Why There’s Never a ‘Perfect Time’ to Sell Your Business

April 12, 2025

With constant headlines about trade wars, economic uncertainty, interest rate swings, geopolitical tensions and market volatility, it’s hard not to get distracted—or even worried—about market timing. But the reality is, there’s always something happening in the world that can make it feel like now isn’t the right time. Over the past 30+ years, since our firm’s founding in 1993, we’ve seen recessions, pandemics, natural disasters, wars, political unrest and financial crises—yet great companies still sell. The best time to sell is not when the market is calm (because it rarely is), but when your business is strong and you’re personally ready.

Market-Disrupting Events

Year	Event
2025	Tariff-driven trade war & stock market volatility
2024	U.S. election uncertainty
2023	Interest rate spikes leading to banking system stress (SVB & Credit Suisse failures)
2022	Russia-Ukraine war
2021	Supply chain crisis & inflation surges
2020	COVID-19 pandemic & stock market crash
2016	Brexit & U.S. election uncertainty
2015	Chinese stock market crash
2014	Oil prices collapse & Russia annexes Crimea
2013	Government shutdown
2011	U.S. debt ceiling crisis & S&P downgrades U.S. credit
2010	European debt crisis
2009	Great Recession
2008	Global financial crisis & Lehman bankruptcy
2007	Subprime mortgage crisis starts
2005	Hurricane Katrina & oil prices spike
2003	Iraq War begins
2002	Corporate scandals (Enron, WorldCom)
2001	9/11 terrorist attacks & recession declared
2000	Dot-com bubble bursts
1998	Russian debt default
1997	Asian Financial Crisis
1995	Barings Bank collapse
1994	Bond market crash & Mexico peso crisis

M&A Activity in Uncertain Times

While market volatility may cause periods of hesitation, M&A markets remain active—especially for high-quality businesses. Private equity groups and strategic buyers often see uncertain environments as an opportunity to deploy capital.

• Private Equity: Over the past few decades, private equity has continued to experience remarkable growth. This surge has resulted in substantial accumulation of uninvested capital, referred to as “dry powder”. Today, dry powder remains at record levels, exceeding $2 trillion, up from just over $150 billion in 2000. With that capital comes pressure—firms are under significant pressure to deploy it. Despite market volatility, inflation concerns or geopolitical risk, private equity buyers continue to pursue strong, cash-flowing businesses with growth potential—especially in the lower middle market. For owners, this means there is still a deep pool of buyers looking for companies to acquire.
• Strategic Buyers: But it’s not just financial buyers. Strategic acquirers—industry players with long-term growth goals—are also highly active in uncertain environments. Market volatility often prompts strategics to double down on acquisitions to expand market share, acquire complementary capabilities and accelerate growth when organic investment slows. Whether it’s to enter a new vertical, add recurring revenue or bring in talent, strategics often view downturns as an ideal window to make moves—especially when high quality businesses come to market.

Global private equity dry powder trend, 2000-2024 ($B)

From the Front Line: Buyer Interest Remains Strong

At Woodbridge, A Mariner Company we are not seeing a slowdown in buyer interest. While the headlines may focus on volatility, we are not experiencing widespread pressure on valuations or multiples. Buyers remain aggressive for well-run, profitable companies with strong fundamentals.

Key Takeaways

Each year can bring unforeseen events impacting market conditions. Even in turbulent times, there’s a robust market for quality companies. If your business is strong and you’re personally ready, you don’t need to wait for “perfect conditions”—you need the right buyer and a sound strategy. By focusing on the health of your business and your personal preparedness, you position yourself for a successful sale, irrespective of external uncertainties.

A Call to Action

If you’re considering your options—or you’ve received interest in your business—and want to understand the current market, valuation potential, and how to prepare, now is a great time to start the conversation.

Larry Reinharz – lreinharz@woodbridgegrp.com / (203) 389-8400 x209
Don Krier – dkrier@woodbridgegrp.com / (203) 389-8400 x201
Neil Dennis – ndennis@woodbridgegrp.com / (203) 389-8400 x228