In this episode, I sit down with Saul Cohen (Partner at The Expert Eye, ex-PwC) to unpack how small and mid-sized businesses can grow faster with mergers & acquisitions. We get real about today’s market—why interest from buyers and sellers is up, why fewer deals are closing, and how founders can still build momentum by de-risking, acquiring strategically, and planning tax-smart exits.

We cover:
• How to make your company buyable (and why 85% never sell)
• When an add-on acquisition beats organic growth
• Values & culture fit (the hidden deal killer)
• Search funds, seller-supported deals, and liquidity constraints
• Baby boomer exits and the coming wealth transfer
• Cash vs valuation trade-offs, and practical tax & succession tips

About Saul Cohen
Saul is an accountant and acquisitions advisor who’s helped entrepreneurs navigate financial audits, risk, and strategic deals. At The Expert Eye, he empowers owners to go from operators to savvy investors—optimizing wealth, readiness for exit, and impactful acquisitions.

If you’re a founder or operator eyeing transformation, this conversation gives you the playbook to scale intentionally.

Chapters 

00:01:12-00:07:40: M&A Market: Risk and Liquidity
00:07:41-00:16:09: Strategies for Attractive Business Exits
00:16:10-00:21:20: Emotional & Cultural Fit in Acquisitions
00:21:21-End: Exit Preferences, Boomer Trends & Seller-Supported Deals
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📺 Take a peek at our curated playlist THE CAPITAL PLAYBOOK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J3Csa1jytu1X1JKyZ_6qTQb
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Explore Strategic Growth & Investment-Ready Opportunities with GrowNLearn
GrowNLearn, led by Zorina Dimitrova, connects select VCs, Family Offices, and Strategic Investors with precisely matched, high-growth ventures across Europe and the U.S.

We also support founders with strategic growth advisory—helping you transform your business model, increase valuation, and prepare for investment or exit.

🎯 No random pitches. No wasted time. Just targeted growth and curated deal flow.

📌 Want Curated Investment Deals?
👉 Book Your Private Briefing: https://grownlearn.org/
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🎧 Listen to the GrowNLearn Podcast
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn
All platforms: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/

📲 Follow Us on Social Media
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn
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Success Mindset Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@healnlearn
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📈 Tools for Investors & Founders
Tax Optimization for Real Estate Investors:
https://mavencostseg.referralrock.com/l/ZORINA/

FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit:
https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf

AI-Powered Lead Generation for Dealmakers:
https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85

💬 Ready to connect with investor-ready ventures or expert advisors?
Schedule your 1:1 session → https://grownlearn.org/

The 2025 M&A Reality Check Risk, Liquidity & What Buyers Want with Saul Cohen

Grownlearn is a dynamic and insightful podcast that delves deep into the world of business model transformation. Hosted by seasoned professionals with a passion for innovation, the podcast features engaging interviews with the foremost experts in the field. Each episode invites listeners to explore the strategies, challenges, and successes of businesses that have undergone significant transformations. From disruptive startups to established enterprises, Grownlearn provides a platform for the best minds in the industry to share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or simply intrigued by the ever-evolving landscape of business, Grownlearn delivers thought-provoking conversations that inspire and inform. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and discover the keys to unlocking growth and success through transformative business models.

The 2025 M&A Reality Check Risk, Liquidity & What Buyers Want with Saul Cohen

Grownlearn Podcast