The deal that refused to die
In August 2024, we sourced a funeral home producing $900,000 in annual revenue, priced at only $2.3 million. The seller was motivated, worn down by ownership, and ready to exit quickly.
Death care makes many would-be entrepreneurs uneasy. Even brilliant investors get spooked. We presented the business to our first acquisition candidate.
When the bank confirmed they would require 26% down, the buyer suddenly hesitated. Their liquidity disappeared. The assurances were empty.
We shifted focus inward and brought in a client from our own network. Their term sheet was nearly blank, but the buyer wanted to believe.
The buyer would now need 50% down, which defeated the purpose entirely. They turned to the seller and asked for them to carry the difference. The seller agreed — cautiously — only after seeing real bank commitment again.
What could have closed in February was now limping forward into September. Yet we kept all parties aligned just enough to continue moving.
Then the bank's valuation team completed their independent assessment. A buyer can pay 39% interest on day one and still become wealthy if the business prints cash and the loan can be refinanced once the numbers shine.
Deals close when buyers stay committed to the partner who will fund the acquisition. The winner is the one who keeps going when every obstacle says stop.