Berkowitz Acquisitions Research
Advisory Approach
Berkowitz Acquisitions is a Florida-based business brokerage and M&A advisory firm specializing in the lower middle market. Founded by Dr. Barry J. Berkowitz in approximately 2008, the firm operates with a client-centric approach to business transitions, combining professional brokerage services with mergers and acquisitions expertise. The firm's thesis is that successful business exits require expert guidance through analysis, planning, and marketing to achieve optimal outcomes for both buyers and sellers.
The firm positions itself as a trusted advisor for business owners navigating the complex process of selling or acquiring companies. Their approach emphasizes maintaining leverage for sellers while providing comprehensive guidance for buyers through research, investigation, negotiation, and due diligence processes.
Sector Focus
Berkowitz Acquisitions maintains industry expertise across four primary sectors: Technology, Manufacturing, Education, and Healthcare. The firm has developed particular specialization in:
Manufacturing: Both discrete manufacturing (precision machining, contract manufacturing) and process manufacturing (specialty chemicals, building products) Technology: Software and IT services businesses Healthcare Services: Healthcare and medical-related businesses Education: Educational institutions and training organizations Distribution & Wholesale: Distribution and wholesale businesses, with specific focus in medical and healthcare sectors
Team member Cristiana Jones brings additional expertise in Food & Beverage, Retail Trade, Construction, and Transportation sectors, while Gabriel Vázquez Díaz specializes in distribution/wholesale with healthcare focus.
Deal Track Record
Berkowitz Acquisitions maintains a selective transaction profile typical of specialized lower middle market business brokers. The firm has been an Axial member since 2011, where one transaction is recorded (an anonymous deal closed in April 2018). The firm maintains a database of over 6,000 registered buyers for matching opportunities.
While individual deal details are not publicly disclosed—a common practice among business brokers serving privately held companies—the firm's longevity since 2008 and continued industry recognition indicate sustained transactional activity. Testimonials from clients emphasize successful multiple transactions, with clients returning to engage the firm for subsequent business sales.
Process & Fee Structure
Berkowitz Acquisitions follows a structured sell-side process designed to achieve maximum value in the shortest possible time:
For Sellers:
- Establishing correct asking price through valuation expertise
- Comprehensive marketing and buyer outreach
- Confidential transaction management
- Maintaining seller leverage throughout negotiations
For Buyers:
- Guidance through research and investigation processes
- Sourcing acquisition opportunities
- Full acquisition plan development
- Due diligence support from search through closing
The firm offers business valuation services ranging from estimates of value to certified appraisal reports. Fee structures follow industry-standard success fee models typical of business brokers, though specific terms are negotiated on an engagement-by-engagement basis.
Buyer Network
Berkowitz Acquisitions maintains a database of over 6,000 registered buyers across various investor categories:
- Individual buyers and entrepreneurs
- Strategic acquirers seeking expansion opportunities
- Family offices
- Search funds
The firm's Axial membership since 2011 provides additional access to a broader network of private equity firms, strategic buyers, and capital sources. Their international experience and multilingual team capabilities (Cristiana Jones speaks five languages) enable cross-border transactions.
Competitive Positioning
Berkowitz Acquisitions differentiates through several key factors:
Professional Credentials: Dr. Barry Berkowitz's exceptional industry recognition, including Fellow of IBBA (2014), Fellow of M&A Source, Tom West Award recipient (2015), and service as IBBA Chair (2020), demonstrates commitment to professional excellence and ethical standards.
Multidisciplinary Team: The team combines diverse backgrounds—corporate experience (Exxon), engineering credentials, CPA expertise, and international business experience—to provide comprehensive advisory services.
Lower Middle Market Specialization: Focus on businesses where operational complexity creates valuation opportunities, rather than competing for large corporate transactions.
International Capability: Team members with international residence experience and multilingual fluency enable cross-border transactions.
Not a Fit If
Berkowitz Acquisitions typically declines:
- Businesses seeking quick, distressed sales without proper process
- Clients unwilling to maintain confidentiality throughout the marketing process
- Transactions requiring public company expertise (not FINRA-registered)
- Pure asset sales without going-concern operations
Team
Dr. Barry J. Berkowitz, Founder & President: CBI, M&AMI, Fellow of IBBA, Fellow of M&A Source, Tom West Award recipient. Former scientist and corporate manager at Exxon with patents and publications. Served as IBBA Chair (2020) and on Board of Governors (2016-2021). Ph.D. in Engineering and Materials Sciences from Stony Brook University.
Cristiana Jones, Real Estate Associate: Specializes in Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Retail Trade, Construction, and Transportation businesses. Former supply chain and operations specialist with 25+ years at international cosmetics companies. Fluent in five languages with two engineering master's degrees (Ecole Centrale Paris, Politecnico di Torino).
Gabriel E. Vázquez Díaz, CPA, CBI, Real Estate Sales Associate: Specializes in distribution and wholesale industries with healthcare sector focus. CPA from Puerto Rico with experience at Cutco Corporation, Vector Marketing, and BDO Puerto Rico. Bilingual in English and Spanish with presence in Florida and Puerto Rico.
Geographic Coverage
Headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida with primary focus on Florida businesses. The firm serves clients nationally and internationally, with particular presence in Florida and Puerto Rico (through Gabriel Vázquez Díaz). The team's international experience and multilingual capabilities enable cross-border transactions.
Industry Recognition
Dr. Barry Berkowitz's exceptional industry leadership includes:
- Fellow of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) - 2014
- Fellow of M&A Source
- Tom West Award recipient - 2015 (outstanding communication and promotion of business intermediary profession)
- IBBA Board of Governors (2016-2021)
- IBBA Chair (2020)
- Chair of Education (2017-2019)
- Chair of Affiliates Council (2017)
- Officer of Business Brokers of Florida
These designations and leadership roles underscore the firm's commitment to professional excellence, ethical standards, and industry advancement.