Deal Time

I don’t believe there is a “mergers and acquisitions” month, but if there was, it would be hard to assign that title to just one month. Every single month seems like it could be M&A month with the number of moves being announced on a daily, weekly and, well, monthly basis. 

We have a lot going on the next couple of months around M&A. This issue features our first State of the M&A market, which includes research and reporting on the different perspectives from those inside the industry and an investor on the outside looking to enter it via private equity investment. 

We ask questions about how interested readers are in selling their company and if they know what EBITDA stands for (67% say they do). We are also getting closer to our 2025 Business Builders event, which we launched last year because of the amount of M&A in the industry.  

From the conversations I’ve had with people in the industry over the past few years, they are a lot more open to private equity fueling a lot of these acquisitions. One constant positive I hear, which I agree with, is the way it will improve the professionalism of the industry. 

The more tools and resources a company has from an outside investor can only help change the perception of landscaping as “just a job” to an industry comprised of successful entrepreneurs. 

Even if it’s a move without any PE backing, a successful company buying a smaller, yet still successful company results in a stronger entity.

The bigger presence a reputable and professional landscaping company can be in a local market, only helps those outside the industry change their perception of “you are just a landscaper.” 

So whether you are building organically, through M&A or from taking funding from outside investors, the more you can push your brand as a best-in-class company across all industries drives everyone around you to improve as well.

— Brian Horn