Market Update

Calder Capital’s Q1 2026 Market Update Calder Capital Performance In Q1 2026, Calder Capital experienced a 7% increase in revenue over Q1 2025. This jump occurred due to 12 closed deals, despite ongoing market headwinds, including tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, global conflict, and tighter, more selective financing conditions. Compared to Q1 2025, total new sell-side engagements increased, with 14 […]

In 2025, Calder Capital experienced a 15% increase in revenue over 2024. This jump occurred due to 58 closed deals, up from 46 in 2024. 10 deals were closed by Calder Capital in Q4, as Calder continues its growth trajectory in an M&A environment that has posed new geopolitical and economic challenges.

As of October 31, 2025, Calder Capital generated $15.4M in revenue, a 15% increase over the same period in 2024. This leap is supported by 45 closed deals, up from 39 in 2024, reinforcing Calder’s upward trajectory in a volatile lower middle market.

Through May 2025, Calder Capital generated $8.09M in revenue, a 68.9% increase over the $4.79M earned in the same period of 2024. This growth has been off the back of 28 closed deals vs 16 during the same period in 2024. This substantial year-over-year growth reflects Calder’s increasing dominance in the lower middle market and ability to buck trends despite significant macro uncertainty.

Calder Capital’s market updates pull recent data from industry-wide reports, like BizBuySell, IBBA, M&A Source, GF Data, and internal transactions. We compile insights into current market conditions, published quarterly. With 40+ annual transactions closed, we offer accurate perspectives. Our analysis informs strategic decisions, backed by data and M&A expertise. Exceptional service is our pride.

The primary barriers to closing deals in 2024 were valuation mismatches, unexpected business performance declines during due diligence, and sellers withdrawing late in the process. Competitive bidding remains strong, though buyers are wary of overpaying, particularly in an evolving economic landscape.

Calder’s 200,000+ buyer database ensures sellers are exposed to highly qualified buyers, including niche family offices, private equity firms, and strategic acquirers. Calder’s marketing strategy emphasizes precision targeting, ensuring optimal buyer-seller matches.

“Despite the headlines of ‘doom and gloom’, we are seeing businesses that have maintained or improved performance through recent years achieving higher than typical levels of interest and selling for healthy multiples. The market remains strong for resilient businesses, specifically in the manufacturing, distribution, and business services sectors.” – Jake McDonald, Calder Capital M&A Advisor, Chicago, IL

While larger Middle Market deal activity slowed, small and medium businesses continued to sell on-pace throughout the three quarters of 2023. In addition to the marketplace date, the Calder/SBDA team closed 35 transactions by Q3 2023 and closed out on a record quarter. 

“I have been in small M&A for 18 years,” noted Calder Managing Partner, Max Friar, “Never before have I seen such competition for quality sellers. Most sell-side clients with $1M+ in EBITDA are receiving 10-15 offers, many of those strong offers. 2023 has transformed into one of the best-seller markets I’ve ever witnessed and that is not what I expected heading into the year!”