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Financial Services Review: Specials Magazine
For business owners in the manufacturing sector, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are not just about numbers on a balance sheet—they are personal. Whether selling, merging, partnering or optimizing management structures, these decisions shape the future of their companies. This is where Jason Koo, Broker of Record at Corporate M&A Brokerage, steps in. A master of the deal, he has spent his career helping clients navigate these pivotal moments, ensuring they find the ideal path forward. Koo’s M&A journey began at a franchise business brokerage firm, but in 2000, he took a bold step toward independence. That move allowed him to focus entirely on the manufacturing sector, where he has facilitated deals in aerospace, automotive, plastics, food processing, and machinery—including elevator manufacturing and energy. His work has taken him across Canada, the U.S., South Korea, Mexico, Israel, England and Switzerland, giving him a firm grasp of industry trends and international deal-making. A sharp eye for opportunities and a deep understanding of complex transitions have made him a trusted partner for business owners looking to make their next big move. Experience and industry knowledge are only part of the equation. What truly sets Koo apart is how he applies them to serve his clients’ best interests. At the helm of Corporate M&A Brokerage, he prioritizes what is best for business owners rather than pushing quick deals. That means exploring options beyond the typical buy-and-sell playbook—like retaining partial ownership, bringing in minority investors or structuring deals to optimize retirement and tax benefits. “I focus on serving my clients by protecting and promoting their best interests. That commitment is the foundation of everything I do,” says Koo. Why Relationships Matter in Manufacturing Business Sales Manufacturing business owners face unique challenges when considering a sale or partnership. Unlike brokerage firms that operate with a more transactional, impersonal approach, Koo and his team take pride in fostering strong interpersonal relationships with their clients. From the very first meeting, they prioritize meeting clients face to face—whether that requires a short drive or a cross-country flight. This high-touch personal engagement contrasts with many other firms that rely heavily on digital communication, leaving business owners feeling disconnected from the process. Selling a business is often an emotional experience tied to years of hard work and dedication. By prioritizing personal relationships and open communication, Koo’s firm ensures that clients feel supported and confident throughout the process, even if they decide not to proceed with a sale.
Top Valuation Services Provider in Canada 2025
In a world awash in automation and artificial intelligence, where business owners are bombarded with valuation numbers generated in seconds, Troy Valuations stands firmly on something much rarer: expert judgment backed by defensible evidence. “At Troy Valuations, we do not just give you a number— we give you the ‘why’ behind the number,” says Caroline Troy, Owner and Chartered Business Valuator. “We use real data, show our math, and make sure our conclusions stand up in negotiation, arbitration, or court. There is no black box here.” Troy Valuations works with clients navigating complex legal, financial, and strategic decisions—whether in litigation, divorce, succession planning, or sale. Its approach blends deep industry knowledge, reliable data, and professional rigor. The result? Business valuations that are clear, credible, and rocksolid under scrutiny. A Methodical, Three-Angle Approach to Value At the heart of Troy Valuations’ methodology is triangulation— an expert-led strategy that cross-validates a business’s value from three distinct but interrelated angles: income, market, and asset-based approaches. The income approach determines what a business is worth based on its future earning potential. “Think of it like holding a winning lottery ticket that pays out over time,” Caroline explains. “We calculate what that future stream of income is worth today—because in finance, timing matters as much as totals.” The market approach analyzes recent transactions of similar businesses, applying industry-specific multiples based on size, geography, and sector dynamics. “We do not just pull comps,” Caroline says. “We ask: Does this multiple make sense for this business? Would someone really pay that in today’s market?” Finally, the asset-based approach accounts for both tangible and intangible assets. Whether it is machinery, intellectual property, patents, or goodwill, Troy Valuations carefully evaluates how each component contributes to the total business value—especially important for companies built on innovation or specialized knowledge..
Business Valuation Service in Canada 2025
Expert valuation reports must accurately estimate a company’s value in the ongoing financial market and its alignment with regulatory and accounting mandates. However, the current global disruptions are driving undesirable market fluctuations, bringing increased inaccuracies to the valuation of businesses and their assets. A leader in online financial advisory services in Canada, Zen Valuations bridges this gap by factoring in global economic and social conditions to develop simple, affordable, and accessible business valuation and financial consulting. Its suite includes services for business transactions such as acquisition and sale, evaluating intangible assets, intellectual properties, and business goodwill and post transactions services like purchase price allocation and litigation support for damage quantification and shareholder and matrimonial disputes. Zen Valuations also evaluates business assets for reporting purposes and financial statement audits are preauthorized and regulated by the Chartered Business Valuators (CBV) Institute and a set of court-recognized rules. Its clientele includes general restaurants, manufacturers, tech, services, and B2B companies in Canada and beyond. A customer-centric company, Zen Valuations emphasizes financial literacy by educating clients while it works on their valuation requirements. Instead of simply computing numbers, it interviews clients to gain a deeper understanding of their needs, company, and business model before translating that information into an accurate valuation report. Zen Valuations’ goal is to equip business owners with the tools for operating their businesses in a manner that will increase the overall value of their business. Leveraging in-depth industry knowledge, Zen Valuations prepares documentation to reduce a client’s workload of gathering numbers and statistics for financial project requests, enabling them to focus on their business operations confidently. “Our customers receive comprehensive insights on the true potential of their business to make strategic decisions that maximize business value now and in the future,” says Lionel Zaba, founder of Zen Valuations.
CXO INSIGHTS
The View from the Knife's Edge:A New Market Regime
Sébastien Page, CFA®, Head of Global Multi-Asset and Chief Investment Officer, T. Rowe Price
Navigating Financial Waters among Equity Underwriting, Acquisition Decision-Making, and Collateralized Loan Underwriting
Rebecca Pang, Regional Vice President, Business Financial Services, RBC
Maybe it is Time to Rethink how Organizations Manage Third Parties
Sébastien Poirier, Director of Third Party Management, UNI Financial
AI Is the New Path To Development
Suzanne Gratch, Head of Accounting and Finance and CFO, Showcase
Transforming Risk Solutions with an Insight-Driven Approach
Leeanne Barnes, Senior Vice President Enterprise & Operational Risk Management, OMERS
IN FOCUS
Canada's Valuation Landscape: Embracing Change and Innovation
Valuation services in Canada are essential to various industries, offering crucial insights into the value of assets, companies, and investments.
Mergers and Acquisitions in Canada: Harnessing Technology for Growth
The M&A advisory sector has experienced substantial transformations in recent years, influenced by various factors, including shifts in the global business landscape.
EDITORIAL
Unlocking Business Potential with Advisory and Valuation Services
As Canadian businesses seek growth, expansion, or optimization opportunities, they increasingly rely on two critical services—mergers and acquisition (M&A) advisory and valuation services. Both are integral in guiding organizations through transition periods, helping them make strategic, informed decisions that align with their long-term goals. M&A advisory services are essential for companies considering mergers, acquisitions, or sales. These experts assist throughout the complex process, from identifying potential partners to negotiating the best terms and ensuring alignment with overarching business strategies. In Canada’s unique and competitive market, where local and global forces shape business opportunities, M&A advisors provide invaluable insight. They help companies navigate market dynamics, assess risks, and manage regulatory challenges, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Valuation services, meanwhile, are foundational in understanding a company's true worth. Whether preparing for a sale, seeking investors, or conducting internal assessments, businesses rely on accurate valuations to gauge financial health, market position, and future prospects. In Canada, specialized valuation providers offer a deep understanding of domestic and global market trends, delivering thorough evaluations that empower businesses to confidently make informed decisions. The relationship between M&A advisory and valuation services is clear. A comprehensive valuation provides the foundation for a successful transaction, enabling buyers and sellers to establish realistic expectations and uncover opportunities for growth or synergy. When paired with M&A advisory expertise, valuations ensure that all parties approach the process with clarity, allowing them to make data-driven decisions and maximize value. The Canadian business landscape is evolving, bringing new challenges and fresh opportunities. In this environment, M&A advisory and valuation services will remain vital in helping companies navigate complexity and seize strategic advantages. By leveraging these services, organizations are positioning themselves for long-term success, adapting to changing market conditions and ensuring continued growth. This edition of Financial Services Review Canada delves into how the industry is M&A and valuation services to stay ahead of the curve. The magazine features companies like Corporate M&A Brokerage, a leading M&A advisory for manufacturing businesses. The edition also presents insights from expert CXOs like Ioannis Michopoulos, Director - Complex Securities & Financial Instruments, Stout and Julie Ellsworth-Enman, Director of Finance at Sofina Foods, offering their opinions on the currently used business practices. We hope these valuable insights from industry leaders and solutions and services from firms featured in this edition will assist you in making informed decisions for your businesses.
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