M&A Advisory
Buy-side and sell-side M&A for the lower middle market.
For corporates, PE-backed platforms, and founder-led companies in the US and Canada, and for European buyers entering the US.
Buy-side
Find, approach, and close the right target.
For corporates and PE-backed platforms executing an acquisition strategy. eightM sources on- and off-market targets by speaking directly with owners, then runs the process with you through to close.
- Acquisition strategy and buy-box: criteria, disqualifiers, and why an owner should sell to you
- Target universe mapping from databases, our network, and direct owner relationships
- Confidential one-on-one outreach to owners and decision-makers
- Qualification before you spend time: fit and interest confirmed first
- Management calls with the seller, moderated by eightM
- NDA, indicative offer (IOI), LOI, and deal structure
- Valuation support
- Due diligence coordination, with M&A attorneys and tax advisors from our network when needed
- Transaction management through to close
Typical target size EBITDA between $500k and $10m
Exclusivity You are exclusive on a target. We do not take on competing buyers.
Sector focus Industry agnostic, with depth in industrial services, IT/MSP, ERP/CRM software, and manufacturing
How a buy-side mandate runs
- Engagement Signed engagement agreement. Scope and investment criteria agreed.
- Preparation Kick-off workshop on your strategy. We prepare the teaser, outreach letters, and supporting material.
- Research Market scan against your criteria. The result is a long list of targets that we keep updating.
- Verify A confidential call with each target to confirm fit and interest before you are introduced.
- Connect and close Target report, moderated management call, then project management through LOI, diligence, and close.
Planning an acquisition?
Sell-side
A confidential exit process.
For founders and owners of lower-middle-market companies. Mandates are not listed publicly. Buyers are approached directly from our network of private equity firms and strategic acquirers in North America and Europe.
- Exit strategy and process setup
- Valuation and a buyer-ready story: what your business is worth and what buyers will challenge
- Buyer identification and direct, confidential approach
- Offer management and IOI/LOI negotiation
- Due diligence support
- Coordination of all parties and timelines through to close
- Communication plan before closing and post-merger integration planning
Thinking about a sale?
Cross-border
European buyers entering the US.
eightM was originally set up to help European companies enter the US market through acquisitions. We define the US acquisition strategy, identify the right first target, and run the process on the ground, from first outreach to close. In German or English.
- US market-entry acquisition strategy
- Target mapping and direct owner outreach in the US
- Translation between US and European deal practice: valuation, structure, LOI, and diligence norms
- Process management in your time zone and language
- For US companies: access to buyers and targets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Wir sprechen Deutsch.
Entering the US market?
Track record
Selected transactions
Fractional M&A Director
Manufacturing target in Canada
Client Spanish global player (US entity)
Industry Manufacturing
Target location Canada
Deal size not disclosed
eightM
M&A Sell-Side
Thermal Component Manufacturing
Client German/US manufacturer
Industry Automotive aftermarket
Deal size not disclosed
eightM
M&A Buy-Side
ERP Service Provider (NetSuite)
Client US private-equity-backed platform
Industry ERP software
Deal size not disclosed
eightM
References on request.
Buying, selling, or entering the US?
A short call is enough to see whether there is a fit.