Business Details
25 Years
experience
Trusted M&A Advisory Services for Lower Middle Market Businesses
Founded in 2001, Cornerstone Business Service has established itself as a trusted boutique investment bank serving the lower middle market. Our team of nearly 20 professionals brings decades of combined experience in mergers and acquisitions, specializing in founder- and family-led businesses with $5M - $150M in revenue. As a founding member of the Cornerstone International Alliance, we leverage global connections across 40+ countries to deliver tailored solutions for clients seeking to buy or sell businesses. Our proprietary Assurance 360 process consistently generates multiple offers, maximizing value while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout transactions. We prioritize continuous learning and technological innovation, utilizing advanced databases and secure virtual data rooms to enhance decision-making.Our client-centric approach focuses on understanding individual goals beyond financial metrics, crafting strategies that align with personal and professional objectives. With a limited clientele model, we ensure dedicated attention to each transaction, treating every client as our sole priority. Our commitment to ethical practices and transparent communication has earned recognition from industry leaders and repeat business from satisfied clients. We maintain rigorous compliance standards through our partnership with Ceiba Financial, LLC, a FINRA/SIPC member firm handling securities transactions. This combination of personalized service, global reach, and proven methodologies positions us as a preferred advisor for complex M&A transactions.
Services
Company Sales
Acquisition Searches
Real Market Analysis
Exit Planning
Valuation Services
Buy-Side Advisory
Sell-Side Advisory
Strategic Growth Planning
Confidentiality Services
Transaction Support
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We utilize a proprietary Assurance 360 process that generates multiple offers and maximizes value
- Our global network through Cornerstone International Alliance spans 40+ countries
- We maintain strict confidentiality throughout all transactions
- Our team of nearly 20 professionals specializes in lower middle market M&A
- We limit clientele to ensure dedicated attention to each transaction
What people say
Multiple offers
Closed in four months
Honest and transparent
Unwavering commitment
Professionalism
Services
Company Sales
Our sell-side M&A services help business owners maximize value through competitive bidding processes. We create customized marketing strategies to attract qualified buyers while maintaining strict confidentiality. Our proven methodology consistently secures premium valuations for privately held companies.
Acquisition Searches
We help buyers identify off-market acquisition opportunities through our extensive network and proprietary research tools. Our services include target identification, due diligence, and negotiation support to secure strategic acquisitions at favorable terms.
Real Market Analysis
Our comprehensive valuation services provide accurate market assessments using current transaction data and industry-specific metrics. This analysis helps owners understand their company's true market value and develop effective exit strategies.
Exit Planning
We develop customized exit strategies that align with owners' financial and personal objectives. Our planning considers tax implications, ownership transition options, and market timing to optimize transaction outcomes.
Strategic Advisory
Our advisory services cover all aspects of merger and acquisition transactions. We provide expert guidance on deal structuring, negotiation tactics, and post-transaction integration planning for both buyers and sellers.
People
Scott Bushkie
Managing Partner, Founder
Scott founded Cornerstone in 2001 with a vision to transform M&A advisory services. He brings over two decades of experience in lower middle market transactions, specializing in strategic exits for family-owned businesses.
Jason Salisbury
Managing Director
Jason leads key transactions with expertise in business valuations and market analysis. He has facilitated numerous successful deals across diverse industries, focusing on maximizing client value through strategic positioning.
Cameron Karlen
Managing Director of Valuations
Cameron oversees valuation services with extensive expertise in financial analysis and market assessment. He helps business owners understand their company's worth and develop value-enhancement strategies.
Chris Ayers
Senior Vice President
Chris specializes in buy-side advisory services, helping clients identify strategic acquisition opportunities. His industry knowledge spans multiple sectors, with a focus on technology and business services.
Leroy Matuszak
Senior Vice President
Leroy brings deep M&A experience in manufacturing and industrial sectors. He focuses on creating value-driven transactions that align with clients' long-term business objectives.
Questions
How does Cornerstone help business owners sell their companies?
We use our proprietary Assurance 360 process to generate multiple offers, maintain strict confidentiality, and maximize value through competitive bidding while guiding clients through every transaction stage.
What industries does Cornerstone specialize in?
We work across multiple sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, business services, consumer products, and industrial companies with $5M–$150M in annual revenue.
What is the Real Market Analysis service?
Our comprehensive valuation service provides accurate business valuations using current market data and industry-specific metrics to help owners understand their company's true market value.
How does Cornerstone maintain client confidentiality?
We implement strict confidentiality protocols throughout transactions, including controlled marketing approaches and secure information handling to protect sensitive business details.
What makes Cornerstone different from other M&A advisors?
Our unique combination of global network access, proprietary processes, and personalized service with a limited client focus delivers superior transaction outcomes and client satisfaction.
How long do typical transactions take?
While varying by complexity, our efficient processes typically complete transactions in 4-8 months from engagement through closing, with some cases closing faster based on market conditions.
Videos
