Advisor speaking with a business owner

Sell-Side Advocacy for Founders

Helping business owners navigate the successful sale of their companies with clarity, strategy, and experienced guidance.

Independent Sell-Side Advocacy

For the last 25 years Sara Peterson has helped business owners through the process of selling their companies.

Sara has a unique background that makes her uniquely suited to work with founders - positions with major investment banks such as UBS as well as middle- and lower-middle market banks, operating and strategy roles with companies in a variety of sectors, and her own entrepreneurial pursuits in the restaurant industry.

Unlike a traditional investment banker, Sara works closely with owners to position their businesses effectively before they go to market, and guides owners through a transaction suited to their own situation and universe of potential buyers.

For most founders, selling a company is the most important financial decision of their lives. It is crucial to have experienced guidance and advocacy throughout the process.

Guidance through the entire transaction process.

  • pre-transaction readiness

  • exit strategy and valuation

  • buyer positioning and narrative

  • confidential buyer outreach

  • negotiation and deal structuring

  • transaction management through close


Why Peterson Advisory

Investment banks can’t do what I do

Banks get paid to do transactions, not to help you get ready for one.

I represent founders throughout the ‘get-ready’ and sale process.

Founder advocacy means:

  • doing the upfront work to prepare the business and the family for a transaction

  • protecting the owner’s long-term interests

  • helping them understand deal tradeoffs and complex legal terminology

  • managing the emotional and financial complexity of an exit

  • ensuring the right buyer and structure — not just the highest price

Confidential Inquiries Welcome

No pressure, ever. I want to be your confidant before I am your advocate.