There is no standard playbook for accounting firm acquisitions anymore. Every deal, every seller, and every buyer profile looks different.

In this episode of The Nexus Point, Geoff Bruskin and Rich Romero break down what actually separates successful buyers from the ones who talk a big game but never close a deal, and why being honest about where you fit in the market matters more than having capital or a thesis.

Topics covered:

• Why a standard playbook no longer works in CPA firm and accounting firm acquisitions
• How buyer profiles have shifted from private equity to wealth management firms, law firms, tech platforms, and first time buyers
• The red and yellow flags that signal inflated seller expectations
• Why the more involved a seller is in day to day operations, the less cash they can expect at closing
• Real deal structure examples ranging from 90 to 100 percent cash at closing down to 10 to 15 percent
• Why sellers should start conversations three to seven years before retirement, not at the finish line
• What separates a tier one buyer from a tier two buyer, and why there is no shame in being tier two
• Why 85 to 90 percent of transacting accounting firms are overlooked by buyers chasing only the most attractive deals
• How creativity, flexibility, and operational appetite matter more than deep pockets in today's market

Whether you are a CPA firm owner considering an exit, a first time buyer trying to figure out where you fit, or an advisor helping clients navigate accounting firm M&A, this episode gives you an honest look at what actually works right now.

Hosted by Rich Romero and Geoff Bruskin, Managing Partner of White Tiger Connections.

Connect with Geoff Bruskin: [email protected]
White Tiger Connections: whitetigerconnections.com