ECP Ventures is a Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm that provides strategic guidance to business owners in the Lower Middle Market (companies with annual revenues between $5 Million to $100 million).
As experienced financial professionals, we combine decades of corporate and private equity expertise to guide business owners through the complexities of selling or merging their companies.
Selling a business does not have to be complicated
Expert Mergers & Acquisitions guidance, built on trust, transparency and the ability to fulfill client expectations through ethical M&A strategies. No hidden fees or lengthy contracts - only ethical representation.
Trusted Strategic Advisors
We Are Not Business Brokers
WHO ARE WE?
Unlike brokers who simply "flip" companies, we perform as trusted advisors, committed to securing the best possible outcome for you and your company. Our approach is rooted in transparency, Christian values, integrity, and a relentless drive for results.
Whether you're a business owner looking to transition or a buyer seeking strategic growth, we're here to ensure your success. Explore our services to learn how we can help you succeed.
We are purpose driven not fee driven.
Whether you're a business owner looking to transition or a buyer seeking strategic growth, we're here to ensure your success. Explore our services to learn how we can help you succeed.
We are purpose driven not fee driven.
NUMBERS THAT COUNT
20 Years
of Fortune 500 Financial Experience
40 Years
of Mergers and Acquisitions experience and a proven track record of finding the best deals across industries for ethics driven buyers and sellers
150 Days
Definitive transaction process from start to closing the deal
500+ Buyers
Qualified and vetted by us in our Network
100% Success Based
Success based fees - we only get paid when we close your transaction successfully
10+ Industries
Expertise across healthcare, manufacturing, construction, technology, logistics, home services, industrial services and more
WHO WE SERVE
At ECP Ventures, we exclusively represent business sellers. Our fiduciary responsibility is solely to the business owners we serve, ensuring their best interests are protected throughout the entire sales process. We don’t play both sides—buyers who work with us gain access to high-quality companies without ever paying us fees.
This keeps our buying relationships transparent, ethical, and focused on finding the right match. Our relationship with buyers is built on trust and established credibility, with the long-term goal of selling them five companies over five years.
Our commitment to our sellers is to represent, serve, and protect them with the highest level of integrity and performance standards. Our goal is to strive to secure at least five strong offers that align with their financial goals and qualitative requirements.
This keeps our buying relationships transparent, ethical, and focused on finding the right match. Our relationship with buyers is built on trust and established credibility, with the long-term goal of selling them five companies over five years.
Our commitment to our sellers is to represent, serve, and protect them with the highest level of integrity and performance standards. Our goal is to strive to secure at least five strong offers that align with their financial goals and qualitative requirements.
Sellers we represent
Reach out to us today for a consultation and see how we can represent and support you and your business.
BOOK A CALL
Legacy Companies
We work with established legacy companies seeking a buyer who will honor their history and values. Our process ensures your company’s legacy remains intact throughout the transition.
HIGH GROWTH COMPANIES
For businesses looking to scale through mergers and acquisitions, we align you with buyers who can help accelerate growth while maintaining the core of what makes your business successful.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
We assist companies seeking strategic partnerships, ensuring you find the right buyer or partner to expand your market reach and achieve your growth objectives
Buyers we work with
Register and join our network of 500+ “First Look” buyers, and join our database to find the target companies you are seeking.
Synergistic Industry Buyers
Whether you're a market leader or disruptive challenger, we'll leverage our deep industry connections to identify complementary acquisition targets that strengthen your competitive edge. With our guidance, you can execute synergistic deals that propel your business to new heights.
Financial Buyers
As a private equity firm, family office, or financial investor, we'll source the most compelling acquisition opportunities to fuel your growth objectives. Our data-driven approach and transactional expertise ensure a seamless process from start to finish.
Private Equity BuyerS
As seasoned dealmakers, we'll leverage our vast network and analytical capabilities to pinpoint the ideal targets, working closely with you to structure transactions that maximize returns for your fund and investors.
Family Office Buyers
Building a diversified, high-performing portfolio requires a personalized, white-glove approach. We'll connect you with businesses that align with your family's vision and values, helping you make strategic acquisitions that stand the test of time.
Competitor Buyers
Looking to expand your market share or gain a clear competitive advantage? We'll identify targets that seamlessly integrate with your existing operations, ensuring a smooth consolidation process that strengthens your position in the industry.
High Net Worth Buyers
As a savvy individual investor, we'll meticulously screen and vett businesses that fit your investment strategy and risk profile, presenting you with options that have significant growth potential.
OUR SERVICES
Mergers and Acquisitions
Accelerating your business legacy with 5+ qualified offers in 150 days through our exclusive seller-focused approach.
Learn MoreStrategic Advisory Services
Maximizing your company's value and market position today to secure premium offers tomorrow.
Learn MoreDue Diligence and Negotiation
Transforming complex transactions into clear victories through meticulous execution and expert deal advocacy.
Learn MoreOUR APPROACH
ECP Ventures stands out by offering a highly personalized and ethical approach to M&A. We don’t charge upfront fees and we only get paid when we deliver results. Our deep commitment to legacy preservation sets us apart, ensuring that your company’s values remain intact throughout the transaction process. With a network of over 500 qualified buyers, we connect sellers with buyers who align with their vision, not just their financial goals.
OUR EDGE
Our 150 days 10-stage process minimizes risk and maximizes results.
OUR PROCESS
Your Journey Through Our 150-Day 10-Stage Transaction Process
At ECP Ventures, selling your business is not just a transaction—it’s a pivotal moment in your journey. We firmly believe that we can sell any high quality company in 150 days. Our definitive streamlined 10-stage process ensures you're guided with expertise, empathy, and unwavering dedication.
ECP’s definition of a successful transaction is one where the Buyer and Seller would do it again three years later.
ECP’s definition of a successful transaction is one where the Buyer and Seller would do it again three years later.
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OUR TEAM
Cliff Gardner and Eric Wilhelm, founders of ECP Ventures, bring decades of experience from working with multi-billion-dollar companies. Transitioning to the Lower Middle Market (LMM) — companies valued between $5M and $100M — was eye-opening.
They were astounded by the unethical practices they encountered, including brokers charging upfront fees and undervaluing businesses for a quick sale. Additionally, they saw buyers exploiting sellers by acquiring businesses for far less than their true worth with unsolicited LOI’s.
Even more alarming was the widespread tax evasion among many business owners. At ECP Ventures, integrity is paramount.
As a Christian firm, we offer business owners a trustworthy, high-integrity option for their transactions.
Our mission is simple:
To serve and uplift others with ethical, transparent and results-driven M&A advisory services.
They were astounded by the unethical practices they encountered, including brokers charging upfront fees and undervaluing businesses for a quick sale. Additionally, they saw buyers exploiting sellers by acquiring businesses for far less than their true worth with unsolicited LOI’s.
Even more alarming was the widespread tax evasion among many business owners. At ECP Ventures, integrity is paramount.
As a Christian firm, we offer business owners a trustworthy, high-integrity option for their transactions.
Our mission is simple:
To serve and uplift others with ethical, transparent and results-driven M&A advisory services.
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Cliff Gardner
A distinguished CPA graduate from the University of Northern Iowa (top three US accounting program), Cliff launched an impressive career that rocketed from Staff Accountant to EVP and Division CFO for Fortune 500 companies.
His expertise spans Mergers & Acquisitions, Industry Rollups, Financial & Operational Management, and SEC Reporting. He has successfully led transactions from both buy and sell sides, including an IPO.His remarkable career highlights include providing financial direction for the world's largest open heart surgery company (50,000 surgeries annually) as CFO, as well as performing as a full NASCAR partner and MLB and Collegiate Products licensee.
On the entrepreneurial front he co-founded the auto industry's most extensive OEM auto parts eCommerce platform ever created with 165 million parts applications on a single site. He personally conducted an offering and sold his auto parts platform to AutoNation, America's largest auto dealer group.
Today, Cliff enjoys channeling his Fortune 500 expertise into leveling the playing field for the benefit of small and mid-sized business owners during crucial sales transactions.
His Christian faith drives his philanthropic venture, Praying As One (www.prayingasone.com), which distributes unique 12" handheld crosses. He also founded FansAlign (www.fansalign.com), aiming to unite one million MLB fans into a powerful collective voice.
A dedicated family man, Cliff shares his life with his wife and five children, including a daughter at Google, a son at AppFolio, and three "bonus" children from his second marriage. His passion for baseball runs deep - he holds season tickets for the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers, and his baseball essay "Extreme Passion" earned a place in Cooperstown's Hall of Fame.
His expertise spans Mergers & Acquisitions, Industry Rollups, Financial & Operational Management, and SEC Reporting. He has successfully led transactions from both buy and sell sides, including an IPO.His remarkable career highlights include providing financial direction for the world's largest open heart surgery company (50,000 surgeries annually) as CFO, as well as performing as a full NASCAR partner and MLB and Collegiate Products licensee.
On the entrepreneurial front he co-founded the auto industry's most extensive OEM auto parts eCommerce platform ever created with 165 million parts applications on a single site. He personally conducted an offering and sold his auto parts platform to AutoNation, America's largest auto dealer group.
Today, Cliff enjoys channeling his Fortune 500 expertise into leveling the playing field for the benefit of small and mid-sized business owners during crucial sales transactions.
His Christian faith drives his philanthropic venture, Praying As One (www.prayingasone.com), which distributes unique 12" handheld crosses. He also founded FansAlign (www.fansalign.com), aiming to unite one million MLB fans into a powerful collective voice.
A dedicated family man, Cliff shares his life with his wife and five children, including a daughter at Google, a son at AppFolio, and three "bonus" children from his second marriage. His passion for baseball runs deep - he holds season tickets for the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers, and his baseball essay "Extreme Passion" earned a place in Cooperstown's Hall of Fame.
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Eric Wilhelm
A Biola University graduate with an Accounting degree and Biblical Studies minor, Eric launched his career by passing the CPA exam and joining Deloitte, a prestigious "Big 4" firm. His trajectory soared from Staff Auditor to Controller to Vice President of Finance, specializing in private equity portfolio companies across medical, dental, optical, automotive, and commercial construction sectors.
In a pivotal career moment, Eric became the second employee of a groundbreaking startup, where he immersed himself in every aspect of business building - from establishing back-office operations to product development and brand creation. This hands-on experience forged his deep appreciation for entrepreneurs and their relentless journey in building valuable businesses.
Today, Eric channels his extensive financial expertise into helping business owners navigate sales and acquisitions, driven by a passionate commitment to serve others. A devoted Christian, he lives in Flower Mound, TX, with his wife Jaclyn, where they raise their three children grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ's grace and mercy.
In a pivotal career moment, Eric became the second employee of a groundbreaking startup, where he immersed himself in every aspect of business building - from establishing back-office operations to product development and brand creation. This hands-on experience forged his deep appreciation for entrepreneurs and their relentless journey in building valuable businesses.
Today, Eric channels his extensive financial expertise into helping business owners navigate sales and acquisitions, driven by a passionate commitment to serve others. A devoted Christian, he lives in Flower Mound, TX, with his wife Jaclyn, where they raise their three children grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ's grace and mercy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is ECP Ventures?
ECP Ventures is an M&A advisory firm specializing in guiding business owners through the process of selling or merging their companies. We offer ethical, transparent services rooted in Christian values, and we focus on maximizing value while preserving legacies.
2. How is ECP Ventures different from a business broker?
Unlike traditional brokers, we don't "flip" companies for quick fees. We work closely with our clients as trusted advisors, providing end-to-end support without charging upfront fees or locking clients into unethical contracts. We focus on long-term success and aligning sellers with the right buyers.
3. Do you charge upfront fees?
No, we do not charge any upfront fees. Our success-based model ensures that we only get paid when you do, upon the successful completion of the transaction
4. What is aN "tail provision," and do you have one?
Industry-standard "tail provisions" mean sellers pay brokers even after their listing agreement ends, if the sale is to a buyer the broker found. At ECP Ventures, we find these unethical and don't use them. Instead, we offer a one-year "Performance Year" agreement with no tail, reflecting our confidence in selling any company within 150 days.
5. What industries do you work with?
We work across a range of industries including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, financial services, home services, and industrial businesses. Our goal is to help businesses in these sectors find the right buyer or strategic partner. We will represent any business that creates sustaining value!
6. How long does the transaction process take?
Our typical M&A transaction takes around 150 days, following our structured 10-stage process. This timeline is flexible based on your unique business and transaction needs. “We work in hours and days and not weeks and months”.
7. What is the 10-Stage Transaction Process?
Our 10-stage process includes client engagement, business profile development, market introduction, buyer qualification, offer generation, negotiations, due diligence, contracting and closing. Each stage is designed to maximize value while keeping you informed and in control.
8. How do I know if it’s the right time to sell my business?
The right time to sell depends 100% on you and your personal and financial goals, as well as current market conditions. We can help you assess the market conditions and your company’s readiness for an offering. As technical M&A Advisors our role is to put you in a position to make a fully informed decision that is in your best interests.
9. Do I need to prepare my business before selling?
Yes, preparing your business before selling is crucial to ensure you receive the best offers. This includes cleaning up your financials, understanding your balance sheets, and creating a strong business profile. We will guide you through this process.
10. Would I need to sell my entire company?
No. Every transaction is designed to meet the specific needs of our sellers. Some want to sell everything and some prefer to only sell at portion at this time. They may want to take some cash out now and benefit again later from future successes. Others choose to sell a portion to join a larger more robust company. There are also situations where one or more owners wants to sell and others do not so only those desiring to exit sell.
11. Can I sell my business and maintain its legacy?
Absolutely. ECP Ventures specializes in aligning your business with buyers who will honor your company's history, values, employees and customers to ensure that your legacy is preserved through the transition and beyond.
12. What happens if I don’t accept the highest offer?
Our role is to help you evaluate all offers based on your personal and financial goals. Some clients prioritize cultural fit, employee opportunities or long-term partnership over the highest price, and we fully respect and support that decision.
13. How do I start the process of selling my business?
Simply reach out to us through our contact form or call us to schedule a consultation. We’ll start with an in-depth conversation about your goals and help you assess the best path forward.
14. What buyers are looking for in a business?
Buyers typically look for businesses with strong financials, growth potential, and a well-established market position. At ECP Ventures, we work closely with you to develop a very strong value conveyance to attract the right buyers.
15. What is the role of Christian values in ECP’s conduct?
Our firm is deeply rooted in Christian values, emphasizing fairness, integrity, and servant leadership. These values guide how we treat our clients (and buyers), manage transactions, and ensure that every deal is ethically sound and beneficial for all parties.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
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