We help serious buyers with business acquisitions.
With Acquire. Maximize. Exit.™ - FCBB, you don't just find a business. You acquire the right one, at the right price, with the right structure.
Public Listings vs. Off-Market Deals
Public listings often attract multiple competing buyers, inflating price and limiting flexibility.
The Off-Market Advantage
Off-market deals typically allow for direct seller conversations, stronger deal structure, and cleaner closings.
The following paths exist because some buyers want structure. Some want flexibility. Some want access and nothing else.
The important thing is alignment.
We encourage you to listen to our Acquire. Story by pressing play.
What makes this moment rare isn't just scale. It's timing.
There are far more quality businesses for sale than there are buyers prepared to acquire them well. That imbalance creates opportunity — but only for those who are ready.
This window will close.
Owners will retire. Markets will normalize. Larger players will absorb what remains.
The advantage belongs to buyers who understand how acquisition works before that happens.
There Are Three Ways to Step Into This Moment
Every buyer arrives at this window from a different place.
Some are stepping out of careers.
Some have reviewed dozens of deals.
Some already know exactly what they're doing.
That's why we don't operate as an open marketplace or a generic advisory.
We work with buyers through three defined engagement paths, each reflecting a different way of entering ownership — and a different level of involvement in the acquisition process.
These are not 'packages.'
They are ways of engaging with the opportunity in front of you.
You don't choose one because it sounds better.
You choose one because it matches how you intend to buy.
Path One — Exclusive Buyer Engagement
For buyers who want to enter ownership with intention and priority
Path Two — Strategic, Non-Exclusive Engagement
For buyers who want flexibility, perspective, and disciplined decision-making
Path Three — Deal Introductions
For buyers who only need access
Buying a business is not one decision. It's a sequence of decisions layered over time.
These three paths exist so buyers can engage intentionally, without confusion or misalignment, during a moment that won't last forever.
Acquire. Maximize. Exit. Framework
We guide you through the full lifecycle of business ownership.
ACQUIRE.
Buy the right business at the right price
- Buy Box clarity
- Off-market sourcing
- Valuation & underwriting
- SBA-friendly structuring
- Negotiation leadership
MAXIMIZE.
Strengthen and scale what you acquire
- Operational improvements
- Enhanced transferability
- Optimized value drivers
- Aligned culture & team
- Scalable processes
EXIT.
Plan and achieve your endgame
- Future valuation strategy
- Optimal exit positioning
- Sellability enhancements
- Strategic wealth planning
You're designing your next chapter
The Harsh Reality: Unrepresented Buyers Are Doomed to Fail
In today's competitive market, navigating complex deals without expert guidance often leads to missed opportunities and significant financial losses. The statistics paint a stark picture for those going it alone:
of buyers never close a deal
of buyers succeed with expert representation
Without expert representation, buyers face inevitable deal loss and financial risk, leading to:
- Missing crucial pre-market and off-market deals.
- Overpayment due to inaccurate asset valuation.
- Being overlooked by brokers, hindering access to critical opportunities.
- Wasting valuable time and capital on overpriced or dead-end deals.
- Entering negotiations at a severe disadvantage, jeopardizing financial interests.
- Operating without protection, increasing exposure to significant risk.
Truth About Off-Market Deals
The most valuable businesses rarely, if ever, surface on public marketplaces. These truly rare gems offer superior value and growth potential.
Public Listings: Compromised Value
- Limited in scope
- Picked-over by others and high competition
- Diminished value
- Inherent challenges
Exclusive Off-Market Access: Your Unfair Advantage
- AI-powered deal sourcing engine
- Vast network: 278+ brokers across 119 national offices
- Prioritizes owner privacy and confidentiality
- Constant flow of top-tier, rare off-market deals
- Access unseen opportunities for superior value
How Off-Market Deals Reach You
You receive opportunities through:
Direct Seller Relationships
Direct connections with business owners.
FCBB National Network
Expansive national network provides unmatched deal access. Includes 278+ brokers across 119 national offices.
Private Referrals
Qualified opportunities from CPAs, attorneys, and lenders.
Pre-Market Deals
Early access to businesses not yet publicly listed.
Cold Outreach
Proactive outreach by sourcing team for tailored opportunities.
AI-Powered Scanning
AI-powered technology identifies emerging opportunities.
Regional Teams
Specialized sourcing teams in Phoenix and El Paso.
From Stuck to Closed in 42 Days
Initial Challenges:
- 7+ months chasing listings with no traction
- No real opportunities coming through
- Repeatedly ghosted by brokers
The Solution:
Day 12: Off-Market Match
Received the perfect opportunity from our network, fast-tracking his search.
Financial Validation
We validated financials and identified significant growth opportunities.
Bank-Ready Offer
Structured a compelling, SBA-ready offer, expediting financing.
Led Negotiation
Our team expertly handled all negotiation strategy, maximizing his financial gain.
The Results:
Days to Close
From introduction to swift ownership
Negotiation Savings
Direct financial advantage in his pocket
"You guys paid for yourselves. Easily."
Saved $241K on One Deal
A buyer was prepared to purchase a listing, confident in its "fair" valuation.
Our Analysis Revealed:
- Inflated addbacks
- Owner dependency
- Concentrated revenue
- Working capital gaps
- Seasonality hidden inside SDE
The Result:
$241,000
Renegotiation Savings
The Problems We Eliminate
Unrepresented buyers run into the same traps:
No Off-Market Access
You miss the best opportunities before they go public.
Overpriced Listings
You pay more than fair market value.
Ghosted by Brokers
You receive no response or follow-up on inquiries.
Incomplete Due Diligence
Misleading financials and critical red flags go unnoticed.
Unmet Expectations
You misunderstand the business's true performance and owner dependencies.
Weak LOIs
Your offers fail to adequately protect your interests.
Deals Dying During Diligence
Deals fall apart after significant time and money investment.
We built a system to eliminate each of these, one by one.
Listing brokers represent the seller, not you.
Here's the critical difference:
Listing Broker's Role
- Maximizes seller's price
- Protects seller's interest
- Favors seller-friendly terms
- Does not advocate for the buyer
Your Acquisition Team's Role
- Maximizes your value
- Protects your interest
- Favors buyer-friendly terms
- Negotiates fiercely on your behalf
Meet Your Acquisition Advisors
Dr. Leilani Felix-Acosta & Dr. Fernando Acosta
Founders, Acquire. Maximize. Exit.™ and Owners, FCBB Phoenix & FCBB El Paso.
They leverage deep academic rigor, negotiation mastery, and extensive real-world deal experience. Their expertise is dedicated to ensuring your acquisition success.
- Certified M&A Advisors
- Certified Business Intermediaries (CBI)
- Peer-reviewed published authors
- Dr. Fernando is the Chair of the Arizona Business Brokers Association (AZBBA)
Why Our Team Size Matters
While most buyer advisors operate solo or in small teams, our approach is fundamentally different.
This extensive scale provides an unparalleled competitive edge for buyers.
Your Advantage:
- First access to off-market deals
- Local market expertise anywhere
- Stronger negotiation leverage
- Backup support on every deal
- No capacity constraints
- Real-time market intelligence
FCBB Power Behind You
Leverage the unparalleled reach and impact of the First Choice Business Brokers network.
This extensive scale provides clear advantages for buyers:
- First access to off-market deals: Our vast network provides early access to exclusive opportunities.
- Unmatched negotiation leverage: Benefit from established credibility and significant transaction volume.
- Local market expertise, nationwide: Get expert guidance and real-time market intelligence wherever you need it.
- Seamless support: No capacity constraints with robust backup support on every deal.
Our Exclusive Advantage: AI & Human Deal Engine
Our proprietary deal sourcing engine combines cutting-edge AI with our vast broker network, delivering unparalleled speed, scale, and confidential access to opportunities.
AI-Powered Scanning
Unlocks high-potential opportunities at unmatched speed and scale.
Real-Time Market Data
Accelerates decision-making with instant listings and critical intelligence.
Advanced Risk Modeling
Delivers precision financial analysis and robust risk assessment.
Direct Owner Outreach
Unlocks confidential off-market deals through proactive engagement.
Vast Broker Collaboration
Accelerates deal flow leveraging our national network's shared expertise.
Expert Human Curation
Delivers optimal deal quality through rigorous, hands-on evaluation.
This powerful combination means you gain confidential access to off-market opportunities and see deals that precisely fit your Buy Box — not random listings.
The 8 Key Drivers We Analyze
While many analyses focus solely on SDE multiples, we delve deeper to analyze both SDE and EBITDA. This comprehensive approach reveals true earnings and uncovers the 8 key drivers of company value:
Financial Predictability
Consistency of revenue streams, minimizing cash flow risk.
Recurring Revenue
Proportion of repeating revenue for stable income.
Growth Potential
Expansion and scaling opportunities for future profitability.
Customer Concentration
Reliance on key customers to prevent revenue vulnerability.
Owner Dependency
Business reliance on current owner for smooth transition.
Market Differentiation
Competitive advantages to safeguard against market erosion.
Financial Performance
Rigorous analysis of earnings quality and health.
Transferability
Ease of operations and relationship transfer for continuity.
These drivers reveal the true strength and risk of the business behind the marketing package. Our rigorous analysis helps prevent post-purchase surprises and protects buyers from overpaying.
How the 8 Drivers Protect You
Evaluating the 8 drivers helps us:
Reveal Hidden Risks: Prevent costly surprises.
Expose Owner Dependency: Ensure a smooth transition.
Verify Financial Accuracy: Prevent overvaluation.
Spot SBA Deal-Breakers: Secure essential financing.
Mitigate Concentration Risks: Diversify the revenue base.
Confirm Recurring Revenue: Ensure predictable income.
Ensure Seamless Transfer: Maintain post-acquisition operations.
Typical Savings Through Analysis
$100K–$400K
Through negotiation, corrected pricing, and avoiding bad deals
When a "Perfect Deal" Isn't
A buyer fell in love with a business showing:
- $320K Seller's Discretionary Earnings
- Long-time employees
- "Hands-off" owner
- Loyal customers
The Reality (Revealed by Analysis):
- 58% revenue from one client: Massive concentration risk
- No documented processes: Everything in owner's head
- Recurring revenue overstated: Most was one-time projects
- Owner working 50+ hours: Not "hands-off" at all
Result: We renegotiated a $220,000 price reduction — and the seller still accepted. That's the power of real analysis.
Smart Deal Structuring for Buyers
While acquisition gurus like Carl Allen, Codie Sanchez, and Walker Deibel teach frameworks for successful deals, we take it a step further.
We implement similar risk-aware, cash-flow-driven structures directly within your actual transactions, ensuring practical application.
Specifically, we help structure deals that achieve:
- Lower Cash at Closing: Reducing your upfront capital requirements.
- Reduced Downside Risk: Protecting you against unforeseen issues and liabilities.
- Aligned Incentives: Creating win-win scenarios for both buyer and seller.
- Post-Close Runway: Ensuring adequate working capital and operational stability after acquisition.
Tools We Use to Structure Deals
We combine multiple tools to create safer, smarter acquisitions:
SBA Structuring
- 10% Down Strategies: Minimizes initial cash investment by leveraging financing options.
- Seller Standby Notes: Reduces immediate cash outlay by deferring payments to the seller.
- Working Capital Inclusion: Secures funds for post-acquisition operations directly within the financing structure.
- DSCR Modeling: Ensures the deal meets bankability criteria for easier loan approval.
Seller Financing
- Seller Carry (10-30%): Allows the seller to finance a portion of the purchase price, reducing buyer's upfront capital.
- Performance-Based Earnouts: Links future payments to the business's success, aligning incentives and reducing initial risk.
- Balloon Structures: Provides a payment schedule with a larger final installment at a set time, offering flexibility in initial payments.
Risk Mitigation
- Contingencies & Timelines: Establishes conditions and schedules to protect the buyer from unforeseen issues.
- Holdbacks & Clawbacks: Withholds or recovers funds based on specific post-acquisition events, reducing buyer risk.
- Seller Phase-Out Periods: Ensures a gradual reduction of the seller's involvement, providing a smoother transition.
- Transition Support: Guarantees access to staff and operational guidance during the handover period.
Creative Layering
- Step-Up Payments: Structures payments to increase over time, easing initial financial burden on the buyer.
- Stability Payments: Implements mechanisms to ensure consistent cash flow and financial predictability.
- Hybrid Earnouts: Utilizes flexible earnout models that combine various triggers and metrics for tailored deals.
This is acquisition entrepreneurship done intelligently, not emotionally.
Structuring That Saved $116K
Problem:
A buyer wanted a service business with:
- Heavy seasonality
- No documented processes
- One key employee
Our Solution:
Instead of paying full cash at closing, we structured:
25% Seller Financing
Reduced immediate cash requirement
Performance Earnout
Tied to actual business results
Employee Retention Holdback
Protected against key person loss
Working Capital Included
Ensured operational runway
Transition Support
Seller commitment baked into deal
Result:
Less Cash Needed at closing
Risk Level
Structure That Beat a Higher Offer
Two buyers competed for the same business.
Buyer A (unrepresented):
- Higher price
- All cash
- Zero protections
Buyer B (our client):
- Lower price
- Seller financing
- Transition support
- Holdback tied to accuracy
- SBA-ready file
Outcome: Despite the lower price, the seller chose our client's offer. The robust structure provided superior safety, professionalism, and ensured a higher probability of closing.
Why Structure Wins Deals
Smart deal structuring:
Fortifies financial security
Mitigates personal financial risk.
Attracts premier lenders
Accelerates financing approval.
Cultivates seller confidence
Builds trust and provides clarity.
Dominates competitive bids
Secures deals against rivals.
Controls inherent risks
Minimizes unforeseen liabilities.
Ensures seamless transition
Guarantees operational stability.
Choose Your Path
There isn't a 'best' option — only the one that fits how you want to buy.
Path 1: Exclusive Buyer Engagement
For buyers who want priority access and a clearly defined path
Focus.
Instead of chasing every listing, you align around what you're actually trying to buy — and see the right opportunities first.
Best for: Buyers stepping into ownership for the first time or replacing income who want a focused, structured approach.
Path 2: Strategic, Non-Exclusive Engagement
For buyers who want flexibility without flying blind
Freedom.
You can look at deals wherever they come from — your own network, other brokers, online listings — and bring us in when you want another set of experienced eyes.
Best for: Buyers who have looked at deals before and want perspective without giving up control.
Path 3: Deal Introductions
For buyers who just want access
Conversation.
If you already know how you evaluate, negotiate, and execute deals, sometimes all you need is to be connected to the right seller at the right time.
Best for: Experienced buyers, investors, and groups with their own deal teams.
Some buyers want structure. Some want flexibility. Some want access and nothing else.
The important thing is alignment.
Path 1 — Exclusive Buyer Engagement
For buyers who want priority access and a clearly defined path
This path is about focus.
Instead of chasing every listing, you align around what you're actually trying to buy — and see the right opportunities first.
What you get:
First look at off-market businesses before they're shared broadly
A clear Buy Box so you're not wasting time on the wrong deals
Opportunities surfaced intentionally, not randomly
Help making sense of financials and business details as they're presented
Perspective on what matters in a deal and what doesn't
Support moving an offer forward and keeping the process organized
One clear brokerage relationship for deals pursued under this path
Best for: Buyers stepping into ownership for the first time or replacing income who want a focused, structured approach.
Path 2 — Strategic, Non-Exclusive Engagement
For buyers who want flexibility without flying blind
This path is about freedom.
You can look at deals wherever they come from — your own network, other brokers, online listings — and bring us in when you want another set of experienced eyes.
What you get:
Access to off-market opportunities as they become available
A sounding board when you're evaluating a business
Help thinking through pricing, terms, and deal structure
Support when it's time to put an offer together
Help staying organized during diligence and negotiations
The ability to work with other brokers or source deals on your own
A non-exclusive relationship; some deals may involve seller-paid fees
Best for: Buyers who have looked at deals before and want perspective without giving up control.
Path 3 — Deal Introductions
For buyers who just want access
This path is about conversation.
If you already know how you evaluate, negotiate, and execute deals, sometimes all you need is to be connected to the right seller at the right time.
What you get:
Introductions to off-market sellers open to quiet discussions
Access to opportunities that aren't publicly advertised
Direct conversations without layers of noise
No ongoing involvement unless you request it
Fees handled at closing; some may be seller-paid or shared
Best for: Experienced buyers, investors, and groups with their own deal teams.
How Our Fee Pays for Itself
Our expert negotiation and rigorous analysis consistently generate substantial financial benefits for our clients.
Through deep analysis and negotiation, we routinely secure:
5–20%
Price reductions
$30K–$250K
Addback corrections
$20K–$150K
Working capital adjustments
Longer Seller Financing
Better terms and extended payment periods
Lower Cash at Closing
Reduced upfront capital requirements
Stronger Transition Terms
Better training and support agreements
Our fee is consistently outweighed by the significant savings and enhanced protections we achieve, ensuring a strong return on your investment.
Fast-Start Retainer: Limited Time Offer!
Our standard onboarding retainer is $5,000.
For a strictly limited time, buyers who act now from the Buy Box secure this exclusive offer.
$3,000
What's Included:
- Same level of commitment and priority
- Signals you are serious and ready
- Immediate Savings of $2,000 vs. standard retainer
DON'T DELAY! Act now to secure this exclusive rate.
Hesitation keeps you in the passive buyer pool, and the standard $5,000 retainer applies if you wait.
How the Engagement Works
Your engagement is simple and aligned with your success:
Initial Retainer
$3,000 Today activates your buyer program and get priority access to deals that align with you. Fully refundable if we don't bring you a deal that matches your criteria.
Offer Acceptance
$5,000 due upon first offer acceptance by the seller.
Deal Closing
The remaining success fee is due at deal closing. For well qualified buyers, the SBA may finance this with the acquisition loan.
Service Guarantee
We commit to qualified deal introductions within 30-90 days. You receive a full retainer refund if no qualified deal is presented within 90 days. We also offer a "no ghosting guarantee" – we own your success!
90-Day Deal Guarantee
Our Guarantee to You:
If we do not deliver a qualified deal that fits your Buy Box within 90 days, you receive a full refund of your initial retainer. We stand behind our commitment to your success.
- You receive a full $3,000 refund of your retainer.
- We continue sourcing for you, free of charge.
- We ensure timely communication and no buyer ghosting.
Your Risk
Near zero
Your Upside
Significant
Get Started With Option 1
Activate Priority Access Now
Secure your $3,000 discounted retainer rate today to gain priority access. This exclusive offer requires immediate action to lock in your spot.
Path 1 — Exclusive Representation (Success Fee 10%)
- Highest priority access
- Full acquisition team behind you
- Deepest analysis and protection
- Negotiation and deal structuring leadership
- Best choice for first-time or SBA buyers
Get Started With Option 2
Activate Strategic Support Now
Secure your $3,000 retainer rate today to gain priority access for Option 2. This offer ensures you receive strategic support with a standard fee of 7.5%.
Path 2 — Strategic Non-Exclusive Representation (Success Fee 7.5%)
- Second Priority Access
- Strategic support & deep analysis
- Flexibility for self-sourced deals
- Ideal for experienced or analytical buyers
- Guidance without full exclusivity
Get Started With Path 3
Access Our Deal Flow Today
Secure priority access to curated deal flow with a $3,000 retainer rate. This option is ideal for experienced buyers with internal teams, and standard fees are 5%.
Option 3 — Deal Introductions Only (Success Fee 5%)
- Third Priority Access
- Curated on- and off-market deal flow
- Ideal for experienced buyers (PE, family offices, operators)
- Requires internal teams for evaluation, negotiation & closing
- Focuses solely on deal introductions
Common Questions Buyers Ask
Answers to the most common questions our buyers ask.
Is the $3,000 refundable?
Yes — if we don't deliver a qualified deal in 90 days, your retainer is refunded.
How quickly will I receive qualified deal introductions?
Expect qualified introductions within 30-42 days after Buy Box confirmation. If no qualified deal is delivered in 90 days, your $3,000 retainer is fully refunded.
Do I pay a fee if I find my own deal?
Yes, for Options 1 and 2, fees apply to any deal you pursue during the engagement, even if found independently.
What if I find a deal outside your network?
For Options 1 & 2, representation fees apply if you pursue a deal during engagement. We still provide full support in valuation, negotiation, and closing.
Can I upgrade options later?
Absolutely. You can move into a higher level of support at any time.
Do you work nationwide?
Yes. While our offices are in Phoenix and El Paso, our network and sourcing are national.
Why does exclusivity matter?
Exclusivity ensures sourcing priority and dedicated team attention. Without it, you risk missing deals to better-positioned buyers.
What if I'm brand new to buying a business?
Option 1 was designed exactly for you.
What is the difference between SDE and EBITDA and why do you analyze both?
SDE shows an owner's take-home profit, while EBITDA reflects overall operating profit. We analyze both to provide a clear picture of profitability, avoid hidden costs, and ensure smooth financing.
How does your large nationwide broker network benefit me?
Our 278+ brokers provide unmatched access to confidential, off-market deals and real-time intelligence. This ensures you see the best deals first and gain local market expertise.
What ongoing support can I expect throughout the acquisition process?
Our team guides you at every step, from Buy Box clarity and financial validation to negotiation, closing, and post-close transition. This minimizes risk and maximizes value.
How do you handle fast-moving deals and multiple deals at once?
Our team and AI systems enable rapid vetting and response to new opportunities. We prioritize deals based on your Buy Box and availability, ensuring you never miss critical windows to act.
Is there help drafting offers?
Yes — We prepare the Offers usings attorney written templates, saving you thousands in legal fees and speeding closing. We always recommend having your attorney review.
What guarantees do you provide on timing and retainer refunds?
If you don't receive a qualified deal matching your Buy Box within 90 days, we refund your $3,000 retainer. We also commit to timely communication and no buyer ghosting.
Acquisition Terms Glossary
Key terms every buyer should know:
First Choice Business Brokers
Phoenix AZ Office
1801 E Camelback Rd, Suite 201 Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 675-4261
El Paso TX Office
221 N Kansas St, Suite 700
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 314-0001
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Each office is independently owned and operated.
Acquire.