Mike Harvath and Ryan Barnett unpack the strategic, financial, and operational reasons IT services firms, and their PE sponsors, turn to buy-side M&A advisors to accelerate growth. They outline the prerequisites for a successful acquisition program, the risks of going it alone, what a credible...
EPISODE 224. In this “selling-in” installment of Shoot the Moon, Mike Harvath, Matt Lockhart, and Ryan Barnett tackle the question every founder eventually faces: “You sold your business—now what?” They break down the two common exit paths—sell-in (recap with a minority roll-over) versus sell-out (full...
Mike Harvath, Matt Lockhart, and Ryan Barnett unpack how IT-services acquirers and sellers balance downside risk with upside reward. They argue that best-in-class firms stay acquisitive because acquisitions compound strategy, culture, and financial fit into “1 + 1 = 3-plus” value. That payoff, they say,...
EPISODE 222. In this episode of the Shoot the Moon Podcast, Mike Harvath and Ryan Barnett dive deep into the often chaotic and critical final 30 days leading up to an M&A transaction close. Dubbed "herding cats," this phase involves juggling legal, financial, advisory, and...
Discover how a high-growth MSP found the right buyer through a strategic sell-side process. In this episode, Revenue Rocket breaks down the Project Neptune deal—from valuation to deal structure and everything in between....
Matt Lockhart and Ryan Barnett discuss the importance of non-compete and non-solicitation clauses in M&A deals for tech services companies. Non-competes protect buyers' interests by preventing sellers from using their knowledge and relationships to compete. Duration can range from one to five years, with shareholder...
Ryan Barnett and Matt Lockhart discuss how IT services firm owners can assess their readiness to sell when approached by a potential buyer. They explore the importance of preparation as a competitive advantage, outline what a true M&A readiness plan entails, and weigh the pros...
Vet the Buyer’s Financial Capacity Like a Pro! Mike Harvath, Matt Lockhart, and Ryan Barnett discuss the importance of verifying a buyer's financial credibility in IT services M&A deals. They emphasize understanding the buyer's type, whether a financial or strategic buyer, and their ability to...
EPISODE 217. Mike Harvath and Ryan Barnett discuss the emotional component of mergers and acquisitions in the IT services industry. They highlight the emotional challenges founders face when selling their businesses, including attachment to relationships and inflated business valuations. They emphasize the importance of maintaining objectivity...
Let’s talk owner salaries, bonus plans, and the fine line between smart and shady. ...