Business Details
Trusted Business Acquisition & Valuation Experts in South Bend, IN
DFA Financial Services is a specialized firm dedicated to guiding clients through complex business transactions. With over 37 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, our founder has advised on more than 100 business sales and brings deep expertise in valuations, acquisition strategies, and transaction management. Our team combines hands-on experience from owning manufacturing, contracting, and distribution companies with executive-level financial management backgrounds at organizations like Grant Thornton & Company. We focus on creating tailored solutions for buyers and sellers, offering end-to-end support from market analysis to closing negotiations. Our approach emphasizes confidentiality, strategic marketing plans, and connecting clients with qualified financing options when needed. Backed by a proven track record of successfully facilitating sales across diverse industriesincluding aerospace, manufacturing, and distributionwe maintain active roles in community organizations like the Boy Scouts LaSalle Council and St.Vincent DePaul Society. Our firm operates as the central hub coordinating interactions between buyers, sellers, accountants, and attorneys to ensure smooth transactions. We continually update our expertise through management seminars and industry research to address evolving economic environments. Clients benefit from our commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and personalized service throughout the acquisition or divestiture process. This combination of technical proficiency, practical business ownership experience, and community engagement positions us to deliver reliable, client-focused outcomes in business transition services.
Services
Business Valuations
Mergers & Acquisitions
Transaction Management
Financing Assistance
Confidential Marketing
Buyer Qualification
Deal Structuring
Closing Negotiations
Highlights and features
- We have advised on over 100 business sales with 37+ years of M&A experience
- Our team combines CPA firm backgrounds with hands-on business ownership experience
- We provide end-to-end transaction management from valuation to closing
- Our proven process includes confidential marketing and buyer/seller qualification
- We maintain active community leadership roles demonstrating local commitment
Services
Business Valuations
Our business valuation services determine accurate market values through comprehensive financial analysis and industry benchmarking. We utilize proven methodologies to assess company worth for mergers, acquisitions, or internal planning purposes. Clients receive detailed reports that support strategic decision-making and transaction negotiations.
Mergers & Acquisitions
We specialize in guiding clients through merger and acquisition processes with strategic planning and execution expertise. Our services include target identification, due diligence, and transaction structuring. With decades of experience in diverse industries, we ensure smooth transitions while maximizing value for both buyers and sellers.
Transaction Management
Our end-to-end transaction management coordinates all aspects of business sales from initial assessment to closing. We handle documentation, stakeholder communication, and regulatory requirements while maintaining confidentiality throughout the process. This comprehensive approach minimizes client workload and ensures compliance at every stage.
Financing Assistance
We connect clients with qualified financing options to support business acquisitions or expansions. Our industry relationships help secure favorable terms while preparing necessary documentation for lenders. This service streamlines capital acquisition to facilitate successful transaction closures without unnecessary delays.
Confidential Marketing
Our confidential marketing strategies protect business owners' interests during sales processes. We develop targeted outreach campaigns to qualified buyers while maintaining operational privacy. This approach ensures competitive bidding environments without disrupting ongoing business operations or employee morale.
People
Donald Fischesser
President
Donald Fischesser has over 37 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, advising on 100+ business sales. He holds a University of Cincinnati accounting degree and combines CPA firm experience with business ownership in manufacturing and distribution sectors. Active in community leadership roles, he serves on multiple nonprofit boards.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in for business sales?
We have experience across manufacturing, aerospace, distribution, healthcare, technology, and professional services sectors, with successful sales of companies like aircraft parts manufacturers and precision machine shops.
How do you maintain confidentiality during business sales?
We implement strict confidentiality protocols including non-disclosure agreements, controlled information sharing, and targeted buyer outreach to protect sensitive business information throughout the sales process.
What valuation methods do you use?
We employ multiple valuation approaches including income-based, market-based, and asset-based methods to provide comprehensive, defensible valuations that reflect current market conditions and business fundamentals.
How long does a typical business sale take?
Most transactions take 6-12 months depending on business size, industry, and market conditions. Our streamlined process includes preparation, marketing, due diligence, and closing phases to ensure efficient completions.
Do you assist with seller financing options?
Yes, we help structure seller financing arrangements when appropriate, working with both parties to create mutually beneficial terms that facilitate successful transaction closures.
What sets your firm apart from other advisors?
Our unique combination of CPA firm experience, business ownership backgrounds, and 100+ completed transactions provides practical insights that benefit both buyers and sellers throughout the transaction lifecycle.
