EP319 Building Smart Networks and Smarter Exit

In this episode, I sit down with seasoned M&A expert Eric Cardinal - a true connector in Canada’s investment and business exit ecosystem. With decades of experience in investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance, Eric shares how relationships, preparation, and AI-driven intelligence are reshaping the exit journey for business owners.

 

We dig into the power of networks like the M&A Club, the practical benefits of using AI to prepare for due diligence, and the often-overlooked realities around professional fees, timing, and tax strategy.

 

Whether you’re two years away from an exit - or ten - this conversation is packed with value you can act on right now.

 

🔑 Key Highlights

 

00:03:30 - Eric’s global M&A background and the growing reach of the M&A Club
00:10:45 - Why relationships are everything in a successful deal
00:17:50 - How AI tools like Optionality are helping M&A advisors prep faster and smarter
00:28:10 - The importance of industry-agnostic experience in Canadian M&A advisory
00:36:15 - What a proper capital structure looks like in a growth-by-acquisition strategy
00:46:00 - The true cost of selling your business: professional fees and preparation timelines
00:52:40 - The critical tax move you MUST make at least two years before you sell
00:56:55 - Eric’s fun, frank advice: reward yourself and diversify your financial planning team post-exit

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📈 Thinking about your own business exit?
Book your complimentary 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis with me, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell. We’ll map out a plan to secure your financial future and make your exit as intentional as your growth.

📩 DM me on LinkedIn or email me.

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The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.

 

All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.

 

This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.

 

Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.