Frequently Asked Questions

How does GPS Helm protect confidentiality?
Confidentiality is non-negotiable.

We use blind teasers, strict NDAs, staged disclosures, vetted buyers, controlled data access, HSR, and clean team processes. Our boutique model minimizes exposure and significantly reduces leak risk.

They are essential.

We integrate seamlessly with your existing advisors and coordinate efforts to optimize outcomes. If needed, we can recommend trusted professionals.

We coordinate closely with your CPA, attorney, and wealth advisor to ensure tax-efficient structuring and alignment with personal and family goals.

We do not provide legal or tax advice but quarterback the overall process.

Highly selective. We engage when there is clear intent and a commitment to pursue a disciplined, well-prepared outcome. Whether a business is transaction-ready today or requires preparation, we partner only when we are confident we can deliver meaningful value and elevate the result.

You are never obligated to sell.
If acceptable terms are not achieved or circumstances change, the process can pause or stop. Our agreements clearly outline all scenarios.

Legacy preservation is central to our approach.

We screen buyers for cultural fit, employee treatment, and long-term intent, and structure transactions to support personal, family, and community priorities.

What is the typical process for selling a business with GPS Helm?

Our process typically includes:

 

  1. Confidential discovery and initial valuation discussion
  2. Formal valuation and readiness assessment
  3. Preparation and value enhancement
  4. Confidential marketing and buyer outreach
  5. Negotiation and offer management
  6. Due diligence coordination
  7. Closing and transition support

 

Control and leverage are maintained throughout.

Most $20M–$200M transactions take 9–12 months from engagement to closing.

 

Well-prepared businesses may close sooner; more complex situations may take longer. Preparation is front-loaded to strengthen execution later.

No preparation is required to begin with a Discovery Call. As the process advances, we assess financials, operations, contracts, organization, and risks. Preparation often creates meaningful value uplift before marketing begins.
Owners should continue running the business as usual. We manage transaction execution so owners can focus on performance. Buyers value stability and momentum.
Through proprietary research, long-standing relationships, and direct outreach. We prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on buyers with genuine intent, strategic fit, and the ability to transact on favorable terms.
We engage a broad range of buyers to maximize competition and fit, including strategic acquirers, private equity firms, family offices, independent sponsors, and select international buyers when appropriate.
Buyer alignment with legacy, culture, and post-sale goals is a priority.
We begin with a confidential, no-obligation Discovery Call.
We’ll discuss your goals, timeline, and concerns and provide an initial perspective. If there’s mutual fit, we outline next steps. If not, we aim to provide value regardless.
What is your fee structure?
Our fees are primarily success-based and back-loaded.
We charge a modest stipend to support preparation and pass through third-party costs without markup. The majority of our compensation is contingent on closing — we get paid when you get paid.
As of early 2026, the outlook is favorable, supported by strong buyer demand, significant private equity capital, and stabilizing interest rates.
Well-prepared businesses entering the market in 2026–2027 are positioned for strong outcomes.
We focus on enterprise value drivers such as growth trajectory, leadership depth, customer concentration, recurring revenue, operational resilience, and strategic positioning.
We also negotiate structure, working capital, earn-outs, rollover equity, and tax-efficient terms that materially impact net proceeds.
What is GPS Helm, and what services do you offer?
GPS Helm is a sell-side–only M&A advisory firm representing owners of privately held businesses with enterprise values between $20M and $200M.

We provide end-to-end sell-side advisory services, including valuation, strategic positioning, preparation and value enhancement, confidential marketing, buyer sourcing and qualification, negotiation, due diligence coordination, and closing support.

We represent sellers exclusively and do not engage in buy-side or financing work, ensuring full alignment with owner objectives.

Trust is earned through alignment, discretion, and results.

GPS Helm is built on decades of hands-on entrepreneurial and middle-market M&A experience, including leadership of high-performing sell-side practices with consistently strong close rates. We operate with a selective, conflict-free model, back-loaded success-based fees, and uncompromising confidentiality.

We work only with owners where we believe we can create meaningful advantage and steward the business with care.

Unlike large investment banks or generalist brokers, GPS Helm is:

  • 100% sell-side exclusive
  • Boutique in scale and senior-led throughout
  • Operator-informed, not purely transactional
  • Focused on preparation before market exposure

     

This approach results in greater control, fewer surprises, and cleaner outcomes for owners.

We specialize exclusively in privately held businesses with enterprise values between $20M and $200M.

This range supports sophisticated transaction processes while still benefiting from hands-on senior involvement.

Yes. GPS Helm is sell-side only. We never represent buyers and do not participate in financing or capital raises, eliminating conflicts of interest and keeping our focus fully aligned with our client.
We work across a broad range of middle-market industries, including industrial, manufacturing, business services, distribution, logistics, healthcare services, technology-enabled services, consumer products, and niche service businesses.

Our operator background allows us to quickly identify sector-specific value drivers and target the right buyers.
Industry specialization can be effective for fast, standardized exits.

GPS Helm focuses instead on identifying the best buyer — often outside the usual consolidators — to maximize value while protecting culture, employees, and long-term outcomes. These non-obvious buyers frequently create stronger leverage and better overall results.

Drawing from aggregate experience across comparable firms and transactions, GPS Helm leadership has consistently achieved close rates exceeding 90% in an industry where most deals fail to close.

 

Every transaction is unique, but our preparation-first approach significantly reduces fall-through risk.

Due to strict confidentiality, we do not publicly disclose transaction details.

We can share anonymized examples and provide client references upon request during confidential discussions.