Sell Your Business in California with Confidence
Premier sell-side M&A advisors guiding middle-market founders across Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and beyond.
Sell Your Business in California with Leading M&A Advisors Serving Los Angeles, San Diego & Beyond.
Your Vision, Our Nationwide Expertise: The William & Wall Advantage
William & Wall is a Scottsdale-based boutique investment bank providing sell-side M&A advisory and business sale services to middle-market founders across the Southwest and California. From Los Angeles’s media and tech firms to San Diego’s life sciences, and San Francisco’s SaaS and venture-backed companies, we guide business owners through ownership transitions, strategic sales, shareholder liquidity events, and divestitures — supported by a nationwide buyer network of private equity firms and strategic acquirers. Our role is to help California founders maximize value and protect their legacy through disciplined transactions.
Why founders choose William & Wall:
California-focused M&A advisors serving Greater Los Angeles, the Bay Area, San Diego and beyond, with Southwest strength and national reach
A competitive sale process designed to generate premium offers while safeguarding confidentiality
Founder-first guidance that balances value creation with respect for vision and legacy
Proven expertise in valuation, financial modeling, and deal execution
Guiding California founders through business sales and strategic M&A transactions with clarity and confidence.
Why Business Owners Trust Our M&A Advisory
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Local Roots, Regional Expertise
Phoenix-based M&A advisors serving California business owners across Greater Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area.
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Competitive Auction Process
Driving premium offers through confidential auctions with private equity firms and strategic buyers across the United States.
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Founder-Focused Approach
We guide business owners with clarity and respect, with $30B+ in transactions, including CEO experience at a billion dollar company.
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Data-Driven Business Valuation
Rigorous valuation methods and financial analysis to determine what your company is worth in a business sale in today’s market.
The Four Steps of a Successful Business Sale
Selling a company is rarely just financial — it’s the culmination of decades of work. For California founders, the challenge lies not in deciding to sell, but in navigating the process strategically.
William & Wall provides sell-side M&A advisory for middle-market businesses across Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and the Bay Area. We help owners manage succession-driven exits, shareholder liquidity events, and strategic sales, using a step-by-step approach that aligns value with long-term goals. Our process ensures founders capture full worth while safeguarding their employees, customers, and legacy.
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Every successful transaction begins with preparation. We help business owners set clear goals, evaluate timing, and align valuation targets with personal and financial objectives. Whether you’re planning retirement, succession, or liquidity, our pre-sale strategy ensures your company is positioned for success.
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Accurate valuation is the foundation of a strong sale. Using data-driven financial models, EBITDA multiples, and industry benchmarks, we determine what your company is truly worth in today’s M&A market. Our business valuation services provide clarity so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
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We craft professional, confidential materials that highlight your company’s strengths and growth story. Then we connect you with our nationwide network of private equity firms and strategic acquirers. By running a competitive auction process, we drive multiple bids and ensure you receive the strongest terms.
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From letters of intent to final purchase agreements, our team manages the entire negotiation process. We structure deals to maximize after-tax proceeds, reduce risk, and align with your legacy goals. With William & Wall as your advisor, you’ll have institutional-grade expertise at every step of the transaction.
William & Wall is a boutique investment bank serving California founders, specializing in M&A & business sales in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, & beyond.
$1.2B
Firm Clients Served
$30B
Lifetime Volume
$100M
In Client Savings
35+
Years Experience
2021
Firm Est.
California M&A Blog Insights
Unabridged California Founder’s Guide: Start your business sale journey with confidence.
Private Equity Wishlist: A deep dive into what private equity firms are looking for in California businesses.
California’s M&A Future: Guidance on timing and value capture for exits to private equity and strategics.
City Spotlights: See M&A spotlights on San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Sacramento.
California Deal Insights: A recap of recent transactions and benchmarks.
Your Business. Your Legacy. Our Advisory.
Trusted Sell-Side M&A, Private Equity Advisory, & Business Valuation
Sell-Side Mergers & Acquisitions: Your Guide to Success
At William & Wall, we guide middle-market business owners through the most important financial transitions of their lives. Whether you’re preparing for an exit, raising capital, or planning succession, our investment banking expertise ensures outcomes that maximize value while protecting legacy.
When Owners Call Us
“We’re expanding and need capital to fund growth.”
“I’m thinking of selling my business but don’t want to lose control.”
"I need liquidity without selling my entire business."
“Our company needs to buy out partners or shareholders.”
“My family needs help with succession planning from California M&A Advisors.”
“I’m evaluating an acquisition opportunity to grow my enterprise.”
“How do I plan a management buyout for my team?”
“Can I sell my business in California but stay involved after the sale?”
“How can I exit my business and secure my legacy?”
"I want to sell my business for the most money possible."
If these questions resonate, William & Wall provides the clarity, expert investment banking services, and transaction expertise to move forward with confidence.
Sell-Side M&A: Maximizing Value and Legacy
We specialize in sell-side services, guiding owners through exits, strategic business sales, shareholder liquidity events, and divestitures. Our comprehensive process delivers premium outcomes by combining:
Pre-Planning & Valuation – Establish clear goals with accurate, data-driven valuation.
Marketing & Outreach – Position your business to attract the right private equity firms and strategic buyers.
Transaction Execution – From structuring and negotiation to closing, we manage every step with precision.
Buy-Side Acquisitions: Growth with Precision
For acquisitive businesses, William & Wall structures, leads, and finances buy-side transactions that maximize enterprise value:
Strategy development aligned with long-term goals.
Target identification, outreach, and diligence.
Financing and negotiation support to secure favorable terms.
Seamless execution through closing.
Shareholder & Succession Solutions
When ownership changes are required, we deliver tailored solutions including:
Management buyouts and recapitalizations.
Private equity partnerships and liquidity strategies.
Comprehensive support from transaction design to final closing.
Answering the Questions Founders Ask Most
For many business owners, the first step in considering a transaction is simply understanding what their company is worth and how the process works. Owners often begin with practical questions about valuation, timing, and preparation:
“What is my business worth?”
“How to sell my business in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Orange County, or across California?”
“Who do I contact to sell my business in California?”
“Where can I find California business valuation services near me?”
“What are the steps to prepare for mergers and acquisitions?”
“How long does a business sale take?”
These signal the beginning of a transition mindset, where clarity around worth and process becomes essential. Yet selling a business is never just a financial decision — it’s deeply personal. Many founders quietly ask, “Is my business ready to sell?” or “What will happen to my employees if I move on?” Others wonder, “What’s the best time to sell my business in 2026?” or “How do I plan succession so my family is secure?”
These aren’t just technical questions — they reflect the weight of a life’s work and the responsibility you feel to those who built it with you. Some owners wrestle with how to retire while protecting culture. Others fear losing control or not receiving full value for what they’ve created.
At William & Wall, we know these decisions carry as much emotion as they do numbers. That’s why we sit on the same side of the table as you — guiding founders through uncertainty, balancing financial outcomes with human impact, and ensuring that when you sell, you feel both confident in the transaction and at peace with the transition.
Why William & Wall?
With over $30B in cumulative transaction expertise, we combine institutional rigor with boutique focus. For founders and families, we understand every transaction is about more than numbers — it’s about people, continuity, and securing the future you envision.
Start Your Next Chapter
Whether you’re selling, raising capital, or planning succession, William & Wall is your trusted partner in M&A advisory.
Contact us today to begin your M&A journey.
Reasons Business Owners Sell
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Financial Freedom
Unlock liquidity from your life’s work — whether to retire, diversify your wealth, or pursue new ventures — with a sale that maximizes your business’s value.
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De-Risking Your Wealth
Concentrating your net worth in one company is risky. A sale converts that risk into diversified wealth, ensuring your family’s financial security.
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Legacy Secured
Choose a partner that aligns with your vision and values. With the right buyer, you can preserve your culture, protect employees, and ensure your brand’s future.
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Market Advantage
Selling during favorable market conditions positions owners to capture stronger offers and negotiate better terms. Companies in high-demand sectors often spark competitive bidding, helping to secure premium outcomes.
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Competitive Edge
Partnering with a well-capitalized buyer allows your business to invest in technology, talent, and growth strategies that keep you ahead of competitors.
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Peace of Mind
Free yourself from the risks, pressures, and day-to-day burdens of ownership. A well-structured transaction provides stability for your family, employees, and financial future.
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Security for the Future
Ensure long-term stability for your family and employees by locking in value today. A thoughtful transaction protects both your wealth and the business legacy you’ve built.
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Succession Simplified
A sale can provide clarity in passing ownership to family, management, or new investors — avoiding uncertainty and protecting both personal wealth and business continuity
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Opportunity Unlocked
Selling creates new options — from enjoying retirement to pursuing fresh ventures to scaling your company further with the right capital partner. A transaction can open doors you couldn’t reach on your own.
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Strength in Transition
Many owners want liquidity but aren’t ready to walk away. A partial sale or recapitalization lets you take chips off the table while keeping a meaningful role in the company’s future.
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Growth Beyond You
The right buyer brings capital, resources, and strategic expertise that can take your company further than you could alone. Selling ensures the business you built continues to grow and thrive well into the future.
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Health & Wellness Prioritized
A transition gives you the chance to focus on your well-being — whether that means spending more time with family, traveling, or pursuing the hobbies and lifestyle you’ve worked hard to enjoy.
Selected Clients & Testimonials
“Due to a complex legal situation, I had to sell my company quickly. William and Wall completed the deal two months sooner than expected and secured double the initial offer, far exceeding my expectations. Needless to say, I highly recommend them.”
“As a Dental Partnership Organization, Imagen needed an advisor with both sector insight and technical rigor. William & Wall’s financial modeling and valuation work provided a clear, defensible understanding of our position in a rapidly consolidating market. Their strategic guidance brought the discipline and sophistication of a top-tier boutique investment bank, paired with the accessibility and focus of a firm that treats every mandate with precision.”
“It's not often you find a financial firm like William and Wall that genuinely understands the complexities of a niche market like ours and doesn’t just put you in a box. The firm was easy to work with, was attentive to the intricacies of our industry, and displayed a real grasp of the medical staffing industry, paying close attention to the details that make our business unique. I appreciate their straightforward approach and would recommend them to anyone in a specialized field seeking clear, informed financial guidance.”
William & Wall: California M&A Spotlight
California remains the epicenter of U.S. M&A activity, anchored by Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Deal flow surged to 2,349 transactions in 2021 valued at $441.7B, the state’s all-time high, before moderating to 1,791 transactions ($338.5B) in 2022. By 2023 (1,185 transactions, $140.4B) and 2024 (1,239 transactions, $157.4B), activity normalized but continued to dwarf every other state in both volume and value, underscoring California’s enduring dominance in technology, healthcare, and media-driven dealmaking.
Several landmark transactions highlight California’s outsized role. In technology, Broadcom (San Jose) acquired VMware (Palo Alto) in 2023 for $69B, one of the largest software transactions ever recorded. Microsoft’s $19.7B acquisition of Nuance Communications in 2021, while headquartered in Massachusetts, was heavily tied to California’s AI and healthcare technology ecosystem. In consumer and entertainment, Disney (Burbank) acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019 for $71B, reshaping the global media landscape. Shutterfly’s $2.7B acquisition of Lifetouch in 2018 and Snap’s IPO in 2017 (Venice, $33B valuation) further reflect the strength of California’s digital economy.
Healthcare and life sciences remain equally central. Amgen (Thousand Oaks) acquired Horizon Therapeutics in 2022 for $28B, reinforcing the state’s leadership in biopharma consolidation. Similarly, Gilead Sciences (Foster City) acquired Immunomedics in 2020 for $21B, expanding its oncology portfolio. Meanwhile, in logistics and electric vehicles, Tesla (Palo Alto, later Austin) has fueled recurring M&A and capital raises, including its $2.6B acquisition of SolarCity in 2016, which solidified California’s position as a hub for clean tech.
Taken together, these transactions reaffirm California’s unmatched scale and strategic significance in global M&A. From enterprise SaaS in Silicon Valley to entertainment in Los Angeles and biotech in San Diego, the state continues to command premium valuations and robust buyer competition. With private equity dry powder at historic highs and strategic acquirers pursuing transformative growth, 2026 presents California business owners with a unique opportunity to capitalize on one of the world’s most liquid and competitive M&A markets.
TL;DR
William & Wall specializes in sell-side M&A advisory, helping business owners navigate business exits, recapitalizations, liquidity solutions, and divestitures with confidence. Our comprehensive approach ensures maximum value while protecting your legacy.
Pre-Planning & Strategy: Set clear valuation goals with expert guidance.
Analytical Modeling: Leverage data-driven insights for accurate business valuation.
Marketing & Outreach: Create compelling materials and connect with the right investors.
Transaction Expertise: End-to-end support for structuring, negotiation, and closing.
FAQs
What does an investment banker like William & Wall do in a business sale?
William & Wall is a sell-side M&A advisor for business owners. We manage the full sale process—from valuation and positioning to buyer outreach, negotiation, and closing—running competitive auctions with private equity, family offices, and strategic acquirers to maximize value and legacy.
How long do engagements last?
M&A engagements typically run 4–7 months. Consulting work may last one month or continue on a recurring basis.
Does William & Wall work with family-owned businesses?
Yes. We regularly advise family-owned and founder-led businesses, structuring deals that balance liquidity, succession, and long-term legacy.
How is William & Wall different from a business broker?
Unlike brokers who focus on small, local deals, William & Wall is a boutique investment bank advising middle-market companies on complex M&A transactions with institutional buyers.
What type of companies does William & Wall serve?
We work with founder-led and privately held businesses under $100M in revenue and $1M–$10M in EBITDA, across sectors such as software, healthcare, industrial services, manufacturing, and consumer.
Does William & Wall only work within certain geographies?
William & Wall advises companies across the continental United States, with a strong regional presence in the Southwest. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, we proudly service companies across Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and the broader Pacific region.
Forces Driving Today’s M&A Market
A historic wave of Baby Boomer ownership transitions, combined with record levels of private equity dry powder, is reshaping the M&A landscape. As millions of founders approach retirement, buyers armed with unprecedented capital reserves are intensifying competition for quality businesses. The data show that auction-led processes, by harnessing this demographic and financial alignment, enable sellers to capture materially higher valuations than negotiated outcomes.
Percent of Baby Boomers over 65 (MM)
U.S. Buyout Dry Powder ($BN)
Expected Seller Value with Buyer Competition
Selected References
Bulow, Jeremy & Paul Klemperer. Auctions Versus Negotiations. American Economic Review, vol. 86, no. 1, 1996, pp. 180–94.
European Corporate Governance Institute. Unravelling Bidding Strategies in M&A Transactions: Evidence from the Private Phase of the Deal Process. 2024.
Jetley, Gaurav & Yuxiao Huang. Expediting M&A Deal Processes via Negotiations vs. Auctions.
Klemperer, Paul. Auction Theory: A Guide to the Literature. Centre for Economic Policy Research, 1999.
Liu, Tingting & Micah S. Officer. Inside the Black Box of Private Merger Negotiations. SSRN, 2020.
Liu, Tingting, Micah Officer & Danni Tu. Negotiation, Auction, or Negotiauction?! Evidence from the Field. 2023.
S&P Capital IQ. U.S. Private Equity Dry Powder – Buyout Trends, 2025.
Vasu, Rajkamal. Auctions or Negotiations? A Theory of How Firms Are Sold. University of Houston, 2023.
U.S. Census Bureau. Baby Boom Cohort in the United States: Percentage Age 65 and Over, 2025.
William & Wall Competitive Dynamics Framework (Proprietary Analysis, 2025)
Transaction Prices & Probability of Entry
Plan Your Best Move:
The Business Owner’s Playbook Diagnostic
William & Wall’s Proprietary 20-Minute Readiness Assessment
Developed by William & Wall for business owners contemplating a transition, this diagnostic is a proven framework to evaluate your readiness to sell, pass on, or continue building your company. In just 20 minutes, you’ll answer structured questions, score your results, and gain clarity on the options ahead.
Your business is more than numbers — it’s your life’s work, your people, your legacy. This tool helps you approach one of the most important decisions of your life with foresight, confidence, and a clear path forward.
M&A Overview
$2M–$10M
EBITDA Profile
<$100M
Revenue Profile
10,000+
Buyer Network
Agnostic
Industry Coverage
USA
Geographic Focus
In-person and remote options
Our office is conveniently located in Scottsdale, Arizona, although we proudly work with clients in California and across the continental U.S. We offer Zoom calls and in-person consultations.
