You have spent years building your firm. But when it comes time to transition whether to a buyer, your internal team, or the next generation many owners are surprised by hidden issues that quietly erode value. At Stonemill Partners, we see strong firms miss out on millions because of fixable problems that surface too late.…
By: Patrick Neal, Managing Partner, Stonemill Partners The Defining Question for Every AEC Owner At some point in every architecture, engineering, or construction (AEC) firm’s life, ownership transition stops being a future concept and becomes an urgent strategic decision. Whether you’re 45 or 65, the question inevitably arrives: Should you pass the firm to your…
If you’re an owner or principal in an architecture, engineering, or construction (AEC) firm, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question more than once: What is my firm actually worth? Whether you’re actively planning an exit, entertaining buyout offers, or just want clarity on your long-term trajectory, understanding how AEC firms are valued is critical—not…
For many firm leaders, the decision to exit is less about timing the market perfectly and more about recognizing the signals within their own business and the industry. While the right moment is never obvious in real time, there are clear inflection points that suggest leaders should begin preparing for transition. Delaying can result in…
The process of selling your architecture firm involves unique considerations beyond the standard A/E/C M&A transaction. Since 2012, we have focused our M&A services solely on firms within the built environment. Over the years, we have learned that key aspects differentiate selling an architecture firm from selling other A/E/C firms. Here are five unique nuances…
Everyone in the built environment wants to know the trick to successfully selling a business or executing well on any exit strategy. Is it assembling a team of the best advisors, building a huge backlog, or having a strong second tier of leaders? Those things are great, but the secret to successfully selling a business…
