Chris Barrett

CPA, Accounting & Tax Specialist in Acquisitions

Chris Barrett is a registered CPA and founder of Midwest CPA. He is an accountant and tax professional who provides CPA services to entrepreneurs looking to acquire businesses

Chris leads the team at Midwest CPA and works with clients to help them assess business deals, conduct due diligence and manage their finance and compliance requirements.

Chris has written a number of insightful articles and spoken at various events and webinars on entrepreneurship through acquisition.

Chris Barrett, CPA

Managing Director/Owner

Webinars With Chris Barrett

More Articles And Content From Chris

Split image showing a business acquisition transition: one side features a handshake during a business deal, the other shows a new owner leading a strategy meeting, illustrating the importance of a strong business acquisition transition plan.
ETA
Chris Barrett

Business Acquisition Transition Plan: 3 Mistakes You Must Avoid

Buying a business is an exciting milestone, but it’s only the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. The real work begins after the deal closes. While many buyers focus on acquisition tactics, few are prepared for what happens next: the transition. Without a solid business acquisition transition plan, the success of the purchase—and the future of the business—could be at risk.

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Illustration comparing debt and equity financing for small business acquisition, featuring a bank and briefcase with cash on one side and business professionals shaking hands on the other
ETA
Chris Barrett

Debt vs. Equity: Choosing the Right Financing for Your Small Business Purchase

When embarking on the journey to purchase a small business, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is determining how to finance the acquisition. The two primary avenues are debt financing and equity financing. Each comes with its own set of advantages, risks, and implications for your future as a business owner.

In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of both financing options, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

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buying a small business
ETA
Chris Barrett

How to Buy a Small Business: Expert Insights from the Salt Lake City ETA Panel

In a packed event at Edison House in Salt Lake City, a panel of experts from the ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) community shared their hard-earned wisdom on how to buy a small business. Hosted by Chase Murdock of Durable, the conversation covered the entire acquisition journey—from building your deal team to closing day nightmares.

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J Curve in Business Acquisition
ETA
Chris Barrett

Buying a Business? Here’s Why the J Curve Matters More Than You Think

The J Curve in business acquisition is a financial concept illustrating the typical earnings trajectory following a company purchase. Visualized as a “J”-shaped graph, it highlights an initial decline in profitability—usually EBITDA—immediately after the acquisition, followed by a gradual, sustained recovery and growth.

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Overview of business acquisition financing strategies
ETA
Chris Barrett

Business Acquisition Financing Strategies

Financing a business acquisition can be both thrilling and intimidating. The process involves navigating complex financial structures, understanding the cost of capital, and determining the best sources of funding to reach your objective.

Unlike the straightforward nature of something like a home mortgage, business acquisition financing is much more complicated, often involving a blend of debt and equity. This blend, known as the capital stack, is used to optimize both affordability and long-term growth.

Let’s explore the capital stack, its components, and how to strategically finance your next acquisition.

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