Kiran Merchant spent decades as a consultant to the aviation industry, so when a boss refused to grant him an $8,000 raise, he decided to leave his employer to start his aviation consulting firm. Eighteen months later, he sold Merchant Aviation to Aeroport de Paris, one of the largest aviation companies in the world for a high single-digit multiple of EBITDA.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
Attract senior-level employees for pennies on the dollar.
Make your company appear much bigger than it is.
Separate yourself from your company when your surname is on the door.
Avoid an earn-out.
Block partners from stealing your customers.
Rebut a lowball offer.
Outperform industry average multiples.
Explain your decision to sell to your customers.
Want to learn how to make your business irresistible to buyers? CLICK HERE to schedule a meeting with me today.
Video: Aeroport de Paris’ Acquisition of Merchant Aviation with Kiran Merchant

Mark Hartmann is a three-time Inc 500|5000 CEO with a rich sales, operations, and leadership background in the insurance, financial services, and healthcare sectors. With extensive experience growing and selling his own businesses, Mark leverages his expertise to help owners grow and sell businesses valued at $1M —$25M. He’s earned a Master of Business Administration from Eastern University, a master of science degree in organizational change management from St. Elizabeth University, and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Columbia University. Mark’s professional certifications include Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Professional (CM&AP), Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and Certified Value Builder (CVB).