Archive | Looking for Leverage

Deal Mechanics

Escrow vs. Earnout

CJ Gustafson

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Jul 15, 2026

Talent & Team

Upgrading a Team You Didn't Hire

CJ Gustafson

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Jul 8, 2026

Deal Mechanics

Cash-Free, Debt-Free: The Cash You Don't Actually Get to Keep

CJ Gustafson

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Jul 1, 2026

Credit Agreement

The Cash Sweep: Why a Great Year Comes With a Bill You Didn't Budget

CJ Gustafson

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Jun 24, 2026

Mid-Hold Financing

How Dividend Recaps Work

CJ Gustafson

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Jun 17, 2026

Tax & Structuring

The Tax You Triggered by Hiring One Person in New York

CJ Gustafson

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Jun 10, 2026

Management Equity

What Your Sponsor's Hurdle Tells You About Them

CJ Gustafson

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Jun 3, 2026

Management Equity

Why Your PIUs Aren’t the Stock Options You’re Used To

CJ Gustafson

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May 27, 2026

Deal Mechanics

Debt-Like Items: Where the Final Equity Check Actually Gets Decided

CJ Gustafson

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May 20, 2026

Deal Mechanics

Key-Man Risk 101: What to Expect as a Future PE-Backed Exec During Negotiations

CJ Gustafson

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May 13, 2026

Deal Mechanics

The Tax Mechanic That Showed The Whole Company My Comp

CJ Gustafson

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May 6, 2026

Reporting & Metrics

Why Your Sponsor Has a Different EBITDA Number Than You Do

CJ Gustafson

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Apr 29, 2026