In an article from the LA Times, GHJ Transaction Advisory Services Practice Leader David Sutton examines recent trends, from increases in financial scrutiny to automation, impacting private equity in California. 

Today’s buyers are focused on learning more about what a company’s historical earnings mean for its future and the sustainability of its cash flow. At the same time, financial diligence allows sellers to deliver cleaner, more accessible data, particularly with the ways in which AI and automation improve how data is analyzed and accelerate the diligence process. 

David shares guidance with the LA Times to discuss how founders can prepare now to maximize value for an eventual sale, what buyers often discover during diligence that slows deals down as well as factors likely to reshape the M&A industry in years to come. 

ABOUT DAVID SUTTON

David has over 20 years of experience advising privately held and founder owned companies, as well as private equity firms, on complex transactions. At GHJ, he leads a national team focused on financial due diligence, quality of earnings analysis and strategic transaction support. Known for his deep sector knowledge and collaborative approach to client service, David regularly works with leaders on buy- and sell-side deals across manufacturing, food and beverage, logistics, entertainment, media and more.

Read the full article in the LA Times: Insights on Core Private Equity and M&A Strategies.