of private equity ventures.
Market Saturation is Here – Will You Ride the Wave or Get Swept Away?

I’ve gotten many questions about how the predicted M&A supercycle has tracked and where we are in the market saturation continuum, so I thought I would share an update as a follow-up to last year’s article “Market Saturation Is Coming.”

Is Programmatic M&A Right for My Business?

Programmatic mergers and acquisitions are a strategic approach to M&A deals that companies use to acquire several smaller companies to achieve specific goals, such as growth and value creation. This strategy differs from traditional M&A transactions, which usually involve singular transactions and higher valuations.

Why You Should Consider Rolling Equity When Selling Your Business

Selling a business often culminates years of hard work, dedication, and strategic planning. It marks a significant financial milestone, but how you structure the sale can have lasting implications on your financial health and future opportunities. One option that business owners frequently contemplate is maintaining a portion of equity in the business as part of the sale. This approach involves taking a portion of the sale proceeds in the form of equity in the acquiring company rather than all cash upfront. While it may not be ideal for every situation or seller, there are many reasons why rolling over equity should be carefully considered:

Why A Bids-Invited Process Helps to Increase Your Business’ Valuation When It Is Time to Exit Your Business

You have decided it is finally time to take the next step in your exit strategy. You are ready to sell your business or seek a growth partner. Whether you are seeking retirement or looking for a strategic partner to assist you with future growth, you will want to get the best offer from a prospective buyer with the best cultural fit. In Benchmark International’s experience,  utilizing a  bids-invited process can help you to achieve these goals.

Benchmark International Facilitated the Transaction of Metals Testing Services and an Undisclosed Buyer

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Metals Testing Services (“Metals NDT”) and an Undisclosed Buyer.

Benchmark International Launches New Buyer Portal

TAMPA, FL - 07/29/2025 – Benchmark International is launching a premier custom buyer experience portal, which can be accessed at EmbraceBenchmark.com. It serves as a gateway for buyers to explore exclusive business acquisition opportunities on a global scale. The seamless platform is designed to assist buyers in identifying, evaluating, and pursuing mid-market company acquisitions.

Benchmark International Wins Big at Dealmakers Magazine Annual Award GalaBenchmark International would like to congratulate all who attended and won at the DealMakers Magazine annual awards gala held on Tuesday in Sandton, Johannesburg.  The Impact of CAPEX on EBITDA AdjustmentsEarnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) is the measure of a company’s cash flow, calculated as:Position Yourself to Get LuckyThe Benefits of Always Being Sale-Ready in BusinessBenchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Palm Coast Sales, Inc. and Fourshore PartnersBenchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Palm Coast Sales, Inc. and Fourshore PartnersBenchmark International Sponsors Monster Energy Supercross RidersBenchmark International is proud to sponsor the riders Cole Bradford (#427) and Ayden Shive (#137) in the fifth playoff round of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship on February 8, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, at 6:30 p.m.2025 M&A OutlookIntroduction  
Benchmark International Remains the #1 Privately-Held M&A Advisor Worldwide, as Ranked in LSEG's Full Year 2024 Global League TablesLSEG, previously known as Refinitiv as well as Thomson Reuters, has released its Global League Tables for the full year of 2024, and Benchmark International was once again recognized with several high rankings across different categories.When Is the Right Time to Sell My Business?When it comes to timing the sale of a company, you'll never know if it's too soon, but you'll know for sure when it's too late. Of course, you don’t want to sell too soon and leave money on the table. However, if you wait too long and sell too late, you can lose any advantages you may have with potential buyers. So, what’s the answer? There isn’t one answer. There are multiple factors to consider, and some may be more important than others depending on the business and its circumstances. Every business is different, and every industry brings its own challenges and benefits. But there are some steps you can take to put yourself in the best position to sell.M&A as a Labor Market StrategyOne of the challenges of growing a business is finding the right people and retaining them. Business owners often share that they struggle to fill open roles, whether due to a shortage of applicants or candidates lacking the necessary experience. This issue highlights the complexity of managing growth while building a strong team.Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Triton Submarines and the Ray Dalio TrustBenchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Triton Submarines and the Ray Dalio Trust.Benchmark International Rolls Out New Interactive Publication of the MarkBenchmark International has released a new publication, The Mark, which is an award-winning publication that offers exclusive insights into the world of mergers and acquisitions and specialized guidance for business owners on a wide range of important topics.Kendall Stafford Recognized as Investment Banker of the Year and Benchmark International Earns Cross Border Deal of the Year at M&A Advisor AwardsAt the 23rd Annual M&A Advisor Awards, Kendall Stafford, Managing Partner at Benchmark International, was named Investment Banker of the Year.
view more

Related Videos

Webinars, Testimonials and More

Highlighting top-notch M&A analysis, expert interviews, and industry trends to keep you informed and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of M&A, our featured content offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies to navigate the complex landscape of mergers and acquisitions. Join us as we showcase the best of M&A expertise and innovation, empowering you to make informed decisions and drive success in your endeavors.

Seller Motivation - What Goes Into The Decision To Sell Webinar

Deciding to sell your business is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make. While maximizing proceeds is crucial, it's not the only factor that should influence your decision. Life circumstances, time with family, and other qualitative aspects can often outweigh pure financial gain. Join us for an insightful webinar as we explore the many motivations behind the decision to sell a business and why it's essential to consider both qualitative and quantitative factors in your decision-making process.

This webinar is a must-attend for business owners, particularly those who are contemplating the sale of their business. As the market remains strong but more disciplined, understanding your true motivations for selling can help you make the best decision for your future. Whether you’re aiming to maximize your financial returns or prioritize time with loved ones, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the complex decision of when and why to sell

Dara Shareef serves as Managing Partner at Benchmark International and is charged with running the Tampa Transaction office. He also holds the rare distinction of having served in every role over the course of his career. His diverse background as both an operator of business and an investor into businesses allows him to anticipate issues in deals before they happen. Having been in each of their shoes, this allows him to think like both a seller and a buyer. Before arriving at Benchmark International, Dara served as COO of GSL Solutions. GSL provides web design and content management for roughly half of the US Senate and many school districts. Before GSL, he was a VC working for three different funds and held C-Suite operational roles in several businesses. Dara was formerly Vice Chairman of Sunmark Federal Credit Union in NY. One of the most exciting aspects of Dara's job is the opportunity it affords him to play with dozens of industries and business models. He has successfully facilitated transactions in sectors as diverse as SaaS, Commercial Landscaping, Vertical Market Software, Healthcare, Retail, Commercial Printing, Business Services, Marketing, IT Services, Niche Manufacturing, and Engineering.