One of the first questions clients ask before exiting their business is, “What do you think I can sell my business for?” Inevitably, this brings up a discussion about valuation and the use of multiples. How Multiples Work in Valuation The Multiple method of valuation uses a financial metric such as EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, […]
Why a Valuation Matters When Selling Your Business Read More »
On this episode of Open for Business, Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen of Stevens & Lee, welcome Alan Scharfstein, Founder and CEO of The DAK Group, one of the nation’s most trusted advisors to middle-market business owners navigating high-stakes M&A decisions. With more than 750 transactions completed across industries and borders, Alan shares what founders
Maximizing Value in the Middle Market: M&A Lessons from Alan Scharfstein Read More »
https://youtu.be/nY7s68QzLR0?si=Ku6L8tBvm7yL7i8k Watch the full interview to find out all the AV M&A trends. At ISE 2026 (Integrated Systems Europe) in Barcelona, DAK’s Denis Pogun spoke to ISE Show TV’s Hurrairah bin Sohail about what’s really happening in Integrated Systems/Pro AV M&A. And what is causing the accelerating pace of consolidation in this space. The message
AV Industry Consolidation Trends | Talking Points | ISE 2026 Read More »
As firms prepare for mergers & acquisitions, advisers say both sides can benefit from deep dive
Nexus Considerations for Sellers of Businesses & Target Companies Read More »
Is your company ready for both the unexpected and the inevitable? Succession planning isn’t just a concern for family-owned businesses. Having a plan in place for every key executive member of your team is critical. Whether your strategic plan involves keeping the business in the family, selling the company, passing leadership onto identified key executives
Succession Planning for New Jersey Businesses Read More »
In 2026, artificial intelligence is reshaping how marketing gets done, but for professionals in law, accounting, and wealth management, trust remains the foundation of every client relationship. AI can increase efficiency and scale content faster than ever—but it only works when human insight ensures that what’s published is accurate, authentic, and unmistakably your own. For
Marketing in 2026: The Battle Between AI and Authenticity Read More »
In an interview with Invest:, Alan Scharfstein, founder and CEO of DAK Group, discussed the approaches to optimizing business values for mergers and acquisitions. “With the advantage of private equity and all the optionality that exists for business owners, many of our younger clients look at the sale of their business as just one step in
The Approaches To Optimizing Business Values For Mergers and Acquisitions Read More »
Commerce is once again tapping New Jersey’s top business minds for insights into the year ahead. As we enter 2026, CEOs, business owners, partners, and president from across the state share their predictions on what’s next for business in New Jersey. “As we enter 2026, we’re seeing a continued wave of business acquisitions and consolidations.
New Jersey CEOs Predict 2026 Read More »
Authors: Co-Author: Michael Richmond is Managing Direct at The DAK Group in Ridgewood, NJ. He is an investment banker specializing in guiding business owners through the sale of their companies. Co-Author: Martin M. Shenkman is an attorney in New Jersey and New York. His practice concentrates on estate planning. Published in Estate Planning, a Thomson
How To Prepare A Client’s Closely Held Business For Sale In Uncertain Times Read More »
Due diligence may be the most feared aspect of the merger and acquisition (M&A) process for business owners, and their concern is valid. The results of the due diligence assessment can make or break a transaction. During the due diligence process, the prospective buyer’s representatives (typically third-party accounting, environmental, insurance, etc., firms) gather financial, operational,
Deal Killers and How You Can Head Them Off Read More »
VCI is the preeminent full lifecycle sales and service provider of emergency ambulance solutions to first aid squads, EMS organizations, fire departments, hospital organizations, municipalities, and private medical transport companies in the Mid-Atlantic Region. VCI was recapitalized by private equity firms Tightrope Capital Partners and NewSpring Capital.
DAK led a competitive, sell-side process for VCI, generating multiple offers from a wide range of strategic buyers and financial sponsors. By positioning the combination of VCI’s market leadership position, comprehensive services offering, strong manufacturer relationships, and robust backlog, DAK achieved an outstanding outcome for the company’s shareholders.
The acquisition provides the shareholders of VCI an opportunity to accelerate its growth strategy by expanding its core ambulance business, building out the value-added segments of conversions and remounts, implementing operational improvements, and pursuing acquisitions with the help of its new partners. Tightrope and NewSpring have an opportunity to leverage VCI’s strong management team and operating platform to build a multi-regional player in emergency ambulance solutions.
