How to build a deal team?

July 16, 2024

by a searcher from University of Texas at Austin in Dallas, TX, USA

I am looking to buy a 100-300k SDE business (e.g., laundromat) in the next 12 months as my first rep of ETA, followed by a larger acquisition of $1M+ SDE in###-###-#### months, likely in a different NAICS. I am searching in Texas, particularly the DFW region as well.

I have had good conversations with both lenders and brokers thus far, and may be on the verge of submitting an LOI. I’m looking for recommendations on how to source a deal team (also open to direct contacts as well):
- QOE / financial DD
- Deal attorney / legal DD

Any other types of professionals yall recommend I look to connect with as well?

Bonus question: for each of the members of your deal team, in one sentence, what do you expect them to do for you?

Reply by a professional
from University of Notre Dame in New York, NY, USA

Thanks ^redacted‌. I'm the head of the PE group at Cullen and work with small PE, independent sponsors and searchers on a wide range of deals. We're a full service firm, but priced like a boutique (e.g., capped fees, no retainer, everything payable at closing). All of us have a BigLaw pedigree and bring that level of sophistication to SMB deals. Happy have an introductory chat - feel free to email redacted or DM me.

Reply by a professional
from University of Michigan in Detroit, MI, USA

Groundswell is a legal boutique focused on self-funded searchers and independent sponsors. We work with our clients at every deal stage: LOI, diligence, transaction documents, and closing. If you need help from a legal perspective, it would be great to have a chat to see whether we would be a good fit. Feel free to reach out here or directly at redacted

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