Inside the Buyer's Mind: Who's Buying & What Industries

Inside the Buyer's Mind: Who's Buying & What Industries

April 13, 2026 · 24 min · Episode 48

About this episode

The episode explores what buyers are looking for in today's deal market with insights from buy-side advisor Steven Smith.

What are buyers really looking for in today's deal market? In this episode of Transaction Talk, Jennifer Fox and Eric Sigman are joined by Steven Smith of Business Transfers & Strategies, a buy-side advisor who works closely with individual buyers, private equity groups, and strategic acquirers. He breaks down how each type of buyer approaches acquisitions and what drives their decisions, from growth potential and scalability to long-term alignment. The conversation also explores shifting industry trends, key risks shaping buyer behavior, and what can make or break a deal during the process. Throughout, Steven emphasizes a central theme: success in today's market comes down to fit, not just chasing the hottest industries. Tune in to hear the full scope of our conversation and what today's buyers are really looking for! Key Points From This Episode: Welcoming returning guest, Steven Smith of Business Transfers & Strategies. Types of buyers: individuals, private equity groups, strategics, and family offices. What each type of buyer is looking for, from scalability to long-term fit. Key risks buyers assess: employees, customers, and industry factors. Industries that are gaining…

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