About Bowman/Hanson
Bowman/Hanson is a microcap investment banking firm that offers merger and acquisition services to middle-market companies (companies valued at between $1 and $50 million). We specialize in the following activities:
Selling a Business
For owners of middle-market companies, we act as exclusive investment bankers, preparing and marketing the business for sale. Our five-phase finely-tuned process generates the optimum price and terms while ensuring the highest level of confidentiality.
My CPA recommended Kris Karlson to help me sell my business, Eurodesign. Because of various patents, warranties, multiple types of WIP and other issues, the due diligence process was exhaustive, and took several months to complete. Kris attended every single weekly breakfast meeting, and handled every email, phone call and piece of paper personally. There is no way I could have done this without his help, and he’s the main reason the sale went so smoothly. ~ Ward Wildanger, Former owner of Eurodesign
Acquisition Financing/Management Buyouts
We assist buyers and/or operating management in the structuring of transactions and preparation of business plans. Bowman/Hanson maintains relationships with various banks, asset-based lenders, and mezzanine sources that focus on financing buyouts of companies in the range of $5 to $20 million in sales. We can raise debt capital ($1 to $20 million), mezzanine ($5 to $10 million), or “mini” mezzanine ($1 to $3 million). Our total transaction size is generally in the $2 to $50 million range.
Acquisition Search
We help middle-market companies, buyout funds, and search funds identify and qualify suitable companies for acquisition. We qualify the candidates and package sellers that have realistic market-value expectations.
I trust Kris. He’s a man of high integrity. He looks for the best situation for my clients, and he’s not going to try to talk them into doing anything that doesn’t make sense for them. ~ Pam Hedblad, CPA
Business Appraisal
We perform evaluations to determine market value, for sales and mergers, succession planning, and friendly partner buyouts. Valuation is as much art as science, yet it also is a highly technical field. The ability to judge which valuation method is best suited to a company’s needs and apply it to get an accurate picture of value requires the experience Bowman/Hanson can bring to the table.
To create an accurate appraisal, one must have an intimate knowledge of the industry in which the appraisal takes place. Business valuation is far more than crunching numbers. Therefore, we only do business valuations for the narrow range of Services, Manufacturing and Media businesses for which we have experience.
If I have a client who wants to sell or buy a business, I will generally turn to Bowman/Hanson for information, both for me and for my client. They’ll provide help without trying to sell services to my clients. ~ Gary Strutz, CPA, Managing Partner Storek, Carlson & Strutz
Business Succession Coaching
You may not be ready to sell, and that’s just fine with us. We’ll help you on a year-to-year basis continue to grow the value of your business and get everything ready for your successful transition.
Learn more about our Business Succession Coaching
Note: Most of our services are billed with an engagement fee and a performance fee upon successful completion of a transaction.