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Buy-Side Advisory

Our Expertise

Insights-Driven, Results-Focused

Thinking about buying a business? We help buyers source, evaluate, and close high-quality acquisitions that align with their goals. Whether you’re a strategic acquirer or first-time investor, we bring deal flow, process discipline, and sharp execution, so you can focus on making the right move with confidence.

What We Do

Target Mapping

We help crystallize your acquisition goals and strategically map out the ideal profile – sector, scale, geography, strategic alignment, growth potential, and cultural compatibility.

Deal Sourcing

Using proprietary tools and outreach systems, we generate qualified deal flow, including off-market opportunities, targeted introductions, warm leads, and industry-specific insights.

Evaluation & Diligence

Conducting rigorous financial, operational, and strategic assessments to validate each opportunity, uncover potential risks, and assess upside potential and synergies.

Deal Execution

We lead negotiations, structure the deal, and manage closing, aligning incentives, timelines, terms, expectations, stakeholder interests, and outcomes to get the right deal done.

Who We Serve

Built for Founders by Founders

Revenue

$1–25 million


Industries

Industrial and Specialty Services

EBITDA

Up to $5 million

Our process

No Guesswork, Just Process That Wins

Buyer Strategy Session

Clarify your goals, budget, timeline, and what kind of business you’re looking for.

  • 1-2 weeks

Market Scan

Map the landscape, and review on- and off-market opportunities that match your criteria.

  • 2-4 weeks

Outreach & Deal Flow

Run targeted outreach to connect with business owners and source qualified opportunities.

  • 6-10 weeks

Evaluation & Screening

Assess fit, financials, and risk - you get the curated short list of serious contenders.

  • 4-6 weeks

Initial Negotiation

Launch discussions, request financials, test seller expectations, and gauge deal readiness.

  • 2-4 weeks

Deal Structuring

Work through deal terms, structure, valuation mechanics, and negotiation approach.

  • 2-3 weeks

Due Diligence

Deep dive into financial, legal, and operational details with your expert deal team.

  • 6-8 weeks

Closing

Finalize the agreement, wire the funds securely, and sign the dotted line promptly.

  • 1-2 weeks

Every deal is different – speed often comes down to how ready the business and its team are to move through each stage.

Recent Reports

Signal Over Noise

Buy-Side Advisory Services | Trusted M&A Advisory Firm

Could You Exit Without Breaking Your Business?

Assess if your business can thrive without you post-exit.

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Buy-Side Advisory Services | Trusted M&A Advisory Firm

7 Key Documents In Any M&A Deal

Essential documents every M&A deal needs for smooth execution.

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M&A Insights | Guides, Reports & Resources

Why Buyer Type Matters?

Buyer type shapes valuation, deal terms, and future outcomes.

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Buy-Side Advisory Services | Trusted M&A Advisory Firm

Premium Price Test

Test if your business justifies a premium sale price.

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M&A Insights | Guides, Reports & Resources

Premium Exit Planning Playbook

Step by step guide helping founders maximize exit value.

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M&A Insights | Guides, Reports & Resources

Understanding EBITDA

Breakdown of EBITDA, showing valuation and performance.

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All Insights

Notable Transactions

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves

Acquisition of

Dotcom Distribution acquired by Ryder System

Buyside Advisor

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Acquisition of

Ascent Global Logistics acquired by H.I.G. Capital

Buyside Advisor

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Acquisition of

Whiplash acquired by Ryder System

Buyside Advisor

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Acquisition of

Sky Transportation Services acquired by Warehouse Services

Buyside Advisor

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Acquisition of

Midwest Warehouse acquired by Ryder System

Buyside Advisor

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Acquisition of

Total Logistics acquired by Warehouse Service

Buyside Advisor

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*Includes engagements where Meliora’s principals were involved while affiliated with other firms; logos shown for identification only, no endorsement implied.

All Transactions

Have a Question? We’re Here to Help.

Questions? Ideas? We’re all ears.

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Acquisition of

Dotcom Distribution acquired by Ryder System

Buyside Advisor

Ryder System acquired Dotcom Distribution in November 2022, strengthening its e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment capabilities. The acquisition included Dotcom’s 400,000-square-foot New Jersey facility, bolstering Ryder’s presence in high-growth categories like health, beauty, and fashion. The move supports Ryder’s strategy to scale its national fulfillment network and service for direct-to-consumer brands.

 

Ryder, headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, is a leading logistics and transportation company providing fleet management, supply chain, and last-mile delivery services across North America. It has aggressively expanded its e-fulfillment division, automation, and warehousing through targeted acquisitions to meet evolving retail logistics demands.

 

Dotcom Distribution, based in Edison, New Jersey, is a third-party logistics provider focused on e-commerce fulfillment. Known for custom packaging, order precision, and brand-centric service, Dotcom has built long-standing relationships with consumer brands. Ryder retained Dotcom’s workforce and leadership to ensure business continuity and maintain service quality during post-acquisition integration.

Acquisition of

Ascent Global Logistics acquired by H.I.G. Capital

Buyside Advisor

In August 2023, an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital completed its acquisition of Ascent Global Logistics, following a definitive agreement announced on August 22. The deal expands H.I.G.’s presence in expedited transportation and supply chain services by adding Ascent’s advanced capabilities in time-critical freight, including ground and air logistics, and its proprietary PEAK freight marketplace. This acquisition fits H.I.G.’s strategy of investing in asset-light, tech-enabled service providers in essential logistics sectors.

 

H.I.G. Capital is a Miami-based global private equity firm with approximately $58 billion in assets under management at the time. Founded in 1993, H.I.G. focuses on middle-market investments and takes a hands-on, operationally driven approach. It has invested in over 400 companies across logistics, healthcare, infrastructure, and other sectors worldwide.

 

Ascent, headquartered in Michigan, is a leading provider of freight forwarding, truck brokerage, and managed transportation services. Serving clients in aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors, Ascent provides time-critical shipments through air charter, expedited ground, and courier solutions.

Acquisition of

Whiplash acquired by Ryder System

Buyside Advisor

Ryder System, Inc. completed the acquisition of Whiplash for $480 million in cash on January 1, 2022. The deal added approximately $480 million in gross revenue to Ryder’s Supply Chain Solutions segment and significantly expanded its presence in the e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment space. This move supported Ryder’s strategy to accelerate growth in logistics verticals, particularly in technology-driven fulfillment services.

 

Ryder, headquartered in Miami, Florida, is a leading provider of dedicated transportation, fleet management, and supply chain solutions, with a focus on North America and the U.K. The Whiplash acquisition reflects Ryder’s continued investment in scalable, tech-enabled operations that support end-to-end fulfillment.

 

Whiplash, headquartered in City of Industry, California, provides omnichannel fulfillment services to over 250 brands. With a national network of 19 warehouses totaling nearly seven million square feet, Whiplash delivers distribution, customer care, value-added warehousing, and transportation services. Acquisition boosts Ryder’s digital commerce capabilities and enhances customer flexibility and speed to market.

Acquisition of

Sky Transportation Services acquired by Warehouse Services

Buyside Advisor

On September 28, 2023, Warehouse Services Inc. (WSI) announced its acquisition of Sky Transportation Services, a dry van carrier headquartered in El Paso, Texas. The deal expands WSI’s cross-border capabilities between the U.S. and Mexico and brings in more than $60 million in additional annual revenue. Sky operates 200 trucks, 500 trailers, and employs approximately 150 drivers, significantly increasing WSI’s fleet and freight capacity.

 

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Piedmont, South Carolina, WSI is a privately held, women-owned third-party logistics (3PL) provider with over 20 million square feet of warehouse space across 19 U.S. states and Canada. The acquisition supports WSI’s strategic growth in transportation and border logistics.

 

Sky Transportation, founded by Albert Luna, specializes in dry van shipments across the Southwest U.S. and into Mexico. Known for its safety and customer satisfaction, Sky will continue to operate under Luna’s leadership. The partnership positions WSI to deliver more integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions.

Acquisition of

Midwest Warehouse acquired by Ryder System

Buyside Advisor

Ryder System, Inc. completed its acquisition of Midwest Warehouse & Distribution System on November 1, 2021, following an agreement reached in late October. Midwest operated 17 warehousing facilities – nine multi-client and eight dedicated – primarily in Chicago, with additional sites in New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. Ryder estimated the acquisition would contribute $135 million in annual revenue to its Supply Chain Solutions segment, furthering its strategy of scaling high-return logistics services.

 

Based in Coral Gables, Florida, Ryder is a leading logistics company operating across North America and the U.K. Its services span fleet management, transportation, e-fulfillment, and last-mile delivery, with over 300 warehouses and more than 230,000 vehicles under management. 

 

Midwest, headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois, provided third-party logistics, warehousing, and transportation services, primarily in food, beverage, and CPG sectors. Ryder retained Midwest’s leadership and staff to ensure operational continuity and seamless integration into its national distribution network.

Acquisition of

Total Logistics acquired by Warehouse Service

Buyside Advisor

In October 2021, Warehouse Services Inc. (WSI) announced its acquisition of Total Logistics Inc. (TLI), a Minnesota-based B2B last-mile logistics and warehousing firm. This strategic deal was expected to contribute roughly $150 million in revenue to WSI in 2022 and deepen its footprint in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. The acquisition enhanced WSI’s automotive service capabilities and enhanced its position with major supply chain clients.

 

WSI, a privately held third-party logistics provider, has operated since 1986 and manages over 20 million square feet of warehousing across 19 U.S. states and Canada. Its growth strategy includes expanding its transportation and warehousing offerings through acquisitions like TLI.

 

Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Oakdale, Minnesota, TLI specializes in last-mile distribution, brokerage, and value-added warehousing. The company serves industries such as construction, retail, and automotive aftermarket. Following the acquisition, TLI President Tom Wintz remained in his role, helping integrate operations while leveraging WSI’s broader resources to support accelerated growth.