M&A Strategy & Execution for Founder-Led Businesses
Whether you're looking to sell your business, acquire a strategic asset, or explore a merger, Pelagic Partners provides the M&A advisory expertise to help founders navigate complex transactions and maximize value.
Book a Free M&A Strategy CallExpert M&A Guidance
When It Matters Most
Mergers and acquisitions are among the most consequential decisions a founder will ever make. Whether you're selling your business, acquiring a competitor, or evaluating a strategic merger, the quality of your financial advisory directly impacts the outcome.
Pelagic Partners brings institutional-grade M&A advisory to founder-led businesses — the same rigor and process discipline you'd find at a major investment bank, delivered by a seasoned operator who has been on both sides of the table.
With $250M+ in M&A transaction experience, including a landmark acquisition at Drata, Tim Jackson understands what buyers look for, how to structure deals that protect founder interests, and how to run a process that generates competitive tension and premium valuations.
Also see: Exit Planning Advisory
Buy-Side & Sell-Side M&A Advisory
Comprehensive M&A support from initial strategy through closing — for founders who want to sell their business, acquire strategically, or evaluate complex transactions.
Sell-Side M&A Advisory
Full sell-side process management for founders looking to sell their business. We prepare your company, identify buyers, run a competitive process, and negotiate terms that maximize your exit value.
Buy-Side M&A Advisory
Strategic acquisition support for companies looking to grow through M&A. We identify targets, conduct financial due diligence, and structure acquisitions that create lasting value.
M&A Strategy & Positioning
Strategic advisory for founders evaluating M&A as a growth lever. We help you determine whether to buy, sell, or merge — and build the financial case for your chosen path.
Financial Due Diligence
Rigorous financial analysis to support M&A decisions — whether you're the buyer or the seller. We identify risks, validate assumptions, and ensure you enter any transaction with clear eyes.
Deal Structuring & Negotiation
Expert guidance on deal structure, terms, and negotiation strategy. We help founders understand the financial implications of every term and negotiate from a position of strength.
Post-Merger Integration
Financial integration support to ensure acquisitions deliver their expected value. We help you integrate financial systems, reporting, and teams quickly and effectively.
M&A Advisory Built for Founders,
Not Investment Banks
Most M&A advisors are optimized for large transactions. Pelagic Partners is built for founder-led businesses in the $5M–$100M revenue range — where the stakes are just as high, but the resources and process look very different.
Including a landmark acquisition at Drata, one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in history.
Tim has been on both sides of the table — as a buyer, a seller, and a finance leader managing complex transactions.
We work for founders, not buyers. Our goal is to maximize your outcome, protect your interests, and simplify a complex process.
A Disciplined Approach
to Every Transaction
Strategy & Preparation
Define your M&A objectives, prepare your financial story, and identify the right targets or buyers.
Market Engagement
Run a structured, confidential process to engage buyers or targets and generate competitive interest.
Diligence & Negotiation
Navigate due diligence, negotiate terms, and structure a deal that protects your interests.
Close & Transition
Manage the closing process and ensure a smooth financial transition post-transaction.
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Quality of Earnings: What It Is and Why It Can Make or Break Your Exit
The QoE is the most consequential piece of financial due diligence in any M&A transaction. Understand what buyers’ analysts look for, where the most significant adjustments are found, and how to protect your adjusted EBITDA before a buyer identifies the issues for you.
Ready to Explore Your M&A Options?
Book a free 30-minute strategy call to discuss your M&A objectives and how Pelagic Partners can help you navigate the process.