The Seller's Journey

Our Stealth Business Acquisition Process: A Discreet and Seamless Transition

A Different Approach to Business Acquisition

At Ardonie Capital, we specialize in stealth business acquisitions, a unique approach designed to minimize disruption to your business operations while protecting your privacy and maintaining the value of your company. Our method ensures a smooth transition for all stakeholders—employees, vendors, and customers—without the upheaval that often accompanies traditional acquisitions.

What is Stealth Business Acquisition?

Stealth business acquisition is a gradual, discreet process where we integrate into your business operations as advisors before assuming ownership. Unlike conventional acquisitions that announce ownership changes publicly, our approach prioritizes confidentiality and operational continuity. This method allows for a seamless transition where the original owner remains involved and employees often don't realize a change in ownership has occurred.

Key Features of Our Stealth Acquisition Process:

Gradual Onboarding

Our experienced managers work alongside you, learning your systems and processes over time. This ensures they are fully prepared to maintain and grow the business without disrupting day-to-day operations.

No Public Announcements

We avoid big statements about ownership changes, ensuring employees, vendors, and customers remain confident in the stability of the business.

Privacy Protection

Your decision to sell remains confidential, safeguarding your reputation and relationships.

Operational Continuity

By integrating slowly and keeping you involved as a valuable advisor, we preserve the culture, processes, and value of your business throughout the transition and beyond.

How Does the Process Work?

Our stealth acquisition method involves several carefully planned steps to ensure a seamless transition for all stakeholders.

Initial Assessment

We conduct a confidential evaluation of your business to understand its operations, systems, and long-term goals. This allows us to tailor our approach specifically to your needs.

Advisor Integration

Our advisors start out working part-time with limited involvement and gradually increase their hours over months. They work closely with you and key employees to learn the intricacies of your business while providing support where needed.

Gradual Ownership Transition

Over time, we assume more responsibility for managing the business. This phased approach ensures employees and vendors are not negatively impacted by sudden changes. In many cases, most employees do not know the company has been sold or is changing ownership.

Post-Acquisition Support

Even after full ownership is transferred, we remain committed to supporting the business's growth and success. You as the owner will have full insight into all operational changes long after the business is sold because we believe owners are the company's greatest asset.

Why Choose Stealth Acquisition?

Selling your business can be an emotional decision, and traditional acquisitions often create unnecessary disruption. Our stealth acquisition method offers several advantages:

Protect Your Legacy

We ensure your company's culture and values are preserved during the transition.
Minimize Risk

Employees are less likely to feel insecure or leave due to sudden changes in leadership.
Maintain Business Value

A seamless transition prevents operational disruptions that could impact revenue or customer relationships.
Confidentiality Guaranteed

Your decision to sell remains private until you choose otherwise.

Who Benefits from Stealth Acquisitions?

Our approach is ideal for business owners who value privacy, stability, and a smooth transition.

Business Owners Nearing Retirement

Who want a smooth exit without unsettling their team or clients.

Privacy-Conscious Owners

Concerned about protecting their reputation or privacy during the sale process.

Complex Operations

Companies with complex operations that require careful onboarding of new leadership.

Our Investment Criteria

We focus on acquiring businesses that meet specific criteria to ensure a successful partnership.

Financial Profile

We look at companies with an EBITDA of $250K to $2.5M, demonstrating consistent profitability and growth potential.

$250K to $2.5M EBITDA
Consistent cash flow
Growth potential

Principal Buyers

We are principal buyers, not brokers or intermediaries. This means we make decisions quickly and work directly with sellers.

Direct decision-making
No third-party approvals needed
Faster transaction process

Industries We Avoid

While we're open to most industries, there are a few we do not acquire due to our investment strategy and values.

Gas stations
Bars/night clubs
Adult entertainment establishments

Our Acquisition Timeline

We can make a letter of intent in as little as 7 days, offer within 30 days, and closing within 90 days, depending on several variables outside of our control and the complexity of the acquisition.

Day 1

Initial Contact & NDA

NDAs are signed within 24 hours to assure privacy and discretion. We take confidentiality seriously from the very beginning.

Day 7

Letter of Intent

After initial review, we can provide a letter of intent outlining our interest and preliminary terms.

Day 30

Formal Offer

We can make all cash, all terms, stock and asset price offers. We work very hard to make win/win deals only.

Day 90

Closing

We can close in as little as 90 days, with a seamless transition plan already in place to maintain business continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about our stealth acquisition process and what it means for you as a business owner.

Confidentiality & Process

How will you ensure confidentiality during the sale?

We understand how critical confidentiality is when selling your business. Our stealth acquisition method ensures there are no public announcements or visible changes to your operations during the transition. We work discreetly, integrating as advisors while maintaining your privacy and protecting relationships with employees, customers, and vendors.

Will my employees or customers find out I'm selling?

Not unless you choose to tell them. Our gradual onboarding process ensures that employees, customers, and vendors experience no disruption or uncertainty. We avoid sudden announcements and work behind the scenes to maintain stability and confidence in your business.

How long does the sale process take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your business, but our stealth acquisition approach is designed to move at a pace that works for you. The gradual transition allows us to integrate seamlessly without rushing the process, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

What makes your acquisition approach different?

Our stealth acquisition method is designed specifically to minimize disruption and protect your privacy throughout the process. Unlike traditional acquisitions that involve public announcements or sudden changes in leadership, we integrate gradually as advisors before transitioning into ownership. This ensures smooth operations, maintains employee morale, and preserves the value of your business.

Do you work with brokers?

At this time we do not deal directly with brokers. We do offer a finder's fee for successful acquisitions but we do not sign any type of contract with brokers at this time.

Business Transition

What happens to my employees after the sale?

Our goal is to preserve the legacy and stability of your business, which includes retaining your employees. We work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition for staff, maintaining their roles and responsibilities while building trust in the new leadership.

Will I need to stay involved after selling?

Yes, but only for a limited time and in a capacity that works for you. During our gradual onboarding process, we may ask for your guidance as we learn the systems and processes that make your business successful. This ensures a smooth handoff and protects the value of what you've built.

What happens if I have existing contracts or leases?

We'll review all contracts and leases as part of our due diligence process. Most agreements can be transferred or renegotiated as needed, and we'll work with you to ensure a seamless transition that satisfies all parties involved.

How will this sale affect my company's legacy?

Preserving your company's legacy is one of our top priorities. We respect what you've built and strive to maintain its culture, reputation, and operational success throughout and after the transition.

Who will make decisions after the sale?

You are the company's greatest asset. Your wisdom, experience, and relationships are most important for the company's ongoing success. We try not to make any major disruptions, especially during the transition period. We will always do what is in the best interest of the company and its employees.

Financial Considerations

How do you determine the value of my business?

We use a comprehensive valuation process that considers financial performance, industry trends, operational systems, and growth potential. Our goal is to offer a fair price that reflects the true value of your business while ensuring a win-win outcome.

Will I get the best price?

One of the reasons why we believe we are the fastest growing acquisition company in the US is because we use very transparent valuation models. You will know exactly how we came up with our price and terms. Our offers are based on an absolute middle risk-reward number. So you can be confident our offer to you will not be based on emotions, unearned optimism, or an attempt to "steal" your business. It will be a fair win-win offer for both sides.

Do I need to prepare my business before selling?

Yes, preparation is key to maximizing value. This includes organizing financial records, streamlining operations, and reducing reliance on you as the owner. However, our stealth acquisition method allows us to work with you during this process if needed, minimizing stress on your end.

Will I need to offer seller financing?

Seller financing isn't required but can make your business more attractive to buyers by widening the pool of potential acquirers. If this is an option you're open to, we'll structure terms that benefit both parties while ensuring security for you.

How do I know if now is the right time to sell?

The best time to sell is when your business is performing well and has strong financials in place. If you're considering retirement or exploring new opportunities, now might be an excellent time for us to discuss how we can help you transition smoothly while maximizing value.

What if I change my mind about selling?

We understand that selling a business is an emotional decision, and circumstances can change. Our process is flexible and designed to move at your pace—there's no pressure or obligation until you're ready to proceed.

Let's Start a Confidential Conversation

If you're considering selling your business but want to ensure discretion and continuity, contact us today for a confidential discussion. Together, we'll create a plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Days to Close

100%

Confidentiality

Disruption

We can close in as little as 90 days. But the transfer may take longer. We do not believe in making a lot of noise about a business's change in ownership. We have found that this is not good for the business owner, the business, or for us. It causes employee disruption, vendor concerns, and customer and client issues. We have found that stealth acquisitions where we discreetly transfer ownership maintains the business's value, maintains customer and employee satisfaction, and more.