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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. ESTBenchmark International Releases The Mark, Vol. XXVBenchmark International is proud to announce the release of the 25th edition of The Mark—our award-winning publication that showcases the insights, expertise, and success stories driving the world of mergers and acquisitions.Benchmark International Volunteers with Vinik Sports Group for National Day of ServiceBenchmark International was honored to join Vinik Sports Group (VSG) at the 9/11 Day Meal Pack event. This inspiring day of action pays tribute to those impacted by 9/11 through unity, kindness, and service.Market Saturation is Here – Will You Ride the Wave or Get Swept Away?I’ve gotten many questions about how the predicted M&A supercycle has tracked and where we are in the market saturation continuum, so I thought I would share an update as a follow-up to last year’s article “Market Saturation Is Coming.”
7 Sectors Primed for M&A in 2026

Looking 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.

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

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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 Hosts Women’s Networking Event, Bringing Leaders Together at Benchmark International Arena

Connection, collaboration, and the continued advancement of women in sports were at the center of the Lightning Morning Skate and Women’s Network event held at Benchmark International Arena. Women from across Tampa Bay gathered to watch the team prepare on the ice while engaging in meaningful conversations that strengthened relationships across their various disciplines.

Benchmark International Named Investment Banking Firm of the Year for the Second Year in a RowThe M&A Advisor announced the winners of the 16th Annual International M&A Awards, and Benchmark International was again recognized in several categories, including being named Investment Banking Firm of the Year for the second consecutive year.Benchmark International also received the following awards this year:M&A Deal of the Year ($10MM to $25MM) •    For the acquisition of Whistler Tech by Milexia Consumer Staples Deal of the Year •    For the acquisition of Copernus Ltd. by Suempol Sp The M&A Advisor Awards are known as the Oscars of the M&A world, serving as the industry benchmark for dealmaking excellence and recognizing the leading M&A transactions, restructurings, deal financings, products and services, firms, and professionals. An independent panel of global M&A, restructuring, and corporate finance practitioners evaluated nominations from around the world, representing companies with deals ranging from $10 million to more than $10 billion. The winners will be honored on September 15-16, 2025, at a black-tie gala in New York City.Navigating M&A in Uncertain Times: Why a Trusted Advisor Makes All the DifferenceThe M&A market has shifted.Benchmark International Announces Tyrus O’Neill as New Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AmericasTAMPA, FL – 03/14/2025 – Benchmark International, a leading global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm, is excited to announce Tyrus O’Neill as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Americas. The appointment is part of Benchmark International’s ongoing strategy to accelerate its global growth and service innovation.Expectations for Middle Market M&A in 2025Recent surveys have shown that the M&A outlook for 2025 points to the highest levels of optimism in recent years for dealmaking activity. Citizens Bank’s 14th annual survey of over 400 middle market C-suite executives and private equity principals in the United States stated that a favorable economic environment is a key reason businesses and investors will seek M&A strategies in 2025. Furthermore, uncertainties from the last several years have subsided, and valuations are predicted to be stable or higher than in years past. Meanwhile, smaller mid-size companies are taking a more reserved approach, with many sellers opting to sell a piece of their business versus a full sale. In summary, surveyed decision-makers expect 2025 to see economic growth and a higher rate of M&A deals.An Optimistic Future: Strong Demand for Capital, a Dealmaking Upturn, & a Surge of Private EquityWall Street is anticipating a strong level of deal activity in 2025 as Donald Trump returns to the U.S. presidency, based on an optimistic stock market, falling interest rates, and fewer regulatory interventions. A recent surge in demand for capital is expected to continue, as many experts expect dealmaking to rebound, resulting in a flurry of private equity ventures. Benchmark International Wins Big at Dealmakers Magazine Annual Award GalaBenchmark International would like to congratulate all who attended and won at the DealMakers Magazine annual awards gala held on Tuesday in Sandton, Johannesburg.  
The Impact of CAPEX on EBITDA AdjustmentsEarnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) is the measure of a company’s cash flow, calculated as:Position Yourself to Get LuckyThe Benefits of Always Being Sale-Ready in BusinessBenchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Palm Coast Sales, Inc. and Fourshore PartnersBenchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Palm Coast Sales, Inc. and Fourshore PartnersBenchmark International Sponsors Monster Energy Supercross RidersBenchmark International is proud to sponsor the riders Cole Bradford (#427) and Ayden Shive (#137) in the fifth playoff round of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship on February 8, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, at 6:30 p.m.2025 M&A OutlookIntroduction  Benchmark International Remains the #1 Privately-Held M&A Advisor Worldwide, as Ranked in LSEG's Full Year 2024 Global League TablesLSEG, previously known as Refinitiv as well as Thomson Reuters, has released its Global League Tables for the full year of 2024, and Benchmark International was once again recognized with several high rankings across different categories.
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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.