Season 2 Episode 13: Beyond the Purchase Price: Confidence through Business Transactions
August 20, 2026
Buying or selling a business can be one of the most significant decisions in a company’s lifecycle. In this episode, Micah Stewart shares insights on transaction planning, due diligence, valuation, and deal structuring, highlighting why early preparation can help business owners maximize value and navigate the transaction process with confidence.
In this episode, we discuss:
- 00:00 - Introduction to Business Transactions
- 01:48 - Current M&A Market Trends
- 03:49 - Industries Driving Transaction Activity
- 04:29 - Why Owners Buy and Sell Businesses
- 07:36 - The Role of an M&A Advisor
- 09:18 - Valuation vs. Quality of Earnings (QofE)
- 12:42 - Due Diligence Beyond the Financial Statements
- 15:12 - Building the Right Transaction Team
- 17:06 - Leveraging Networks and Market Connections
- 18:46 - Risks of Waiting Too Long
- 21:17 - External Factors That Influence Transactions
- 24:16 - Key Takeaways and Final Advice
About our guest Micah Stewart
Micah has experience in tax planning for partnerships, S corporations, corporations, individuals, gratuitous transfers, trusts, and estates. He also has an extensive background in international tax planning. Micah’s engagements include business and tax planning for national and international companies and assistance with reorganization, merger, and acquisition tax issues. In addition, he is an adjunct professor at the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center.
Learn more about Micah and his expertise here.
About our host Brandon Smith
Brandon Smith, CPA, is a Partner based in the Atlanta office and the Advisory Practice Leader.
Learn more about Brandon and his expertise here.
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