Acquisition Experts LLC Research
Advisory Approach
Acquisition Experts LLC is a Florida-based business brokerage and M&A advisory firm founded in 2005, with over 12 years of experience facilitating business sales in the lower middle market. The firm operates with a clear thesis: Florida's business ecosystem requires specialized local expertise combined with institutional-quality process management. Unlike national investment banks that may treat Florida as one territory among many, Acquisition Experts maintains deep regional knowledge across Florida's east coast from Orlando to the Florida Keys.
The firm's positioning bridges two distinct market segments: traditional business brokerage (businesses up to $5M in annual revenue) and lower middle market M&A advisory ($5M-$50M in revenue). This dual capability allows them to serve clients across the business lifecycle, from smaller main street businesses to mid-market companies requiring sophisticated buyer outreach and transaction structuring.
Sector Focus
Acquisition Experts has developed particular expertise across several Florida-centric industries:
Pest Control and Lawn Care: John Brogan, a partner at the firm since 2017, has achieved a remarkable milestone of 50 career pest control business sales. His background includes 20+ years owning and operating a pest control business, giving him unique operational insight that pure financiers lack. He has worked with major national players like Orkin, Terminix, Arrow Exterminators, and TruGreen, as well as regional Florida companies such as Beach Environmental and Clements Pest Control.
Professional Practices: Ken Elkin is recognized as a national industry expert in the sale of medical practices by Business Brokerage Press. The healthcare services practice includes physician practices, dental practices, and specialty healthcare businesses throughout Florida.
Manufacturing and Distribution: The team has experience with discrete manufacturing, contract manufacturing, and distribution businesses. Dale Armor's background includes over 250 closed business sales with particular focus on lower middle market companies seeking acquisition by strategic buyers.
Service Businesses: The firm has sold numerous service businesses including HVAC, automotive services, professional services, and business services. Their understanding of service business economics—recurring revenue models, customer retention metrics, and operational scalability—positions them well to value and market these businesses effectively.
Retail and Restaurants: From multi-location restaurant groups to specialized retail concepts, the firm has experience across consumer-facing businesses where location, lease terms, and operational systems drive value.
Deal Track Record
Acquisition Experts reports completing over $280M in combined M&A transactions across their team, with $169M+ in total business sales value recorded. The firm maintains a 5-star Google rating with 60% of reviews being 5-star, indicating strong client satisfaction.
Documented Transaction:
- The Pestop to Arrow Exterminators (January 2024): John Brogan of Acquisition Experts acted as sole advisor to The Pestop, a Port St. Lucie-based pest control company founded in 1995. Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators, a national strategic acquirer, purchased The Pestop in a transaction that expanded Arrow's footprint to 51 offices in Florida. The deal demonstrates the firm's ability to connect Florida businesses with national strategic buyers and navigate complex transaction structures.
The firm's brokers have earned numerous awards: Dale Armor received the BBF "Deal Maker Award" for ranking in the top 5 agents statewide in both dollar volume and deals closed—the first time on Business Brokers of Florida record this was achieved. Ken Elkin has been awarded "Top 50" in Total Business Sales from among more than 1,000 Florida business brokers in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023, and is a 17-time winner of the Million Dollar Plus Award.
Process & Fee Structure
Acquisition Experts employs a structured, relationship-driven approach to business sales. Unlike some firms that favor broad auction processes, they emphasize targeted buyer identification and relationship cultivation. Their stated philosophy is that the classic "auction" technique is not always in sellers' best interests, as the most likely buyers may have an aversion to participating in auction processes. Instead, they focus on identifying the RIGHT buyer through targeted outreach while maintaining confidentiality.
The firm's 5-step process includes business preparation, valuation, marketing, buyer qualification, and closing support. They advise clients for months or even years prior to a sale to position the business for maximum value.
Fee Structure: The firm operates on a contingent success basis—payment only upon successful closing. While specific fee percentages are not publicly disclosed, business brokers in the lower middle market typically charge success fees in the 8-12% range for businesses under $5M, scaling down for larger transactions. Their M&A division likely employs a modified Lehman or similar structure for deals above $5M in enterprise value.
Buyer Network
Acquisition Experts has cultivated relationships across multiple buyer categories:
Private Equity Firms: Through M&A intermediaries like Dale Armor with 250+ closed deals, the firm has connections to lower middle market PE firms focused on add-on acquisitions and platform builds.
Strategic Buyers: The Pestop transaction with Arrow Exterminators demonstrates the firm's ability to connect Florida businesses with national strategic acquirers. This is particularly valuable in fragmented industries like pest control, lawn care, and HVAC where regional rollups are common.
Individual Buyers: As business brokers, they maintain a database of high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and entrepreneur buyers seeking acquisition opportunities.
International Buyers: Through E-2/E-1 and L-1 visa services, the firm has experience connecting Florida businesses with foreign investors seeking visa-qualifying investments.
Competitive Positioning
Acquisition Experts differentiates through:
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Florida Specialization: Deep knowledge of Florida's business ecosystem, from regulatory environment to regional economic drivers, that national firms lack.
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Operational Experience: Team members like John Brogan (20+ years operating pest control businesses) bring operator perspective, not just financial modeling skills. This helps them understand buyer concerns about operational sustainability.
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Dual Market Capability: Ability to serve both main street businesses ($500K-$5M) and lower middle market companies ($5M-$50M) from the same platform, providing continuity as clients grow.
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Relationship-Driven Process: Emphasis on targeted buyer outreach rather than broad auctions, preserving confidentiality while identifying qualified buyers.
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Professional Credentials: Multiple Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and M&A Master Intermediary (M&AMI) designations, plus leadership roles in Business Brokers of Florida and International Business Brokers Association.
Not a Fit If
Acquisition Experts typically declines engagements outside Florida, businesses under $500K in enterprise value, or situations requiring rapid fire-sale processes. Their model emphasizes preparation and positioning, not distressed asset sales.
Team
Dale Armor – Broker/Owner, M&A Advisor: 250+ closed business sales, BBF "Deal Maker Award" recipient (top 5 in Florida for deals closed and dollar volume), 2022 IBBA Chairman's Circle Award, former Director of Business Brokers of Florida State Board. Specializes in lower middle market companies selling to strategic buyers.
Ken Elkin – Broker/Owner: Co-founded Acquisition Experts in 2005. "Top 50" in Total Business Sales in Florida (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023), 17-time Million Dollar Plus Award winner. Recognized as national industry expert in medical practice sales. Former Director of Business Development at Motorola. M&A Master Intermediary (M&AMI), Certified Business Intermediary (CBI).
John D. Brogan – Broker/Owner: 50+ career pest control business sales milestone achieved in 2025. 20+ years owning and operating pest control and lawn care businesses before joining the firm in 2017. Specializes in buying and selling pest control businesses throughout Florida. Licensed Real Estate Broker – State of Florida.
Additional Team Members: Bob Leone, Bill West, Colin Grover, Doug Crawford bring additional industry expertise and geographic coverage across Florida.
Geographic Coverage
Primary: Florida's east coast from Orlando to the Florida Keys, with offices in Stuart (headquarters), Jupiter, and Palm Beach. The firm serves the entire state but maintains strongest presence in Treasure Coast, Palm Beach, and South Florida markets.