What I Learned Last Week: Q1 Deal Flow, Searcher Paths, and What the Internet Is Telling Us

This week’s issue of The Business Inquirer covers a lot of ground — from fresh Q1 market data, to a comparison of acquisition paths, to insights surfacing online. The big picture? The market is steady but evolving, and savvy buyers are adapting in real time. Key takeaways: 📈 Q1 2025 deal activity is steady, but slower: BizBuySell’s latest report shows a 2% uptick in deals and 9% increase in transaction value, but time-to-close is creeping up (198 days, +15% YoY). Tariffs are introducing uncertainty, yet resilient sectors like manufacturing (+54% median price) and essential services remain attractive. 🤝 Self-funded search vs. independent sponsor — different risks, different rewards: A DueDilio piece breaks down the two paths: self-funded searchers retain control and more equity but bear full risk. Independent sponsors can tackle larger deals using investor capital, but must share decision-making and returns. 🌐 Market signals from the field: Online chatter points to creative deal strategies (like stitching together sub-$5M acquisitions), buyer patience as a virtue, and renewed interest in marketing-led growth post-close. Meanwhile, search interest in “buy a business” continues its 5-year upward trend. 📜 SBA policy updates are rolling out: New SBA guidance is landing — with posts from M&A attorneys and loan brokers offering early interpretations. These changes could affect eligibility, deal structures, and buyer strategies. Worth keeping a close eye on. 📬 Full newsletter here: https://thebusinessinquirer.substack.com/p/what-i-learned-last-week###-###-#### Questions for the community: - What are you seeing in terms of deal timelines and buyer sentiment this quarter? - For those weighing acquisition models — how did you decide between going solo or partnering with capital providers? Let’s hear how you’re navigating the current landscape.