Perhaps the most unique, the strategic buyer typically manages his or her own business, and is in search of acquisition opportunities that have the potential to improve the standing of his or her existing company. This article works to define the strategic buyer as separate from a financial buyer or a PE firm.

Within the merger and acquisition industry, three major types of business buyers exist: financial buyers, strategic buyers, and private equity firms. Due to drastically different goals, each of these buyers will approach an M&A deal in a unique manner. This article will focus on financial buyers, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of selling a business to this type of buyer.

Due to the confidential nature of an M&A deal, many business owners and M&A experts are torn over the appropriate timeline of telling employees about a sale. In order to maintain confidence, many business owners wait until it is completely necessary to break the news of a sale to their employees. However, notifying key staff members will prepare them for future changes, and they may be able to assist the business owner in M&A affairs.