In this episode, Tom Griffiths is joined by Samuel Daughtry, founder of Buy Side Advisory, a consultancy that helps business owners grow through strategic acquisitions. Drawing on years of experience in financial services and private equity, Samuel shares a comprehensive overview of how and why business owners should consider buying other companies to expand.

The discussion begins with Samuel’s career journey, from working in post-acquisition roles in private equity to launching his own firm focused on helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the acquisition process. He explains that most of his clients are established business owners looking to grow faster or diversify their offerings by acquiring complementary businesses.

Throughout the conversation, Samuel explores why acquisitions can be more effective than relying solely on organic growth. He highlights the importance of buyer readiness—having the right internal structure, available cash, and management capacity—and contrasts this with what makes a business attractive to potential buyers, such as strong financial reporting, minimal owner reliance, and scalable operations.

Samuel also breaks down the acquisition process, covering everything from sourcing deals and conducting valuations to structuring offers and guiding clients through negotiations. He emphasises that deal origination is often the most time-consuming part, while valuation and deal structure require deep sector understanding and attention to detail. The episode also touches on common challenges, such as seller expectations and deferred payments, and how these can be managed with the right strategy.

Packed with practical advice and real-world insights, this episode offers a valuable guide for any business owner considering acquisition as a path to growth. Samuel’s experience and honest perspective provide a clear look at what it takes to succeed in buying businesses.

To Contact Samuel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-daughtry-477941175/