FOCUS Investment Banking

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FOCUS Investment Banking

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FOCUS is a trusted middle market bank with a rich history, deep resources and proven results.

We embrace a client-first philosophy centered on personalized service, deep industry expertise, and delivering results-driven solutions.

11/02/2026

COULD THE WRONG BUYER COST YOU MILLIONS?

Over the past seven years, Abraham Garver and our MSP Team have invested more than 75,000 hours advising on transactions involving approximately 85 buyers and sellers, including the creation of 13 new private equity platforms.

One lesson stands out:

NOT EVERY BUYER DESERVES AN NDA.

There are approximately 350 active MSP buyers, but not all buyers are created equal.

Some have a history of offering just 80% to 85% of market value. Others initially offer 100%, only to retrade the price after an exhausting buyer Quality of Earnings process or an unexpected customer loss.

Knowing which buyers have the capital to acquire your MSP is one thing. Knowing which buyers will pay full market value, honor their LOI, and actually close is another.

Choosing the right M&A advisor is just as important as choosing the right buyer.

For example, your M&A advisor should not be preparing your Quality of Earnings report. The investment banker should run the competitive process, while an independent accounting firm validates the earnings.

Three conversations worth watching before going to market:

🎥 Would You Sell Your MSP to a Buyer Known for Offering 80% to 85% of Market Value?
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zy4Yy0

🎥 Is Your MSP M&A Advisor FINRA Registered and Backed by a Registered Broker Dealer?
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zy4ZF0

🎙️ The UNDER NDA Playbook: Choosing the Right Buyers
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zy4YB0

The objective isn't just to sell your MSP. It's to achieve the best combination of valuation, terms, closing certainty, and long-term fit.

Before you share your financials, accept an LOI, or choose an M&A advisor, let's have a conversation about what your MSP is worth and which buyers have the best track records of delivering on their offers.

10/30/2026

Public water infrastructure represents a long-term opportunity for civil engineering firms.

The U.S. faces an estimated $625 billion in drinking water infrastructure investment needs through 2041, driven by aging systems, emerging contaminants and lead service line replacement. But funding constraints may influence the pace of projects and create new challenges for engineering firms.

In our latest article, we explore what this 20-year demand cycle means for civil engineering firm owners, including:

· Where infrastructure investment needs are greatest
· How regulations and funding affect project activity
· Why established municipal relationships and specialized expertise matter
· Key considerations for owners evaluating growth and long-term value

Read the full article to learn what these trends could mean for your firm:
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zt4jN0

10/29/2026

We are pleased to share our Q3 2026 Agribusiness & Food Industry Report, which covers themes driving deal activity, notable transactions in sought-after categories, and the outlook for M&A through the remainder of 2026.

M&A activity remains steady in the agribusiness and food sector, with strategic buyers leading transactions and private equity firms targeting categories aligned with evolving consumer demand. Better-for-you brands, specialty ingredients manufacturers, and high growth franchises continue to draw M&A interest, including interest from international buyers. The past year has seen a consistent number of cross-border transactions, particularly with European buyers entering or expanding in the U.S. through acquisitions.

Looking ahead, there are several forces that will keep deals moving: large food companies continuing to sell divisions, strategic buyers targeting acquisitions in high-growth markets, and seasoned entrepreneurs pursuing ownership transitions. For owners, understanding valuation drivers and buyer priorities is critical for business owners considering a sale.

View the full report here > https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zsWQr0

10/28/2026

Chandler Kohn, FOCUS Principal, is heading to the SEMA and AAPEX Shows in Las Vegas, November 3–6!

Both events bring together leaders from across the automotive aftermarket to explore industry trends, innovations, and business opportunities. Chandler looks forward to connecting with business owners, executives, investors, and industry professionals throughout the week.

If you’re an owner-operator, Chandler welcomes the opportunity to discuss debt and equity financing options, M&A opportunities, and how today’s market conditions may impact the value and strategic options for your business.

Learn more about the events:
SEMA Show: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zstpy0
AAPEX: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zstpD0

10/23/2026

Independent sponsors and search funds are established players in the lower middle market, but many business owners may be less familiar with how they operate.

Our latest article, Independent Sponsors and Search Funds 101, explains how these buyers differ, how their deals are funded, and what owners should ask when evaluating an offer.

Understanding these buyer types can help business owners make more informed decisions when considering a sale.

Read the full article: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zhKRL0

10/22/2026

Specialty ingredients manufacturers are attracting interest from both strategic buyers and private equity investors, driven by demand for innovation, proprietary formulations, and reliable supply chains.

Our latest article explores the factors influencing valuations, what buyers look for, and how manufacturers can position themselves for a successful sale.

Read the full article to learn what drives value in today’s specialty ingredients market: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zfP770

10/21/2026

The FOCUS Civil Engineering Q3 2026 Report is now available.

Civil engineering M&A activity remained strong, with 61 transactions totaling $2.3 billion in announced deal value during the reporting period. Year-to-date, the sector has recorded 205 transactions valued at $6.1 billion.

The latest report also examines public market performance, valuation multiples, and notable transactions, including private equity investments and major acquisitions across the sector.

Read the full report: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zcHz-0

10/20/2026

If you own a landscaping business, here’s the single biggest driver of your eventual sale price: how much of your revenue is contracted, recurring maintenance work — not one-time installation or design-build.

Buyers pay a real premium for:

→ Multi-year written contracts, not handshake relationships
→ Documented account retention (90%+ is the target)
→ Route density that drives crew efficiency
→ A commercial-weighted client mix

Design-build and installation revenue isn’t a liability — it’s a great complement. But the foundation buyers want to see is recurring, contracted maintenance revenue.

New article on how to build toward a stronger exit:
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zctSX0

&A

10/19/2026

Choosing the right M&A advisor is about more than deal experience. In government contracting and defense, industry-specific knowledge can make a meaningful difference in valuation, deal structure, and closing successfully.

Our latest article outlines 11 questions to ask before hiring a government or defense M&A banker, from understanding set-aside eligibility and contract novation to navigating clearances, compliance, and buyer outreach.

If you're considering a sale, make sure your advisor understands the complexities of your business before you go to market.

Read the full article: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zcGX50

10/15/2026

A competitive capital-raising process can make a meaningful difference in pricing, leverage, covenants, and flexibility.

In our latest article, we explain how a well-run process creates competition among lenders and investors, the key phases from preparation to closing, and what business owners should look for in a capital advisor.

Read more: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0z6MD10

Address

4905 Del Ray Avenue, Suite 503
Bethesda, MD
20814

Telephone

+12027859404

Website

https://focusbankers.com/

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