Bad Fit Buyer
“Mark Zweig sold his company, Zweig Group, which services the architectural industry with magazines, reports and trade shows to a Private Equity Group,” shares Sam Thompson a Minneapolis business broker and the president of M&A firm Transitions In Business. “This episode shares some of the disconnection that happened between buyer and seller. You’ll hear tips on turning employees into owners and limiting your downside risk after selling.”
In this episode featuring Mark Zweig, we explore the aftermath of selling his company, Zweig Group, to a private equity group. Zweig Group, known for serving the architecture industry with magazines, reports, and trade shows, achieved remarkable growth, landing three times on the Inc. 5000 list. At its peak, the company reached $19 million in revenue. However, Mark’s sale to a private equity group unfolded as a cautionary tale, showcasing the potential pitfalls when partnering with the wrong acquirer. This wide-ranging episode offers insights on how to:
- Productize a service business.
- Distinguish between a client and a customer.
- Leverage the power of open book management.
- Turn employees into owners.
- Capitalize on mezzanine debt.
- Protect your culture in a transition of ownership.
- Limit your downside risk after you sell.