Sara Burden

Sara Burden entered the mergers and acquisitions industry in March 1991 and has been actively involved in Walden’s successful closings of small-to-middle market-sized companies. As an M&A Advisor, Sara Burden has represented and sold companies with sophisticated high profiles in the service sector, heavy manufacturing, and distribution with equal success.

Protecting Your Business in Case of Death or Illness With Planning

Most entrepreneurs are a rare breed, full of optimism and confidence. But the same optimism it takes to run a company is the same certainty that makes them feel invincible. Every economic downturn is the last, every prospect is the next big sale, and every good leader retires happily with their family. Unfortunately, none of […]

February 15, 2024

9 Reasons Why Business Acquisition Deals Fall Apart

A successful transaction usually requires overcoming numerous obstacles — many of which are mundane. If the parties want the deal to work, talking it through can solve almost any routine problem that arises. Outside advisors can be an advantage in these negotiations. However, there are more serious issues that can be fatal to the closing […]

January 13, 2024

How to Take a Vacation When You Own a Business

Let vacations work in your favor. Taking a break benefits both you and your team. Business buyers want to see strong leadership teams, well-developed business processes, and proof the company will continue to run while you’re gone. Show your people you have confidence in them, and I’m betting they will prove you right. The holidays […]

October 26, 2023

Top 8 Reasons Buyers Walk Away from a Business Acquisition

If you are anticipating selling your business, it is paramount to work with an experienced M&A team, including an attorney who will protect your interests, act as a proven deal maker, and not a deal breaker. This is also why you want the buyer to outline as many deal terms as possible in the letter […]

September 25, 2023

Can You Sell Your Business in Market Uncertainty?

If you own a business and are ready to exit, don’t let the global M&A headlines color your outlook for the year ahead. Talk to specialists on the ground and find out what’s happening in your market. What you see in the news may or may not be affecting the M&A climate in your market. […]

July 12, 2023

How Delays When Selling Your Business Can Lead to Deal Failure

We have a saying: “Go ugly early.” When you’re selling a business, put issues on the table right away. Whether you have ineligible employees on your payroll, you just lost a big client, or litigation is pending—be up front. Providing clarity around your business flaws serves two purposes. First, it makes the whole process more […]

December 19, 2022

Why Employee Retention Matters for Your Exit Strategy

Looking at an exit strategy? Employee retention is important at any stage of business. But for owners contemplating a sale, a strong record of retention could mean significantly more value and a faster transition period. Buyers want to know how your business stood up against adversity. From 9/11 to the Great Recession to COVID-19, buyers […]

September 20, 2022

Why Boomer Business Owners Should Watch M&A Cycles

Approximately 20% of business owners are over the age of 65, and another 30% are between the ages of 55 and 64, according to estimates from the Census Bureau Annual Business Survey. Based on age trends alone, roughly half of America’s businesses will transition ownership in the next 5 to 10 years. This will be […]

August 18, 2022

How Does Rising Interest Rates Impact the M&A Market?

There’s zero doubt that interest rates are going up this year. The Fed issued a 0.25 percentage point rate hike in March, the first increase we’ve seen since late 2018, and a second in June of 0.75. But more increases are coming in the year ahead. How Rising Interest Rates Typically Affect Business Value In […]

July 27, 2022

M&A in a Volatile Economy | Russia, Recession, & Economics

Economic headwinds ahead. Steven Chiavarone, CFO and economist with Federated Hermes, recently presented at the State of M&A conference held in Wisconsin. He shared a range of insights and economic predictors he expects to affect the business community and mergers and acquisitions in the years ahead. These were: Geopolitical Conflict and Supply Chain Disruptions A […]

June 28, 2022