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Sell-Side M&A in Houston

When it's time to sell, you need a Houston M&A advisor who understands valuation, deal structure, tax implications, and the preparation required for a thoughtful sale process.

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Sell-Side Business Sale Advisory

We help owners prepare for a sale with financial analysis, valuation support, buyer-positioning materials, and tax-aware deal planning. Any legal, brokerage, or transaction services remain with the appropriately engaged professionals.

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Business Acquisition Strategies Houston

Whether you're acquiring a competitor, a complementary business, or a platform company, we provide Houston buy-side M&A advisory — target identification, valuation, due diligence support, and deal negotiation.

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Exit Planning & Tax Strategy

The best Houston M&A deals start with planning 1–3 years before closing. We help business owners in Houston TX structure ownership and operations to minimize taxes on exit and maximize after-tax proceeds.

Sell-Side M&A Advisor — Houston & Nationwide

Houston M&A Advisor — Sell-Side, Acquisitions & Exit Strategy

Michelet Financial — Michelet Financial advises business owners through sell-side M&A: preparing the business, valuing it, qualifying buyers and managing the transaction to close.

What Is a Merger?

A merger combines two companies into one, typically to expand market share, acquire capabilities, or accelerate growth. Michelet Financial provides sell-side merger advisory for business owners ready to exit or consolidate, structuring transactions that maximize value and minimize tax exposure.

Last updated: May 2026 — Information current as of this date

A Houston M&A advisor and business broker for small and mid-market companies. Whether you’re buying a business, want to sell your business, or are planning your exit, we bring large-company deal discipline — led by Brandt Michelet, who spent more than five years in a senior accounting role at Landry’s, Inc.

🏆 Landry's-Trained Strategist
🌎 Serving All 50 States
📈 Michelet Financial

Transaction-Focused M&A Experience, Based in Houston

When you sell a business, you are negotiating against buyers and brokers who do deals every day — so you want a Houston merger and acquisitions advisor who has operated at the highest level of corporate finance. Our founder, Brandt Michelet, spent more than five years in a senior accounting role at Landry’s, Inc. under Tilman Fertitta — a large portfolio of restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment brands.

That means your M&A advisor and business broker has structured, valued, and pressure-tested transactions at a scale most local business brokers never touch — and brings that same discipline to selling your business, acquiring a competitor, or planning your exit. We pair institutional deal experience with the tax strategy of Michelet Financial, so your transaction is structured to keep more of the proceeds in your pocket.

Whether you need a sell-side advisor to take your company to market, a buy-side partner to evaluate an acquisition, or business exit planning to maximize value before you sell, you work directly with a senior advisor — never a junior associate. Call (225) 396-5511 for a confidential consultation.

Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory for Small and Mid-Market Businesses

Michelet Financial helps small and mid-market business owners evaluate the financial questions involved in buying, selling, or combining a business. Brandt Michelet brings experience associated with acquisition-related work and financial strategy in large-scale hospitality operations.

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Sell-Side Advisory

Preparing your business for sale: valuation, financial statement normalization, deal-structure analysis and tax-aware financial decision support. Buyer outreach, negotiation, legal documents, and regulated transaction work should be handled by appropriately qualified professionals.

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Buy-Side Advisory

Finding, evaluating, and acquiring businesses. Target identification, due diligence financial analysis, valuation, deal structuring, and integration planning. We help you avoid paying too much for the wrong business. Review our buy-side business acquisition strategy process.

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Due Diligence Financial Analysis

Quality-of-earnings analysis, financial statement review, working capital normalization, debt and liability identification — the financial due diligence that determines whether the deal is worth doing and at what price.

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Deal Structure Optimization

Asset sale vs. stock sale, earn-out structures, seller financing, rollover equity — deal structure has enormous tax implications for both buyer and seller. We optimize the structure to maximize after-tax proceeds.

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Business Acquisition Financing

SBA 7(a) loans, seller financing, PE partnerships, bank acquisition financing — we help you understand and access the capital needed to complete an acquisition without over-leveraging the acquired business.

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Post-Merger Integration

The deal is done — now what? Financial systems integration, cultural alignment, operational consolidation, and performance tracking to realize the synergies that justified the acquisition in the first place.

What to Expect in a Merger Transaction

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Strategic Fit Analysis

We start by understanding the strategic rationale — why this deal, why now, what does success look like. Acquisitions made without clear strategic logic rarely create value.

2

Financial Due Diligence

Deep analysis of the target’s historical financials — quality of earnings, normalized EBITDA, working capital requirements, off-balance-sheet liabilities, and cash flow reliability.

3

Valuation & Offer Strategy

Independent valuation of the business, pricing strategy, and negotiation support. We make sure you know what something is worth before you offer a dollar for it.

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Deal Structuring & Close

Structure the transaction for maximum tax efficiency, coordinate with legal counsel, navigate closing conditions, and get you to a successful close with no surprises.

🏫 Houston, TX

Business broker and M&A advisor for Houston businesses — energy services, healthcare, construction, and distribution. Business broker Houston searches start here.

🈗 New York, NY

Merger and acquisition consultant for New York business owners. M&A advisory for professional services, media, and B2B companies. Business broker New York engagements handled remotely.

🌞 Los Angeles, CA

M&A advisory and business brokerage for LA businesses — entertainment services, consumer brands, and tech-adjacent acquisitions and sales.

🌴 Miami, FL

Business broker services in Miami — acquisitions and sales in hospitality, logistics, and Latin American trade businesses. M&A advisory firms serving the Miami market.

🏠 Chicago, IL

M&A consulting and business brokerage for Chicago — manufacturing, distribution, professional services, and mid-market transactions.

Merger vs. Acquisition: Understanding Your Options

Merger

Two companies combine into a single entity without a clear acquirer. Both parties exchange equity or assets as partners. Common when companies of similar size want to consolidate market share, eliminate redundancy, or combine complementary capabilities.

Acquisition

One company purchases and absorbs another. The acquirer retains its identity; the target is absorbed or operated as a subsidiary. Common when a buyer targets a specific product, customer base, technology, or market position.

M&A Advisory Questions

What is the difference between an M&A advisor and a business broker in Houston?
A traditional Houston business broker often lists the company publicly. A mergers and acquisitions advisor prepares the business, coordinates a valuation, helps organize financial information, valuation analysis, and tax-aware decision support. Michelet Financial provides M&A financial advisory — not franchise listing spam. Call (225) 396-5511.
How do I sell my business in Houston?
Selling starts with a defensible business valuation, cleaned-up P&L and cash-flow reporting, a confidential buyer process, and tax-aware deal structure. Michelet Financial runs that M&A advisory sequence for Houston owners instead of posting a listing and hoping. Call (225) 396-5511.
What does an M&A advisor do for a small business?
An M&A advisor guides small business owners through buying or selling a company—from valuation and financial preparation to finding buyers, negotiating terms, and closing the deal. Michelet Financial levels the playing field against experienced acquirers who conduct transactions professionally.
Do I need an M&A advisor to sell my business?
Not legally required, but practically essential. Strategic buyers and private equity firms negotiate acquisitions professionally—without experienced advisory, most sellers leave significant value on the table through suboptimal valuation, deal structure, and tax planning. Michelet Financial’s advisory fee is typically a fraction of the additional value we help you capture.
What is the tax impact of selling my business?
The tax impact of selling depends heavily on deal structure—an asset sale versus a stock sale can result in dramatically different after-tax proceeds for both parties. Earn-outs, installment sales, and rollover equity each carry distinct tax treatment. Strategic tax planning ideally begins 1–3 years before a planned sale.
How do you value a business for a potential sale?
Michelet Financial uses a combination of income-based (EBITDA multiples, discounted cash flow) and market-based (comparable transactions) approaches to value businesses for sale. We normalize your financials to reflect true owner earnings and identify value-enhancing improvements you can make before going to market.
What is the difference between a merger and an acquisition?
In a merger, two companies combine into a new entity as equals — neither fully absorbs the other. In an acquisition, one company buys and controls another. Both transfer ownership, but mergers typically preserve both brand identities initially, while acquisitions result in the buyer absorbing or operating the target as a subsidiary or folded unit.
What size businesses do you work with?
Michelet Financial primarily works with businesses in the $500K–$20M revenue range—the small and mid-market segment too large for DIY transactions but too small for major investment banks. This is where our large-company finance background delivers the most value over traditional business brokers.

Sell-Side M&A Advisory for Houston and Growth Markets

Michelet Financial is Houston-based and works remotely with qualified business owners nationwide. Explore market-specific transaction considerations or start with the national advisory process.

Dallas–Fort Worth M&A Advisor

Sell-side preparation, valuation, buyer positioning, and tax-aware deal structure for DFW owners.

Nashville M&A Advisor

Advisory for healthcare, hospitality, professional-service, and other qualified Nashville businesses.

Denver M&A Advisor

Remote transaction planning and sell-side advisory for Colorado business owners.

Preparing financials for transaction diligence? Review our quality of earnings preparation pathway.

Houston M&A Advisory

Houston M&A Advisor for Sell-Side, Buy-Side and Exit Planning

Looking for a Houston M&A advisor or M&A broker? Michelet Financial helps small and mid-market owners in Houston and Fort Bend County with the financial side of buying, selling, or combining a business: valuation, quality-of-earnings preparation, deal structure, and tax-aware decision support.

You work directly with Brandt Michelet by phone, video call and secure document upload. Owners in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear and Katy are served the same way as Houston owners. Call (225) 396-5511 to talk through your deal.

Michelet Financial is an M&A advisory and tax strategy firm. Any brokerage, legal, or regulated transaction services stay with the appropriately licensed professionals on your deal team.

Selling your business →

Sale readiness, valuation range, buyer criteria and offer comparison for Houston owners.

Buying a business →

Buy-side target evaluation, financial due diligence, valuation and deal structure so you do not overpay.

Valuation & quality of earnings →

Normalized EBITDA, working-capital review and the numbers buyers and lenders will test.

Exit planning →

Planning one to three years before a sale to improve transferable value and after-tax proceeds.

What does a Houston M&A advisor do?

An M&A advisor prepares the business financially, develops a valuation range, helps compare offers on price, terms and taxes, and coordinates with legal and transaction professionals through closing.

Is an M&A advisor the same as a business broker?

Not exactly. A broker usually lists a business and finds buyers; M&A advisory focuses on valuation, structure, confidentiality and after-tax outcome. See our Business Broker Houston page for how the two compare.

Related Houston services: Business Broker Houston · Buy-Side Acquisition Advisory · Business Valuation Houston · Quality of Earnings · Business Exit Planning · Fractional CFO Houston · Tax Strategist Houston · Tax Accountant Houston · Amended Tax Return Guide · Houston High-Ticket Advisory Hub

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Thinking About Buying or Selling a Business?

Start with a confidential conversation. We’ll assess your situation and tell you what we think the right move is — no commitment required.

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M&A Advisory Services by City

Michelet Financial provides M&A advisory, buy-side and sell-side representation, and exit strategy planning nationwide.

M&A Advisory Services
New York, NY
M&A Advisory Services
Chicago, IL
M&A Advisory Services
Los Angeles, CA

M&A Tax and Transaction Sources

IRS: Sale of a Business · IRS Form 8594: Asset Acquisition Statement

Deal structure, allocation, securities, legal, tax, and financing consequences require coordinated professional advice based on the transaction. Educational information only; not individualized legal, tax, investment, audit, or valuation-attestation advice. Updated August 21, 2026.

Choose the right transaction path

Connect M&A strategy to valuation, diligence, and tax planning

Whether you are evaluating a sale or an acquisition, the next step should match the transaction stage and the financial questions that still need answers.

Planning to sell a businessBusiness valuationBuy-side acquisition advisoryQuality of earnings preparationCapital gains planningCompare M&A advisory and business brokers
Schedule an M&A strategy call: (225) 396-5511Book a consultation

Houston M&A deal terms

Houston M&A: The Deal Terms That Decide What You Keep

Headline price gets the attention, but terms decide the outcome. For Houston owners selling or buying a business, these are the points we work through on every engagement. Brandt Michelet, owner and CEO, has 15+ years in accounting and finance, including a senior accounting role at Landry’s, Inc., where he also worked for Tilman Fertitta, managing his finances.

Letter of intent (LOI)

The LOI sets price, structure, working-capital target, exclusivity and the diligence timeline. Most of your leverage exists before you sign it, so the important terms should be settled there, not left for the purchase agreement.

Working capital and the quality of earnings

Buyers typically expect a normal level of working capital to be delivered at closing. If the target is set wrong, price can quietly move after the deal is agreed. A quality of earnings review tests EBITDA and working capital before a buyer does.

Earn-outs, seller notes and rollover equity

Deferred consideration can bridge a valuation gap, but it moves risk to the seller. We look at how an earn-out is measured, who controls the metrics, how a seller note is secured, and how rollover equity is taxed and valued.

Tax structure

Asset vs. stock sale, purchase-price allocation, installment-sale treatment and entity type (C-Corp, S-Corp, LLC) all change after-tax proceeds. Texas has no state personal income tax, which helps Texas sellers, but federal tax planning still drives the result. See tax strategy.

Buy-side: acquiring a Houston business

For buyers, we test the seller’s numbers, model debt service under SBA or bank financing, and flag concentration, staffing and lease risks before you commit. See buying a business.

More Houston M&A questions

What is a typical M&A timeline?
Preparation, marketing, LOI, diligence and closing usually run several months. Diligence and lender underwriting are often the longest stages.
What is an earn-out?
Part of the price paid later if the business hits agreed targets after closing. It can close a valuation gap but shifts risk to the seller, so the measurement terms matter.
Do you work on both sell-side and buy-side deals?
Yes. Michelet Financial advises owners selling a business and buyers acquiring one, including valuation, financial diligence and tax structuring.
Will you work with my attorney?
Yes. Your attorney drafts and negotiates the legal documents. We handle the financial analysis, valuation, diligence support and tax modeling alongside them.

High-ticket advisory in Houston: Houston High-Ticket Advisory Hub · Business Broker Houston / Sell My Business · Business Valuation Houston · Fractional CFO Houston · Tax Strategist Houston · High-Income Tax Planning

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Brandt Michelet, Owner and CEO of Michelet Financial

About the advisor

Brandt Michelet, Owner & CEO, Michelet Financial

15+ years in accounting and finance, including more than five years in a senior accounting role at Landry’s, Inc. (2017–2023), where he also worked for Tilman Fertitta, managing his finances. B.A. in Accounting and Finance, Southeastern Louisiana University. Founded Michelet Financial in Houston in 2023.

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M&A advisory, business valuations, P&L management, cash-flow optimization, investment advisory, and tax strategy — Houston-based, nationwide remote. Call (225) 396-5511.

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