Hiring an investment banker--and particularly The Chicago Corporation --results in significant benefits and advantages for owners considering the sale of their business. Benefits include:

• Valuation Premium: A study based on a 20-year analysis estimated that sellers who engaged an investment banker received valuation premiums of approximately 25% for privately owned businesses.

• Enhancing Adjusted EBITDA: Investment bankers identify non-recurring and extraordinary expenses, add pro forma revenue adjustments to increase the EBITDA upon which Companies are often valued, and supporting higher valuations by prospective buyers.

• Selling the Sizzle: Clearly presenting a Company’s investment merits, competitive advantages and value creation opportunities will result in higher valuations. This is one of TCC’s core competencies. Nobody does it better.

• Creating a Highly Competitive Sales Process: Investment bankers leverage their networks to generate competitive bidding, securing the highest possible sale price for the business and favorable deal terms. Competition enhances negotiating leverage for sellers.

• Minimize Time Away from Business Operations: By engaging an investment banker, sellers can minimize their involvement in the sale process and focus on running their business, reducing the risk of performance decline and maintaining client service.

• Managing the M&A Process and Strategy: Investment bankers create marketing materials, develop financial projections, and manage communications with prospective buyers. They manage the process efficiently and strategically. TCC enhances this process by managing the buyer’s due diligence process for the seller, ensuring that it is efficient, accurate, avoiding unintended consequences and enhancing speed to closing.

• Expertise in Deal Structuring and Negotiation: Investment bankers possess deal structuring experience and skills to negotiate terms that align with the seller's goals and objectives. They understand market terms and prioritize issues that impact the deal.

• Behavioral Coaching: Investment bankers assist sellers in staying focused and navigating the emotional aspects of the sale process, minimizing deal fatigue and ensuring effective decision-making.