At Bridgeway Partners, we lead business owners through the process of finding a succession partner – one equipped to expand upon the legacy, team, and success they’ve built.
$1B+
In Closed Transactions
1
Years of Combined
M&A Experience
M&A Experience
Our Strategic Approach Drives Results
Industries Served
Frequently Asked Questions
Private equity–backed partners offer a unique mix of advantages that help take a seller’s legacy to the next level.
- Growth for your team – PE-backed platforms are actively investing in infrastructure and talent, creating new career opportunities for key employees.
- Financial & operational resources – These buyers bring capital, strategic guidance, and back-office support to help scale what you’ve already built.
- Long-term growth mindset – They’re not just buying a business—they’re investing in a future, which often aligns with the seller’s vision.
- Rollover equity – By retaining a portion of ownership, sellers can benefit from a “second bite of the apple.” It’s a rare opportunity—only about 2% of people get to invest in private equity deals.
We have a ton of passion around this topic and it’s why we focus on pairing sellers with the right PE-backed partner—one that shares their vision and has the horsepower to grow it.
For every potential partnership, we start with three core requests:
- Three years of payroll reports
- Three years of income statements (P&Ls)
- Three years of balance sheets
From there, additional requests may vary depending on the industry and the unique aspects of your business. Our goal is to gather just enough to tell your story effectively—nothing more, nothing less.
Unlike most brokers, we focus exclusively on a targeted segment of the buyer market—primarily private equity–backed groups. That focus gives us a deep understanding of how they operate, how they structure deals, and what makes a good fit. It allows us to cut through the noise and connect you with the right buyers—quickly and without the usual headaches. Additionally, it remains the highest level of confidentiality for your business, which is critically important.
We act as your guide, not your boss. You stay in control every step of the way.
And importantly, we don’t get paid unless you do. There are no retainers or monthly service fees. If we don’t deliver on finding you the right growth partner, we haven’t earned a dime.
The short answer: it depends.
In a best-case scenario—with a motivated seller and aligned buyer—we can move from first conversation to close in as little as 6 months. That said, some engagements may take closer to 12 months, especially if timing, industry dynamics, or business readiness add complexity.
Every business is different, but our goal is always to move efficiently without sacrificing value.
It’s a fair question—and to be candid, you can sell your business without us. But here’s the value we bring:
- Not all buyers are equal. It takes time and experience to know who to trust, which group best meets your goals, and how to spot red flags in a pitch.
- We know what your business is worth. We help you set realistic expectations, then run a competitive sale process to maximize value.
- Real money is at stake. Data shows that a proprietary deal—or a poorly run process—can leave 50% of a year’s profits on the table.
- You only sell once. It’s a high-stakes decision, and we’re here to make sure you get it right.
Running your company while trying to manage a sale is two full-time jobs—something often takes a hit. Our job is to take the heavy lift off your plate so you can stay focused and walk away with peace of mind.