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 »
https://youtu.be/cswuKHQeaZY Selling your business is one of the most pivotal financial decisions you’ll ever make—and preparation is everything. In this episode of Shenkman Education, DAK Managing Director Michael Richmond and host Martin Shenkman uncover the key factors behind a successful sale, from proving sustainable future performance to strengthening your management team and maintaining financial transparency.
Sale of A Closely Held Business Read More »
Preliminary Guide: Preparing for the Sale of Your Business
Every day, entrepreneurs like you take on significant risk, pouring your time, capital, expertise, and sweat equity into building a successful business, only to hand over a growing portion of your profits to Uncle Sam each year. And when you exit your business? That liquidity event will most likely be the largest tax bill you
Spot the risks early. Smooth the road ahead. You’ve worked for years to build your business—don’t leave money on the table when it’s time to sell. In today’s M&A environment, serious buyers come to the table with data-driven expectations, and sellers who aren’t equally prepared risk delays, lower offers, or worse—no deal at all. One
You know the old saying, “Marry in haste, repent at leisure?” Dating back to 1693, it still stands the test of time—surprisingly, even in the mergers and acquisitions world. When selling your business, you may be tempted to accept the first attractive offer you receive. But relying on a single buyer can expose you to
https://youtu.be/gAz4-bnNuek?si=SfItig2mo4eYg4oA The DAK Group’s official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Grand Opening of our new headquarters at 550 N. Maple Ave, Ridgewood, NJ with the Chamber of Commerce of Ridgewood.
DAK’s 40th Anniversary and Open House Ribbon Cutting Read More »
In a year marked by political uncertainty, shifting tax policies and global instability, business owners are navigating a complex and evolving environment. Rising tariffs, the push to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., and potential regulatory changes are already reshaping supply chains and cost structures. These dynamics are prompting many owners to ask a critical
Business Owner’s Dilemma in 2025: Do I sell or Do I grow? 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.
