Meet our team. We are excited to guide you on your M&A journey.
Backed by over six decades of combined experience, our advisors are dedicated to expertly guiding you through every aspect of your M&A journey.
CEO & Lead M&A Advisor
With nearly two decades of experience, Tayte is a leading M&A advisor known for driving innovation in the industry. He specializes in structuring creative, tailored solutions for even the most challenging and complex transactions.
As a seasoned M&A consultant with over 15 years of experience, Tayte combines deep expertise with a fresh perspective that sets him apart. Leveraging cutting-edge tools and software, he delivers solutions and services far beyond industry norms, ensuring an exceptional client experience.
Clients praise Tayte for his professionalism, diligence, and creative problem-solving. He excels at turning complex deals into stress-free experiences, always exceeding expectations. His ability to navigate intricate transactions without compromising exit value has earned him a reputation as a trusted and reliable advisor.
Tayte thrives on challenges—no deal is too complex for his finely honed skills. Focusing on delivering optimal results and exit value, he ensures your transaction reaches the finish line smoothly and successfully.
When he’s not helping clients, Tayte enjoys camping, snowboarding, hiking, and cherishing time with loved ones. Family and friends are at the heart of his life, enriching his downtime with meaningful moments. His dog, Gem, is his constant companion; the two are inseparable.
Founder & Lead M&A Advisor
With nearly 50 years of industry experience, Mark is a highly accomplished advisor whose extensive skills and deep knowledge have solidified his reputation as a leader in the field. His unwavering commitment to prioritizing client needs has earned him numerous accolades and the trust of countless entrepreneurs.
Decades ago, Mark identified a critical gap in the market and set out to create a professional and tailored M&A advisory service. Since then, he has successfully guided hundreds of clients through complex transactions, delivering exceptional expertise and personalized service at every step.
Together with his dedicated team, Mark provides unparalleled support, leveraging decades of experience to help entrepreneurs achieve their goals and unlock maximum value in their deals.
Outside of work, Mark treasures quality time with his family. An avid pickleball enthusiast, he also enjoys relaxing at the lake with his kids and grandchildren, creating cherished memories.
Senior Administration Specialist
Christine has been an integral part of ABB since 2019, providing dedicated administrative support to the team and clients.
With nearly two decades of expertise in customer relations, human resources management, and office administration, she excels at managing day-to-day tasks, enabling the team to concentrate on innovative M&A solutions.
Leveraging her extensive customer service experience, Christine is committed to making the process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.
Christine is an avid reader who finds joy in exploring and learning through books. She is passionate about cooking and enjoys experimenting with new recipes. Always eager to broaden her horizons, Christine frequently embarks on new hobbies, ranging from knitting to mountain climbing—she’s tried it all. Above all, family is her top priority. She treasures creating lasting memories with her loved ones, including her children and her two beloved dogs.
Head of Administration & Junior M&A Advisor
Elisa brings seven years of hands-on experience in the M&A industry, specializing in client relations and sell-side advisory.
She has refined her skills in facilitating seamless transitions for her clients. Elisa’s passion for connecting buyers and sellers drives her dedication to ensuring smooth and successful transactions for all parties involved.
Her extensive background as a self-employed bookkeeping and payroll specialist gives Elisa a deep understanding of her clients’ unique business needs. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to timeliness, she provides a stress-free and efficient experience for every client.
Outside of her professional life, Elisa loves photography and enjoys exploring the beauty of Vancouver Island with her family, capturing its stunning landscapes. She also cherishes the art of scrapbooking, preserving meaningful memories, and reflecting on life’s special moments in a creative way.
Navigating the complex landscape of advisors can feel daunting, especially with many professionals claiming to be the right fit for your transaction. The choice of advisor plays a pivotal role in the outcome and your overall experience. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve outlined a detailed comparison of commercial realtors, business brokers, M&A consultants, and investment bankers. This guide ensures you select a partner with the expertise and approach tailored to your specific needs.
| Commercial Realtors | Business Brokers | M&A Consultants | Investment Bankers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Selling commercial real estate. Rarely including the business | Selling small businesses typically valued under $2M | Advising on and managing mid-sized business sales and mergers | Facilitating large-scale transactions, often $100M+ |
| Typical Deal Size | $0 to $10M (Property Value) Typically does not include business | Under $2M (Business Value) | $2M to $50M (Business Value) | $50M to $1B+ (Business Value) |
| Experience & Expertise | Strong in real estate market knowledge. Minimal understanding of business transactions | General knowledge of small business operations and sales | Deep expertise in financial analysis, valuation, deal structuring, and buyer procurement | Deep knowledge of finance, investment, and capital markets |
| Commission Structure | 3% to 6% of the property value | 8% to 15% of the business sale price | Modified Lehman scale & other tiered fee structures scaled to the size | 1% to 3% of the transaction value scaled to the size |
| Upfront Fees | Rarely charge upfront fees | Minimal or no upfront fees; primarily commission-based | Often charge a retainer or consulting fees (can range $10K to $50K+) | Almost always charge a retainer (can range $50K-$500K+). |
| Role in Process | Focused on real estate market analysis, property sales, and lease negotiations | Finding buyers, preparing basic marketing materials, and negotiating deals | Comprehensive deal advisory: valuation, market preparation, finding buyers, negotiating, strategic deal structuring. Often end-to-end transaction advisory | End-to-end transaction advisory focusing on complex deal structuring, financing, and valuation |
| Marketing Approach | Listing properties on MLS and commercial real estate platforms | Listing businesses on platforms like BizBuySell and networking | Targeted outreach to strategic and financial buyers; often confidential, including other means of value utilized by business brokers (listings sites, etc.). Extensive networks of qualified and active acquirers | Comprehensive market analysis, outreach to large institutional buyers, and leveraging capital markets |
| Certifications | Real estate license (Does not include education on business transactions) | Business broker certifications (e.g., IBBA's CBI). | Extensive, long-term experience in the industry. May hold credentials like CM&AA, CVA, CFA, MBAs, & Real Estate License | Typically hold MBAs, CFAs, FINRA series licenses. |
| Value to Client | Helps secure the best property value; limited understanding of business operations | Focus on selling smaller businesses quickly; less strategic guidance | Maximizes business value through strategic planning and preparation. Facilitates & accelerates the process & transaction. National or international reach | Access to institutional buyers and global reach |
| Common Clients | Business owners with significant real estate assets | Small business owners looking for buyers | Mid-sized business owners seeking maximum exit value | Large corporations, private equity, and institutional clients |
| Negotiation Strength | Strong in real estate deals but weaker in business transactions | Moderate negotiation skills for small businesses | Skilled in high-stakes negotiations and complex deal terms | Expert negotiators handling multi-million/billion-dollar transactions |
| Timeline for Sale | 3-12 months, depending on property and market | 6-12 months, depending on business size and type | 6-18 months for a well-prepared transaction maximizing value | 12-24 months with significant due diligence and market preparation |
| Confidentiality | Lower: as deals are publicly listed | Moderate: depends on the broker’s discretion | High to very high: The process often involves NDAs and limited disclosure | Very high: strict confidentiality and secure processes. |
| Industries Served | Retail, industrial, office, and mixed-use properties | Broad, with a focus on local small businesses | Wide range, including manufacturing, services, tech, distribution, and many more | Large, complex industries like tech, healthcare, and finance |
| Tools & Resources | MLS systems, property databases, and zoning expertise | Business listing platforms, basic valuation models | Comprehensive valuation models, buyer networks, and financial tools | Access to institutional resources, market intelligence, and global networks |
Our team of experienced M&A consultants and support staff deliver the exceptional expertise and service you would expect from a top-tier M&A firm. We’ve further refined our approach and expanded our capabilities, providing a level of professionalism and tailored solutions that go beyond the standard offerings of most M&A advisors.
Our robust infrastructure enables us to support clients across all market segments. While we specialize in serving businesses within the lower middle market ($2M to $50M), we also offer tailored solutions designed to meet the unique needs of companies of any size.
We look forward to connecting with you and discussing how we can help you exit to maximize value and minimize stress.
With comprehensive M&A services, industry-leading tools, seasoned advisors, decades of combined experience, and a proven track record of hundreds of satisfied clients, we are equipped to expertly guide you through any M&A transaction.
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