In this Q3 2026 Sell-Side Update, Calder Capital’s Sell-Side Managing Director Garrett Monroe discusses how his team is witnessing steady lower middle market activity yet increased selectivity among buyers and sellers. Despite macroeconomic uncertainty and financing considerations influencing decision-making, buyers remain active and capital remains available for quality acquisition opportunities.
Buyers are conducting more extensive due diligence, with greater scrutiny of financial performance, growth assumptions, customer concentration, and overall risk. Sellers are also taking more time to evaluate advisors, while also spending more time to determine whether a sale aligns with their personal and financial goals. Together, these trends are contributing to longer transaction timelines.
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During Q3, Calder completed 43 valuations and pitches, signed 11 new sell-side engagements, and closed four transactions. Valuation activity and new engagements increased compared to Q2, supporting a healthy pipeline of future opportunities. Looking ahead, Calder remains optimistic as well-prepared businesses continue to attract strong buyer interest.
Key Takeaways
- Buyers remain active but selective. Capital is available for quality businesses, while buyers are examining financial performance and potential risks more closely.
- Transactions are taking longer. More extensive due diligence and deliberate decision-making continue to extend closing timelines.
- Sellers are evaluating their options carefully. Owners are spending more time choosing advisors and considering how a sale fits their long-term goals.
- Off-market conversations are increasing. More buyers and sellers are discussing potential transactions before formal sale processes begin.
- Early preparation matters. Owners who begin planning ahead remain best positioned to maximize value and achieve their desired outcomes.
Have a question you’d like answered?
Thanks for watching our Q3 2026 Sell-Side Recap! If you have a question you would like answered in our next update or would like to confidentially discuss selling your business, please reach out to Garrett Monroe at [email protected] or (586) 350-6619.
About Calder Capital:
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a cross-industry mergers and acquisitions advisory firm with offices across the United States. Calder provides valuation, sell-side, and buy-side services. We are nationally recognized for excellence in advising $1-100M enterprise value transactions in manufacturing, construction, distribution, and business services. Calder serves business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, financial buyers, and investors. Learn more at www.CalderGR.com.
Notice: Calder Capital, LLC is not affiliated with any similarly named organizations or entities. To verify communications from our firm, visit our website or contact [email protected].