John Ahlberg WINs By Using a Defined M&A Process

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John Ahlberg, the founder and CEO of Waident Technology Solutions, recently joined Carrie Richardson on the podcast WIN - What's Important Now? to discuss his company's growth through mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Waident has about 30 employees and over $7 million in annual recurring revenue, making them an elite managed IT services provider in the top 15% of US based MSPs.
Mr. Ahlberg shared insights into how he evaluates potential acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of cultural alignment over financial details in the early stages.
Waident's approach to vetting organizations is more art than science, focusing initially on culture rather than finances or tools. John believes that understanding the mindset and practices of a potential acquisition can reveal much about their client relationships and team dynamics. This cultural compatibility is crucial for a smooth transition post-acquisition.
Waident's M&A strategy involves a detailed 10-page protocol document developed after their second or third acquisition. This document guides the team through the process, ensuring they ask the right questions at the right time and avoid wasting time on unsuitable opportunities.
John Ahlberg advises smaller MSPs looking to be acquired to get their finances in order, ensure client profitability, and maintain thorough documentation. These steps make a company more attractive to buyers and facilitate a smoother transition.
Looking ahead to acquisition number six, John humorously notes that he's open to opportunities in warm locations like the U.S. Virgin Islands or Phoenix, aside from Chicago and Milwaukee where Waident already has a presence. He acknowledges that while they target companies with revenues between $500,000 and $2 million, the right opportunity could come from anywhere, provided the numbers make sense and there's a solid business plan in place.
In closing, Alberg emphasizes the importance of having a clear business plan and goals, both for the company and individually for team members. This forward-thinking approach not only drives growth but also ensures that Waident remains a well-structured and profitable business, ready for future opportunities.
A special thank you to Natalia Kapustina, the marketing expert who helped us pull together several great content pieces for

Carrie Richardson and Ian Richardson host the WIN Podcast - What's Important Now?
Serial entrepreneurs, life partners and business partners, they have successfully exited from multiple businesses (IT, call center, real estate, marketing) and they help other business owners create their own versions of success.
Ian is certified in Eagle Center For Leadership Making A Difference, Paterson StratOp, and LifePlan.
Carrie has helped create and execute successful outbound sales strategies for over 1200 technology-focused businesses including MSPs, manufacturers, distributors and SaaS firms.
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