Keeping great businesses in great hands

Who we are

When it's time to transition a business, the best successor is often already in the building.

Cedar Elm Capital is an Austin-based advisory firm built around one idea: when it's time to transition a business, the best successor is often already in the building.

We work with business owners who want to make that happen — and with the operators, partners, and family members ready to step into ownership.

We work with both sides to structure the transaction, raise the capital, and get to the other side together. These transitions are often years in the making, and they deserve a firm that treats them that way.

Keeping great businesses in great hands

How we're different

A few things that shape how we work.

Internal transitions are our focus. Management buyouts, family successions, partner buyouts — these are the transactions we know best, and that shapes how we approach everything: structure, capital, and process.

We understand that the relationship has to survive the transaction. These deals are personal in a way that most transactions aren't — the people on both sides already know each other, and that history runs deep. The dynamics of a management buyout or family succession require care that goes well beyond the financial structure — and that awareness runs through everything we do.

Our capital network is built for this market. For most internal buyers, capital is the obstacle — even when everything else is in place. We work with investors who back operators without taking control, and lenders who understand these dynamics. Getting that financing right is often what makes the whole thing possible.

Who we work with

We work with middle market companies across manufacturing, distribution, construction, and business & consumer services — owners and operators who both have a stake in how the transition turns out.

Business Owners

You've spent years building something that matters — to you, to the people who work there, and to the customers who depend on it. You want to transition your business to someone you already know and trust — a key operator, a family member, a partner — and you want the valuation to reflect what you've built. We handle everything from structuring the transaction and raising the capital to making sure the process works for everyone involved.

Management

A lot of people in your position have thought seriously about ownership without ever knowing whether it's actually within reach. We work with lenders and investors who back operators like you — and we handle the capital raise, the deal structure, and everything it takes to get you to close.

Keeping great businesses in great hands

What we do

We guide owners and internal buyers through the transactions that define a company's future.

Management Buyouts

We advise owners and management teams working together on a transition — helping structure the deal, raise the capital, and set the new ownership up for a strong start.

Family Transitions

We help families design transitions that are fair, built to last, and that protect the relationships at the center of everything. That includes building the financing structure that makes it all possible.

Shareholder Buyouts

Whether it's a partner looking to retire or a family member stepping back, we help shareholders navigate the process and get to a fair outcome — including sourcing the financing to make it happen.

ESOP Advisory

An ESOP can be a powerful tool for the right situation — offering real advantages in tax efficiency, employee retention, and succession planning. We'll help you figure out quickly whether it's worth exploring.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most.

Do I need to be ready to transact to talk with you?

Not at all. Some of the most valuable conversations happen well before a deal is on the table. If you're starting to think about the future — even loosely — we're happy to talk through what your options might look like.

Will anyone find out we're having this conversation?

Every conversation is confidential from the start. We'll sign an NDA before any detailed discussions begin, and we manage every step of the process with discretion.

I want to sell to someone in the company. How would they finance it?

If the business has strong cash flow and a proven track record, there are well-tested ways to get it done — and we'll help you see quickly what fits.

I'm interested in buying the business I work at. Can you help?

Absolutely. The first thing we do is help you understand what the financing looks like — and if the path is there, we know how to structure it, where to source it, and what it takes to get the deal done.

How do I know I'm getting a fair price?

The lenders and investors who finance these transactions have the same return requirements they'd have for any investment — and that discipline keeps valuations honest. When it's helpful, we can also run a parallel market check so everyone at the table has a clear, defensible answer.

What will the process actually look like?

We'll walk you through it in detail so you can decide whether this process is right for you. Generally, it involves getting to know your business, helping you think through your goals, and then designing an approach that's tailored to your specific situation.

Let's talk

We're happy to talk whenever you're ready.

You don't need to have it all figured out. Maybe you're an owner starting to think about the future. Maybe you're part of a management team wondering whether a buyout is even possible. Or maybe you just want a second opinion from someone who understands these situations well.

Whatever the case, we'll listen, ask a few thoughtful questions, and give you our honest take.

Reach out to us at hello@cedarelmcapital.com or (512) 200‑2645.