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Curated Collection of Featured M&A Insights

Bringing you the latest and most compelling insights from a diverse range of topics. Highlighting expert M&A analysis, thought-leader interviews, and industry trends to keep you informed and inspired. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of M&A, our featured content offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies to navigate the complex landscape of mergers and acquisitions. Explore as we showcase the best of M&A expertise and innovation, empowering you to make informed decisions and drive success in your endeavors.

How Interest Rates Affect Middle Market Businesses

A Catalyst for Increased Activity

Is Programmatic M&A Right for My Business?

Programmatic mergers and acquisitions are a strategic approach to M&A deals that companies use to acquire several smaller companies to achieve specific goals, such as growth and value creation. This strategy differs from traditional M&A transactions, which usually involve singular transactions and higher valuations.

Reducing Risk in M&A: An Insurance Perspective on Demand

On Demand |  Watch Now!

Hidden Value: Often-Overlooked Assets That Can Boost Your Valuation

Company valuations are a vital part of business sales, as they determine market value. Any buyer showing interest in your business will want the most accurate idea of what it is worth.

Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Fresh ID Products GmbH and Fluid Branding Ireland Limited

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the majority stake acquisition of the fresh id products group (“fresh id products”) by Fluid Branding Ireland Limited, a 100% subsidiary of Brand Revolution LLC.

Benchmark International Sponsors Embarc Collective’s April Member Social

Benchmark International was proud to sponsor the Embarc Collective’s April Member Social, bringing together founders, partners, and operators.

Tax Risks in M&A TransactionsRecent studies indicate that the most common claims buyers make against sellers for violations of sellers' representations and warranties in M&A purchase agreements relate to tax matters. In reality, there is never just a buyer and a seller in an M&A transaction. Both sides share a silent partner, the taxman. Actually, they both have a "taxman" because Uncle Sam is not the only "silent partner" owed a cut of the target company's profits. State and local authorities, often multiple of each, have a seat at that table. Trailing Twelve Months Financials: Why They Matter in M&ABusiness owners often assume that strong historical performance alone will be sufficient. While past results are important, buyers focus more on recent performance when evaluating an acquisition target. Annual financial statements and year-to-date results can be incomplete or misleading depending on timing and seasonality. A trailing twelve-month (TTM) period bridges this gap by providing a current, normalized view of a company’s financial performance. 7 Sectors Primed for M&A in 2026Looking ahead to 2026, industry hotspots for M&A are likely to evolve based on emerging trends, technological advancements, and global economic shifts. Below, we explore the top industries likely to drive mergers and acquisitions activity in 2026, and what business owners should know if they are considering an exit.Taxes and Selling Your Business - What U.S. Owners Need to KnowSelling a business is a significant milestone for every business owner. While it marks the culmination of years of hard work and strategic planning, it also comes with important tax implications that every U.S. business owner needs to understand before diving into a sale. Proper knowledge of tax obligations can help maximize your proceeds and avoid unexpected liabilities. Here’s what U.S. business owners need to know when embarking on mergers and acquisitions. The Global M&A Outlook for 2026: A Year of Opportunity & EvolutionINTRODUCTIONReducing Risk in M&A: An Insurance Perspective (Upcoming Live Webinar)Live Webinar | February 18 | 11 a.m. EST
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M&A Outlook

Semiconductors Industry Report

The global semiconductor industry is undergoing record-level growth each year. For example, 2024 was the market’s highest-ever sales year, exceeding $600 billion in annual sales for the first time. Double-digit market growth is projected for years to come, reaching a trillion-dollar value by 2032.

Media And Telecom IndustryThe media and telecommunications (telecom) industry is a vital sector of the global economy, encompassing a wide range of services including broadcasting, publishing, telecommunications, Internet services, and digital media. Driven by rapid technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, this industry continues to evolve at a brisk pace, shaping how information is disseminated and how individuals and businesses communicate.Metals, Minerals, and Mining Industry ReportThe global metals, minerals, and mining industry has been demonstrating record revenues in the trillions of dollars year over year. Growth can be attributed to technological advancements, the adoption of renewable energy in mining, increased investment in mining, favorable government policies, and rapidly changing commodity prices. Additionally, the mining industry is playing a critical role in the global clean energy transition, as certain minerals are a key component of renewable energy.It is also important to note that metals remain solid in an increasingly unstable global climate. Hard assets are more valuable than ever amid the rising geopolitical tensions. Education Industry ReportThe global education sector is valued at trillions of dollars and is mostly funded by governments, which account for the majority of spending. It is a dynamic, continually evolving market that will always remain rooted in necessity worldwide, driven by basic needs for education and skills to strengthen and uphold communities.
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Featured Videos

Webinars, Testimonials and More

Highlighting top-notch M&A analysis, expert interviews, and industry trends to keep you informed and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of M&A, our featured content offers valuable perspectives and actionable strategies to navigate the complex landscape of mergers and acquisitions. Join us as we showcase the best of M&A expertise and innovation, empowering you to make informed decisions and drive success in your endeavors.

Exit Ready Why a Business Playbook Drives Higher Valuations - On-Demand Webinar from Benchmark International

When a business comes with a clear, documented playbook, it becomes instantly more attractive to buyers. In this on-demand webinar, Clinton Johnston, Board Member at Benchmark International, and Tom Healy, Head of Certified Partners at Trainual, share how clear systems and processes reduce risk, increase valuation, and drive buyer confidence.

Seller Motivation - What Goes Into The Decision To Sell Webinar

Deciding to sell your business is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make. While maximizing proceeds is crucial, it's not the only factor that should influence your decision. Life circumstances, time with family, and other qualitative aspects can often outweigh pure financial gain. Join us for an insightful webinar as we explore the many motivations behind the decision to sell a business and why it's essential to consider both qualitative and quantitative factors in your decision-making process.

This webinar is a must-attend for business owners, particularly those who are contemplating the sale of their business. As the market remains strong but more disciplined, understanding your true motivations for selling can help you make the best decision for your future. Whether you’re aiming to maximize your financial returns or prioritize time with loved ones, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the complex decision of when and why to sell

Dara Shareef serves as Managing Partner at Benchmark International and is charged with running the Tampa Transaction office. He also holds the rare distinction of having served in every role over the course of his career. His diverse background as both an operator of business and an investor into businesses allows him to anticipate issues in deals before they happen. Having been in each of their shoes, this allows him to think like both a seller and a buyer. Before arriving at Benchmark International, Dara served as COO of GSL Solutions. GSL provides web design and content management for roughly half of the US Senate and many school districts. Before GSL, he was a VC working for three different funds and held C-Suite operational roles in several businesses. Dara was formerly Vice Chairman of Sunmark Federal Credit Union in NY. One of the most exciting aspects of Dara's job is the opportunity it affords him to play with dozens of industries and business models. He has successfully facilitated transactions in sectors as diverse as SaaS, Commercial Landscaping, Vertical Market Software, Healthcare, Retail, Commercial Printing, Business Services, Marketing, IT Services, Niche Manufacturing, and Engineering.

M&A in 2025 Why Business Owners Shouldnt Miss This Opportunity
Selling for Maximum Value An M&A Expert's Guide To Preparation & Process
Casting A Wide Net When Pursuing An Exit - An Examination of Other Buyer Types
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