The premiere
Mergers & Acquisitions
firm that specializes in effectiveness, determination and improving lives. Leading the confidential nature of Business Sales in its innovative approach to market, with hand tailored solutions for share-holders seeking a viable liquidity event.
Our Services
WHO WE ARE
Our Story
Since 1997 Tidewater Business Brokerage delivers world-wide marketing exposure with devoted attention to Sellers in local markets. The firm prides itself on decluttering the process to a successful transaction and its robust involvement from procuring qualified Buyers, assistance in financing, engaging with legal counsel and the remodeling of financial data that is concise and persuasive. It has recently undergone a re-branding to modernize our public-facing website and logo as well as expanded our internships reach and classroom style training.
Though seemingly objective, the practice of buying and selling companies is a people business. It is easy for sellers to succumb to pride, fear, emotion and sentiment within an already complex environment such as selling a business. But Tidewater Business Brokerage continuously researches Emotional Intelligence values, practices negotiation tactics and de-escalation methods to deploy when the inevitable roadblocks occur deeper along the acquisition process. From significant experience, the firm leverages highly creative measures to solve for valuation integrity and differing perspectives between Buyer and Seller and all other professionals involved. This has played a very instrumental role in achieving higher than average success rates in getting the deal over the finish line, as this is when most transactions disintegrate.
In recent years, the firm has experienced tremendous growth. Tidewater Business Brokerage has provided more guidance to Sellers as well as Buying Opportunities for Private Equity groups than ever before. With ever-changing federal reserve standards and capital formulas used by banks, Tidewater Business Brokerage works with over 30 different SBA Lenders that each have esoteric advantages depending on the type of Business or Buyer. Over decades the firm has formed relationships with these third-party lending institutions so that new listings are pre-packaged in a manner that is conducive for specific bank underwriting depending on the outcomes sought by the firm.
Currently, Tidewater Business Brokerage works with over 2,100 Private Equity firms, and has over 28,000 prospective Buyers (most within the Midwest) in the firm’s database. These are prospective Buyers that have either engaged with the firm on previous listings, or has purchased a company through the firm.
Due to the significant resources the firm deploys, focus on reputation preservation, and its compensation model, it is unlikely that all potential Sellers of Businesses or Commercial Real Estate will be accepted as clients. Seeking to work diligently on every listing as well as preferentially accepting referrals by word of mouth, the firm chooses its new prospects based on the aggregate of the following criteria:
- The Company’s financial profile,
- The Company’s operational or strategic significance,
- The Seller’s realistic market valuation expectations
- The Firm’s compatibility assessment of the Seller during the initial in-person meeting.
Tidewater Business Brokerage, and its emphasis on producing successful confidential Business sales, is a study on human economics. In short, the firm believes its success derives from its passion to serve people. Providing extraordinary consultation and actionable initiatives for Sellers seeking to transition, the firm seeks to remove the burden of the complicated selling process from the Corporate team of its clients.
OUR FEEDBACK
What They're Saying
Tidewater Business Brokers was the single most decisive factor in the successful divestiture of one of our non-core business units. Their precision, discretion, and ability to manage complexity at scale made all the difference. They operated with the rigor and strategic insight we expect at the highest level.
The deal nearly fell apart three separate times, but this team never wavered. Their dedication, calm under pressure, and relentless follow-through got it done. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to sell my business.
Selling my machining company was no small task—eight-figure revenue, specialized operations, and a lot of moving parts. I was astonished by this firm’s ability to find the perfect strategic buyer and navigate an incredibly complex deal, including helping the buyer secure an E-2 visa. Their expertise, creativity, and persistence were next-level. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.
As a woman founder in the tech space, I was nervous about selling my company. Tidewater Business Brokerage showed me so much patience and respect throughout the process. They listened to my concerns, never pressured me, and ultimately matched me with a buyer who truly appreciated what I had built. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.
When I first approached Tidewater Business Brokerage, I thought my company was worth more than the market was telling me. Instead of just trying to push a quick sale, they patiently worked with me over the course of three years to help me strengthen operations and position the business for success. That guidance not only made the company far more attractive to buyers but also increased its ultimate value, leading to an exciting exit and liquidity event I never imagined possible. I’m thankful they invested the time and expertise to help me get it right.
As the owner of a large plastics manufacturing company, I had high expectations when it came time to sell—and the advisors at this M&A firm exceeded every one of them. From day one, they were incredibly attentive, responsive, and strategic. I never felt like just another client; they truly understood the nuances of my business and guided me through each stage of the sale with professionalism and care. Their ability to navigate complex negotiations and keep everything on track was impressive. Thanks to their expertise, we secured a deal I’m genuinely proud of. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.