Execu-Brief®
March 2026Building Certainty Into Canada’s Future
By: Doug Robbins
“The removal of uncertainty in Canada’s future.”
As a direct result of our government aggressively pursuing new initiatives, Robbinex is now seeing a marked increase in seller / buyer inquiries. The focus is on valuations, consulting, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, refinancing, employee buy-ins, coupled with unique ways of pricing, including earn-outs, timed buyouts, royalty programs, ambassador programs, etc.
“The removal of uncertainty in Canada’s future.”
As a direct result of our government aggressively pursuing new initiatives, Robbinex is now seeing a marked increase in seller / buyer inquiries. The focus is on valuations, consulting, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, refinancing, employee buy-ins, coupled with unique ways of pricing, including earn-outs, timed buyouts, royalty programs, ambassador programs, etc.
January 2026The Pattern of Recession Recovery
By: Doug Robbins
“Why Canada’s Lower-Middle Market is Primed for a Surge in 2026.” Having operated through 5 major recessions since Robbinex was founded in 1974, we have learned that recessions follow a pattern.
“Why Canada’s Lower-Middle Market is Primed for a Surge in 2026.” Having operated through 5 major recessions since Robbinex was founded in 1974, we have learned that recessions follow a pattern.
April 2025The Waiting Game
By: Doug Robbins
Due to the volatile nature of the world landscape currently, we have delayed writing our next Execu-brief until now to attempt to get a better handle on things. In turbulent times such as we see today with the ongoing tariff issues, businesses have a tendency not to be transferred or sold because revenues are challenged, and future profits are literally unpredictable. Everyone starts to play “the waiting game”.
Due to the volatile nature of the world landscape currently, we have delayed writing our next Execu-brief until now to attempt to get a better handle on things. In turbulent times such as we see today with the ongoing tariff issues, businesses have a tendency not to be transferred or sold because revenues are challenged, and future profits are literally unpredictable. Everyone starts to play “the waiting game”.
February 2025If a Tariff War Were To Start…
By: Doug Robbins
At the start of February 2025, American President Donald Trump announced he would be implementing a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China. Energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% tariff. President Trump is taking bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into the United States.
At the start of February 2025, American President Donald Trump announced he would be implementing a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China. Energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% tariff. President Trump is taking bold action to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into the United States.
October 20247 Things to Consider When Selecting an M&A Advisor
By: Doug Robbins
I have met thousands of businesspeople over the past 50 years, and the great majority of small to medium sized business owners/entrepreneurs are “DIYers”. Most have survived many challenges but have continued to work diligently and that is why they are successful today. They believe in themselves, as they should, and many believe they don’t need an M&A Advisor — they believe they can do it themselves.
I have met thousands of businesspeople over the past 50 years, and the great majority of small to medium sized business owners/entrepreneurs are “DIYers”. Most have survived many challenges but have continued to work diligently and that is why they are successful today. They believe in themselves, as they should, and many believe they don’t need an M&A Advisor — they believe they can do it themselves.
September 2024Sh#! Happens – and sometimes it’s tragic
By: Timothy A. Brown
Author’s notes – this was written on the weekend of September 2nd (Labor Day weekend). Since then, he has been let go and is resting in peace…. I’m about to tell you a serious and profoundly sad story. It’s about the importance of having proper documentation in place – specifically, a Power of Attorney (POA) covering 2
Author’s notes – this was written on the weekend of September 2nd (Labor Day weekend). Since then, he has been let go and is resting in peace…. I’m about to tell you a serious and profoundly sad story. It’s about the importance of having proper documentation in place – specifically, a Power of Attorney (POA) covering 2
August 20247 Steps to Prepare a Business for Sale
By: Dana Rennie
Owners of privately owned companies tend to treat their companies as extensions of themselves and tend to incur expenses that would not otherwise be incurred. This is normally done to minimize taxes, both personally and corporately. Recast the financial statements for the past 3 years to reflect the business operations and cash flow as if it were a publicly traded company.
Owners of privately owned companies tend to treat their companies as extensions of themselves and tend to incur expenses that would not otherwise be incurred. This is normally done to minimize taxes, both personally and corporately. Recast the financial statements for the past 3 years to reflect the business operations and cash flow as if it were a publicly traded company.
June 2024With Interest Rates Decreasing, Is Now the Right Time to Sell?
By: Doug Robbins
When I started Robbinex in 1974, the life expectancy of the Canadian male was 69. Retirement was usually at age 65. Today, depending on who you speak to, life expectancy is somewhere between 85 and 92. Are you ready to be retired for 20 or 25 years or longer?
When I started Robbinex in 1974, the life expectancy of the Canadian male was 69. Retirement was usually at age 65. Today, depending on who you speak to, life expectancy is somewhere between 85 and 92. Are you ready to be retired for 20 or 25 years or longer?
May 2024You Sold Your Business. Now What?
By Linda Fairburn
Selling a business is an economical, social and emotional event. This event can find even rugged individuals in new uncertain territory. Without awareness and preparation for these post-sale dynamics, business owners may become blindsided by ambiguity and derailed from finding a new purpose and a life after business. Let’s consider what some of these situations look like.
Selling a business is an economical, social and emotional event. This event can find even rugged individuals in new uncertain territory. Without awareness and preparation for these post-sale dynamics, business owners may become blindsided by ambiguity and derailed from finding a new purpose and a life after business. Let’s consider what some of these situations look like.
April 2024Business Owners are Told they are the Drivers of the Canadian Economy… Why doesn’t our tax and banking systems respect them as such?
By Michael Hunter
We constantly hear that small and medium-sized businesses are the engine of the Canadian Economy. Why is it then that both our Banking and Taxation systems seem to have it out for business owners? Instead of giving entrepreneurs the hand up to grow and expand their businesses, both our Banks and Revenue Canada seem to want to punish entrepreneurs. What do I mean?
We constantly hear that small and medium-sized businesses are the engine of the Canadian Economy. Why is it then that both our Banking and Taxation systems seem to have it out for business owners? Instead of giving entrepreneurs the hand up to grow and expand their businesses, both our Banks and Revenue Canada seem to want to punish entrepreneurs. What do I mean?
March 2024AI in M&A: A Double-Edged Sword for Complexity, Valuation, and Private Equity
by M&A Worldwide
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on M&A is multifaceted, influencing both the complexity and the underlying tools used for valuation, most notably discounted cash flow (DCF) and multiples. However, its effects on private equity (PE) firms paint a complex picture, demanding nuanced analysis. I am not sure where they got this advice, but it is correct.
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on M&A is multifaceted, influencing both the complexity and the underlying tools used for valuation, most notably discounted cash flow (DCF) and multiples. However, its effects on private equity (PE) firms paint a complex picture, demanding nuanced analysis. I am not sure where they got this advice, but it is correct.
February 2024Machinery & Equipment Refinance: Working Capital for Company Acquisition and Organic Growth
by Anthony Siracusa
SME M&A Advisors sometimes state that they only work with Buyers that can write a cheque – now that is an enviable position for both the Buyer and Advisor! This speaks to the balance sheet capability of the Buyer but of course does not necessarily mean that the company acquisition will be funded with cash on hand. Maximizing efficient use of the Buyer’s corporate finance resources will dictate whether monetary assets on hand are to be deployed or whether debt and/or equity issuance will be required.
SME M&A Advisors sometimes state that they only work with Buyers that can write a cheque – now that is an enviable position for both the Buyer and Advisor! This speaks to the balance sheet capability of the Buyer but of course does not necessarily mean that the company acquisition will be funded with cash on hand. Maximizing efficient use of the Buyer’s corporate finance resources will dictate whether monetary assets on hand are to be deployed or whether debt and/or equity issuance will be required.
January 2024Deny Until You Die
By Timothy A. Brown
I recently spoke with a client about the nuances of selling a business. They emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality, advising that staff, suppliers, and other parties should not be alerted of the pending sale until necessary.
I recently spoke with a client about the nuances of selling a business. They emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality, advising that staff, suppliers, and other parties should not be alerted of the pending sale until necessary.
November 2023How to Grow Your Business with a Strategic Partnership
By Dana Rennie
Strategic partnerships are quite common in several industries including manufacturing and distribution. These partnerships can come in many shapes and forms and can help you grow your business by accessing new markets, sharing resources and expertise that are beneficial to both parties.
Strategic partnerships are quite common in several industries including manufacturing and distribution. These partnerships can come in many shapes and forms and can help you grow your business by accessing new markets, sharing resources and expertise that are beneficial to both parties.
October 2023The Importance of Strategic Planning
By Doug Robbins
Robbinex is approaching 50 years of selling businesses. Since our humble beginnings in 1974 we have met thousands of business owners; have sold more than 500 businesses; and have provided advice, support, valuations, and/or guidance to at least a thousand others.
Robbinex is approaching 50 years of selling businesses. Since our humble beginnings in 1974 we have met thousands of business owners; have sold more than 500 businesses; and have provided advice, support, valuations, and/or guidance to at least a thousand others.
September 2023The Importance of Lease Terms
By Doug Robbins
We just completed the sale of a small manufacturing company whose 10,000 sq. ft. lease was about to expire, and the rent was increasing from $6.00 per sq. ft. to $13.50 per sq. ft. The annual base rent increased by $75,000 and the value of the business dropped by almost $400,000.
We just completed the sale of a small manufacturing company whose 10,000 sq. ft. lease was about to expire, and the rent was increasing from $6.00 per sq. ft. to $13.50 per sq. ft. The annual base rent increased by $75,000 and the value of the business dropped by almost $400,000.
July 2023Digital Marketing & Social Media for Professional Services
While traditional marketing tactics are more familiar, they are also typically more expensive and no longer have the success rates that once occurred. By diversifying your marketing activity with digital marketing, you can reach more potential customers in new and exciting ways!
May 2023Leading in the “New Abnormal”
by Bruce McAlpine
The future viewed from today is a lot more nebulous and challenging than it was yesterday. Your team needs to be adequately prepared for the future by having a clear understanding of the external threats and opportunities, as well as their internal strengths and weaknesses. With adequate preparation and a focus on the levers we can control, the opportunities are endless!
The future viewed from today is a lot more nebulous and challenging than it was yesterday. Your team needs to be adequately prepared for the future by having a clear understanding of the external threats and opportunities, as well as their internal strengths and weaknesses. With adequate preparation and a focus on the levers we can control, the opportunities are endless!
February 2023Advisory Councils
by Doug Robbins
An Advisory Council is comprised of external advisors who can provide you with advice as well as an external perspective to help you with your business decisions. Proper use of an Advisory Council can increase both the profitability and the value of a company. What should an Advisory Council consist of?
An Advisory Council is comprised of external advisors who can provide you with advice as well as an external perspective to help you with your business decisions. Proper use of an Advisory Council can increase both the profitability and the value of a company. What should an Advisory Council consist of?
JANUARY 2023Recession-Proof Your Business & Thrive During Challenging Times
In a recession, ensuring your business has enough working capital is not only key to continuing to meet your day-to-day obligations to employees, suppliers, and customers – but it can also put you in a position to take advantage of opportunities to grow. How can I ensure my business is prepared for a recession?
NOVEMBER 2022Relationships for Success
By Judi Johnstone
The numbers are staggering when it comes to success built from a network rather than the drudgery of online searches or the price of costly errors in misplaced trust. Businesses who network find themselves enjoying opportunities to share their knowledge and, by doing this, strengthening their relationships.
The numbers are staggering when it comes to success built from a network rather than the drudgery of online searches or the price of costly errors in misplaced trust. Businesses who network find themselves enjoying opportunities to share their knowledge and, by doing this, strengthening their relationships.
OCTOBER 2022My Second Life, aka Retirement
The advantage of retirement is that it gives you the ability to live life on your terms and gain more control over how you use your time and invest your energy. Retirement has two facets to it: your life plan and your financial plan. Do you have a life plan?
SEPTEMBER 2022Strategic Use of Sales Outsourcing
By Harvey Schiller
In any business organization, you must have an effective sales process in place or everything else is useless. However, the process of selling something has changed dramatically. The main purpose of a salesperson is not to make sales but to initiate and nurture customer relationships. This is where strategic sales outsourcing can be most effective and efficient.
In any business organization, you must have an effective sales process in place or everything else is useless. However, the process of selling something has changed dramatically. The main purpose of a salesperson is not to make sales but to initiate and nurture customer relationships. This is where strategic sales outsourcing can be most effective and efficient.
AUGUST 2022A Digital Avatar - Every Marketing Function Ought to Have One
By Tali Hasanov
The internet is continually changing, as is consumer behavior and the best practices in marketing. Staying up to date with digital marketing trends keeps you ahead of your competitors and ensures that you stay relevant with your customers. Today, many industries are embracing digital avatars. What is a digital avatar?
The internet is continually changing, as is consumer behavior and the best practices in marketing. Staying up to date with digital marketing trends keeps you ahead of your competitors and ensures that you stay relevant with your customers. Today, many industries are embracing digital avatars. What is a digital avatar?
JULY 2022Are You Risking Losing Your Nest Egg?
By Florian Meyer
Many business owners have all their corporate assets in one company. What happens when that company is sued for some unforeseen reason? All the assets in that company are now at risk. Is this risk worth taking, or is there something you can do about it?
Many business owners have all their corporate assets in one company. What happens when that company is sued for some unforeseen reason? All the assets in that company are now at risk. Is this risk worth taking, or is there something you can do about it?
JUNE 2022Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in 2022
By Sara Maenhaut
It’s an employee’s market right now. Candidates can pick and choose what companies they want to work for. If you’re not providing what employees want, you risk missing out on top talent. They will get it somewhere else, maybe even with your competitors. What are the top trends for attracting the best talent?
It’s an employee’s market right now. Candidates can pick and choose what companies they want to work for. If you’re not providing what employees want, you risk missing out on top talent. They will get it somewhere else, maybe even with your competitors. What are the top trends for attracting the best talent?
MAY 2022Who is Addressing the Elephant in the Room?
By Dan Millar
For decades now, employers have offered Employee Benefit programs to their employees and premiums have been reasonably simple to manage. “Shopping around” to find an insurer offering lower rates has been the favored solution of many brokers and advisors for years.
For decades now, employers have offered Employee Benefit programs to their employees and premiums have been reasonably simple to manage. “Shopping around” to find an insurer offering lower rates has been the favored solution of many brokers and advisors for years.
The EXECU-BRIEF® provides valuable insights for both Buyers and Sellers.Sign up and have our EXECU-BRIEF® delivered to your inbox
By submitting this form, you agree to receive email marketing messages from Robbinex at the submitted email address.
Expanded Service Offerings
