Best Business Broker Thousand Oaks Near Me

4worldlovers:
A “keystone” is defined as the essential center block of stone in an arch that holds all the pieces together. Without it, the entire arch would collapse.

Keystone Business Advisors has sold over 200 businesses and has the proven experience and capability to hold the various aspects of a deal together to ensure a smooth transition. Each transaction comes with its own unique set of circumstances. Therefore, it is critical to utilize an effective M&A advisor who can provide solutions to complex problems, ensure the process is managed successfully, and deliver the desired outcome. Keystone is a full-service mergers and acquisitions advisory firm. We specialize in the sector of the M&A market that is often underserved, companies with annual sales between $2 million and $100 million. While most business brokers in Southern California focus on the sale of main street businesses such as restaurants, retail, and small service businesses, we direct our focus to an underserved market, namely lower middle-market, privately owned California-based businesses. On the other hand, most investment bankers in Southern California service businesses with a minimum of $50 to $100 million in gross sales and charge upfront retainers. In contrast, Keystone Business Advisors has developed a proven system for marketing and managing the transaction process for lower-middle market companies with a fee structure that is not due until the transaction is complete.

Prior to introducing a business to the market, we carefully analyze its value by leveraging market-based techniques, researching the industry, and examining industry sales comparable data. Obtaining an accurate value assessment is essential to make the best-informed decision about how and when to sell. In this initial stage, we may also suggest strategies to enhance its value.


Once we learn the intricacies of your business, we develop a tailored plan to help you achieve your goals. We conduct initial interviews to understand challenges and value drivers. We strive to collaborate with tax, legal, and financial planning advisors to tackle crucial issues and maximize after-tax proceeds.


The process of selling a business involves numerous stages, and two factors that can hinder the transaction are time and surprises. We take charge of the sale and related tasks, reducing impediments and allowing you to focus on running your business. Our aim is to identify challenges in advance and proactively address them to prevent the transaction from derailing.


Our marketing program aims to reach buyers while protecting your identity. It begins with a 30 to 50-page Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) that highlights vital aspects of the business such as value drivers, competitive advantages, operational summary, key management, customer/market/financial analysis, etc. A solid CIM is essential for a good first impression and better results.

Our expertise lies in marketing your business to potential buyers while maintaining confidentiality. For some, we believe a wider pool of buyers increases the chance of finding the perfect match. For others, we utilize a targeted approach to specific industry or private equity buyers using our extensive databases. This proactive approach saves time and effort while ensuring we reach the best buyers.

Before sharing any confidential information, we screen potential buyers to evaluate their financial and operational capacity. The purpose of this initial screening is to verify that the buyer has sincere intentions and is capable of carrying out the purchase.

Our clients are experts in their respective businesses yet lack the expertise to maximize their selling potential. Keystone is experienced in handling any potential issues that arise during the sale process. We conduct extensive due diligence upfront to prevent any problems before they become “deal killers.”

Research shows that only 20% to 30% of businesses that go to market end up selling. We are proud of our closing rate of over 90%. Our approach involves a rigorous client selection process and limited engagements to provide sufficient time for each project. We adhere to a strict timeline with our top priority being integrity and ensuring a successful deal.

My business partner and I had the most incredible experience in dealing with Dave Richards at Keystone Business Advisors. We are both “over the moon” happy with the high level of service, professionalism, resourcefulness, expertise and problem solving we experienced throughout the entire process. Dave and his team have extensive experience in all aspects of the process from advertising, the vetting process of potential buyers, follow-up, due diligence and escrow. We are beyond impressed and thankful with our experiences with Dave and his team. Thank you Keystone for making our professional dreams come true!