by John Bly, an EO Charlotte member and managing partner of LB&A, Certified Public Accountants, PLLC

No one said mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are easy, but there are some key strategies every business owner can consider when the time is right. Since 2004, my firm has grown from zero to US$8+ million through eight acquisitions and three mergers. In that time, we’ve analyzed more than 80 deals, learning how to simplify the M&A process along the way. From finding a deal to closing a deal, there’s a lot to consider. It’s even more difficult when it’s your business on the line. Here are five ways you can navigate the M&A maze with confidence: