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Business AcquisitionMembers Only

Business Acquisition Fundamentals

The full acquisition lifecycle: thesis, search, valuation, diligence, financing and close.

James HarringtonJames HarringtonAcquisition Entrepreneur, Harrington HoldingsBeginner 21 lessons 3h 3m 4.6 (7)
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Members-only course. This course is included with club membership.

About this course

The first course in the Business Buyer Path. Learn how small and lower-middle-market businesses change hands, who the players are, and how each stage of the process creates or destroys value for the buyer.

What you will learn

  • Map the acquisition lifecycle
  • Understand brokers, sellers, lenders and advisors
  • Compare asset and stock purchases
  • Build an acquisition timeline and budget

Curriculum

8 modules · 21 lessons · 3h 3m

  1. Module 1

    Introduction

    3 lessons

  2. Module 2

    Core Principles

    4 lessons
    • Why Buy an Existing BusinessVideo · 11 min
    • SDE vs EBITDAWritten lesson · 7 min
    • Defining Your Buy BoxVideo · 11 min
    • Knowledge CheckQuiz · 4 min

  3. Module 3

    Deal Structure

    3 lessons
    • Asset Purchase vs Stock PurchaseVideo · 11 min
    • SBA 7(a) Financing BasicsWritten lesson · 7 min
    • Seller Notes, Earnouts and HoldbacksVideo · 11 min

  4. Module 4

    Financial Analysis

    3 lessons
    • Recasting Financial StatementsVideo · 11 min
    • Valuation MultiplesWritten lesson · 7 min
    • Debt Service Coverage for BuyersVideo · 11 min

  5. Module 5

    Risk Management

    2 lessons
    • Customer ConcentrationVideo · 11 min
    • Owner DependencyWritten lesson · 7 min

  6. Module 6

    Real-World Examples

    2 lessons
    • Example: Valuing a Landscaping CompanyVideo · 11 min
    • Example: Add-Backs That Did Not Survive DiligenceWritten lesson · 7 min

  7. Module 7

    Case Study

    2 lessons
    • Case Study: HVAC Services AcquisitionCase study · 11 min
    • Debrief: Owner Dependency Is a Financial VariableWritten lesson · 7 min

  8. Module 8

    Final Assessment

    2 lessons
    • Final AssessmentQuiz · 4 min
    • Applied AssignmentAssignment · 9 min

Your instructor

James Harrington

James Harrington

Acquisition Entrepreneur, Harrington Holdings

James has acquired and operated seven lower-middle-market service businesses. He teaches search, SBA financing, negotiation and the transition after closing.

Business AcquisitionSBA FinancingOperations
All courses by James

Member reviews

  • “Solid course. I would have liked one more real-world example.”

    RGRaymond Garrison · Jul 24, 2026

  • “Changed how I evaluate every deal I look at.”

    RSRaymond Sinclair · Oct 1, 2025

  • “Professional, concise and free of hype. Recommended for any member.”

    MWMonica Whitmore · Aug 11, 2025

  • “Great instructor. I rebuilt my underwriting model after the financial analysis module.”

    OZOlivia Zimmerman · Aug 8, 2025

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Once you complete this course, related club investment opportunities in this category will appear here. The Academy teaches how an investment works before you evaluate one.

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