Welcome to the first issue of The Deal Leader for 2026. We hope you had a chance to step back over the break and are approaching the year ahead with clarity and intent.
The deals we concluded last year offer more than proof of execution. They reveal patterns, what buyers are prioritising, where value is being created or quietly eroded, and how preparation, buyer selection and process shape outcomes. But just as importantly, they reinforce a truth we see in every mandate: no two businesses are the same and, therefore, no two exits should be approached the same way.
That is why our At The Table interview series matters as you embark on 2026. These conversations are not about applying a one-size-fits-all formula or replaying past successes. They show how each transaction demands a tailored strategy, shaped by the specific dynamics of the business, the shareholder objectives, the buyer universe and the moment in the market.
In each interview, DLI’s Mid-Market Chief Executive Rick Grantham sits down with a DLI Deal Executive to discuss what moved the needle in recent transactions, and how those deal-specific lessons should inform how business owners think, plan and decide for 2026 and beyond.
Rick Grantham and John Powell explore how a niche software business moved from a verbal offer to a structured international sale process. Particularly relevant for tech founders.
Rick Grantham and Taryn Henkel unpack the sale of LK Products and the realities of selling a well-known manufacturing business. A practical conversation about preparation, patience and buyer understanding.
Rick Grantham and Andries Louw reflect on two contrasting transactions completed last year. A grounded discussion on readiness, timing and why exit processes rarely follow a straight line.
Rick Grantham and Nitish Mudgal talk through the sale of Cobra, a complex mining services transaction. An honest look at shareholder dynamics, due diligence intensity and what business owners should expect in bigger deals.
Rick Grantham and Janine Wright discuss a real facilities management sale and what actually influences buyer decisions behind the scenes. A useful watch for founders who assume valuation alone determines the outcome.
FEATURE ARTICLE
Turning Buyer Demand And Seller Value Into A Deal Magnet
By Janine Wright, Deal Leaders International
Selling a business is not about finding any buyer. It is about attracting the right buyer.
The difference? How your business is positioned.
In this article, DLI Deal Executive Janine Wright explains why buyer-led positioning is the real deal magnet.
Backed by real deal experience, not theory, this article is essential reading if you are thinking about a sale, even if it is still a few years away.
Andrew Bahlmann, CEO of DLI Corporate & Advisory, has launched a new podcast, M&A Exit Lab, now available on Spotify. Designed for founders and shareholders thinking seriously about an exit, the series cuts through noise and jargon to explore what really drives successful outcomes and what quietly undermines them. Drawing on real-world lessons from founders, operators and investors who have lived the dealmaking journey, M&A Exit Lab offers practical insight to sharpen decision-making, reduce surprises and help business owners approach an exit with greater clarity and control.
Click here to listen.
Meet our newest DLI member, Dylan Puchert
We are delighted to welcome Dylan Puchert as a Transaction Analyst.
Dylan brings a strong financial foundation, with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Accounting, three years of articles and experience in the asset management industry. He is a CIMA member (ACMA, CGMA), FMVA certified and is a CFA Level II candidate.
What stands out is Dylan’s interest in working closely with founders and management teams, helping translate financial detail into a clear, compelling business story. A valuable skill in every successful transaction.
Outside of work, Dylan enjoys geopolitics and military history, as well as Brazilian jiu-jitsu and padel.
Welcome to the team, Dylan.
Setting Your Direction for 2026
The strongest exits do not begin when a business goes to market. They begin when an owner makes deliberate choices about direction, readiness and optionality.
What comes through clearly from these recent deals is this: early preparation changes everything. It shapes buyer appetite. It protects value under pressure. And it gives owners leverage when it matters most.
If you’re looking towards a full sale, a partial exit or simply clarity on value and timing, then now is the time to start. Not with a commitment to sell, but with a commitment to understand your position and set your direction.
A confidential conversation with us today can help shape the options available to you tomorrow.
Warm regards
Andrew, Rick and the DLI team