Insight certainty 4/5 debate potential 2/5

Founders have maximum negotiation leverage when courted by acquirers

John Warrillow · Episode 532 | The Art of Selling Your Business with John Warrillow · Jan 19, 2021 · at 11:46

Author and M&A advisor John Warrillow discusses optimal exit timing and acquisition leverage with host Rob Walling on Startups For the Rest of Us.

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“A somewhat glib answer to the question, when's the best time to sell? It's like when somebody makes you an offer. Because at that point, you've got negotiating leverage, right? You're not courting them. They're courting you. And you can use that to your advantage.”

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