We think of our M&A process as a brick-by-brick approach. In other words, we shepherd the transaction from start to finish, addressing the unique needs and goals of each respective client.

Our process is laser focused on valuation, confidential marketing, managing buyer inquiries and offers, and confirmatory due diligence. Our goal is to get you to the closing table, but also to recognize potential landmines and “deal killers” that make walking away the smartest choice.

Specialty Services We Offer

Hancock Firm delivers a variety of unbiased, conflict-free services for business acquisitions and sales including:

  • Market search for potential buyers
  • Auction for sale of business for select parties
  • Quality of earnings analysis
  • Assistance in structuring a definitive letter of intent
  • Hosting of the celebratory closing dinner for the selling and buying parties
  • Fairness opinions for public and private enterprises

Disclaimer: Hancock Firm is not a registered broker-dealer. The SEC does not require financial intermediaries and M&A brokers that limit its business activity to advising privately held companies in M&A asset transactions to register.

Serving Mid-Sized Family Businesses

Our M&A team works primarily with family-owned, privately held businesses. Their gross revenues generally fall into the range of $10-150 million in the most recent fiscal year, and an EBITDA of $2-20 million.

Our Time-Tested M&A Process

Although each business and its owner is unique, our M&A blueprint is designed to ensure a successful outcome in any situation. After engagement, here’s how we proceed:

Step 1

Preparation

We begin by finding the business’ true earning capacity by recasting earnings to remove excess expenses and developing normalized forecasts. We also conduct industry research and review comparable completed transaction data to develop an understanding of the current market. Finally, we develop a pre- and post-tax seller’s proceeds model that includes cash at close, excess working capital, consulting/employment agreement income, and potential lease or sale of the business property.

Step 2

Alignment

At this stage we review your business’ valuation results and discuss your goals for a post-closing transition role, if applicable. We also identify any potential issues that could hinder a sale such as pending litigation, financial irregularities, or operational inefficiencies.

Step 3

Confidential Marketing

Here we discuss potential buyers and prospects, asking for your input in approving or denying each potential candidate. We also develop a) a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for buyers to sign, b) a brief “teaser” that provides a high-level overview of the business to gauge interest, and c) a Confidential Information Memorandum with important details on your operations, financial statements, and management team.

Step 4

Negotiations

Buyers that are interested in placing an offer will review all relevant documents in a secure virtual data room. They will also submit a letter of intent detailing the structure, price, terms, and conditions of the proposed offer. We will review the offer(s) and explore ways to reach an agreement on price and terms.

Step 5

Confirmatory Due Diligence

At this stage, we work with the buyer’s representation to analyze and answer their due diligence requests. We also work shoulder-to-shoulder with your transaction attorney to review and negotiate closing documents such as the Purchase Agreement, Employment/Consulting Agreement, Real Property Lease/Purchase, and Non-Compete Agreement.

Step 6

Closing

Bringing the sale to a successful conclusion involves our reviewing of the final closing and legal documents, as well as taking you through the execution of the purchase agreement and ancillary transaction documents, and funding.

Step 7

Post-Closing

To ensure a smooth transition, we assist with any issues after closing that may remain, such as working capital true-ups.

What Our Clients Say

What Our Clients Say

“We found the Hancock Firm on an internet search for business valuation firms. We were in need of an impartial assessment of value for business planning. After three involved telephone conversations with Shea Hancock regarding scope of services and fees, we engaged Hancock Firm. Ultimately, we not only discovered our business value but also valuation issues that have helped steer American Disposal to ‘greener pastures.’”

Doug IveyAmerican Disposal Services, Ltd.

“Hancock Firm was introduced to me over 10 years ago by a prominent local attorney. Since that time, Hancock Firm has assisted my companies with numerous, complex deal valuation and purchase price allocation assignments. In every case, Hancock Firm provided exceptionally high-quality service on a timely basis and a good value proposition. Most recently, our company was part of a merger funded by a Fortune 100 company with high growth expectations. Hancock Firm contributed valuation services for the merger. We expect to avail ourselves of Hancock Firm’s services many times in the future.”

John H. UnterekerPreventice Solutions, a strategic combination of eCardio and Preventice

“I just wanted to let you know that we were able to settle the matter yesterday and your report was a key turning point in the settlement. It completely unwound the report of the other valuation firm. The mediator was very complimentary of the report you issued. I want you to know that I appreciate your assistance in turning this around so quickly and for coming up with such a good product. Fortunately, the mediator was very familiar with the issue and the surrounding law so he honed in directly on your financial points that were properly linked to the law.”

Jeef HoustonGBH CPAs, PC

“Rob Hancock and the team at Hancock Firm have responded in real time to our equity valuations and deal structure issues with a personal involvement that has always exceeded our expectations. Rob and his firm have helped solve our issues effectively and professionally, and always from an objective and independent perspective.”

Hank SinclairSinclair Group

“Rob Hancock is one of the very best experts I have ever presented for deposition in my 25 years of practice. He testified a few months ago in a case filed in state district court here. The liability facts were against us, but Rob’s testimony was crucial in holding down the damages for settlement. It wasn’t just that the numbers Hancock Firm crunched were unassailable. Rob’s cool demeanor and manner as a witness was at least as important, maybe more so.”

Andrew WilliamsAndrew M. Williams & Associates

“I enjoy working with the team at Hancock Firm. Their dedication to maintaining a solid paraprofessional staff complements the good service provided by the professional staff members. Most of all, I appreciate their very prompt attention to unexpected matters in litigation that require immediate attention. When a day or two made a difference, Hancock Firm made their time available.”

Ellen YarrellAttorney at Law

“Shanks & Hauser, L.L.P. and our clients have benefited from the diversity of Hancock Firm, including the up and coming young professionals like Kelly Sullivan and Shea Hancock who have taken the required education and certifications to properly address estate and gift valuations. The varying certifications held by their team members add to the quality of their work product.”

Rick ShanksShanks & Hauser, L.L.P.

M&A Case Studies

M&A Case Studies

See how some of our past transaction advisory clients benefited by working with us.

American Disposal Services thumbnail

American Disposal Services

ADS was the premier commercial oilfield waste management company in Texas. ADS had state-of-the-art well-injection disposal locations throughout the...

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Pinnacle Plastics thumbnail

Pinnacle Plastics

Hancock Firm recently acted as the transaction advisor for Pinnacle Plastics and Integrity Plastics in the new portfolio investment from Main Street...

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Selected Transactions

Selected Transactions

1) Pinnacle Plastics
Pinnacle Plastics is a manufacturer and distributor of commercial can liners, plastics bags, and other products for use in the quick-service restaurant space primarily, including some of the most prominent global chain restaurants. Hancock Firm helped the sellers achieve meaningful liquidity at close while retaining a minority position in the ongoing business enterprise working with the new majority owner, Main Street Capital.

Hancock Firm is honored to have won the ACG Houston’s 2023 Manufacturing Deal of the Year Award for this transaction.

2) Whitefield Plastics
Whitefield Plastics is a specialized polyurethane manufacturer of parts used in critical applications in the onshore and offshore energy exploration and extraction industry. Hancock Firm helped Whitefield Plastics successfully complete the sale of 100% of the business to Mearthane Products Corporation, a global manufacturing company strategically acquiring other specialized manufacturers. This allowed the seller to reach his goal of retiring.

3) Lonestar Traffic Safety
Lonestar Traffic Safety is Houston’s premier provider of special-event traffic management services and traffic control equipment, including for special events (such as Houston Texans, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, MS 150). Hancock Firm worked with the sellers to achieve a complete sale of the business to Helix Traffic Solutions while executing desired employment agreements. This deal signified Helix’s expansion into the Texas market with Lonestar’s established presence in Houston.

Contact The M&A Team

Contact Us

It all starts with a conversation. Contact us by filling out this form or calling our main line to set up a consultation.