BIB Group Research
Advisory Approach
BIB Group (Business Investment Brokers, Inc.) is a boutique M&A advisory firm founded in 1983 by Marcia Conley, making it one of the longest-continuously operating business brokerage firms in the Midwest. For over 40 years, BIB Group has specialized in helping lower middle market business owners in Indiana and the surrounding region achieve successful exits through a combination of deep local relationships, institutional-quality process management, and extensive buyer networks.
The firm operates with a clear thesis: business owners in the lower middle market ($1M-$50M TEV) deserve the same level of professional M&A advisory typically reserved for larger transactions. BIB Group bridges this gap by offering institutional-grade processes—including comprehensive valuation, customized marketing plans, rigorous buyer screening, and structured negotiations—tailored to the unique needs of smaller businesses. Their approach emphasizes confidentiality, exhaustive buyer outreach, and creative deal structuring to maximize value for sellers.
A key differentiator is BIB Group's 20+ year affiliation with Generational Equity, the largest national M&A firm in the United States. This relationship gives BIB Group clients access to national buyer networks, institutional resources, and sophisticated deal structures while maintaining the personalized service of a local firm. Multiple team members (Kimberly Knoble, Marcia Conley) serve as Senior M&A Advisors for Generational, enabling co-brokered deals that reach beyond regional buyers.
Sector Focus
BIB Group's expertise spans manufacturing, distribution, business services, and consumer services. Within manufacturing, the team has particular depth in precision machining, contract manufacturing, and industrial automation—team member Bob Atkinson specializes in machine shop sales and has owned multiple manufacturing-related businesses. The firm's distribution experience spans HVAC, automotive parts, and industrial supplies.
The team maintains active practices in business services including marketing agencies, IT services, and professional services. Deal history includes transactions in branding and design agencies, managed IT services, and automotive repair. This breadth reflects BIB Group's position as a generalist lower middle market advisor serving the diverse Indiana business ecosystem.
Deal Track Record
BIB Group has completed transactions across multiple sectors through both independent deals and co-brokered transactions with Generational Equity. Notable verified transactions include:
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I.T. Right to VC3 (2021): Sale of Michigan's leading network consultant for local government to a South Carolina-based managed services provider. This strategic consolidation deal demonstrated BIB Group's ability to navigate cross-border transactions and sophisticated buyer due diligence in the technology sector.
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Brian's Automotive Center to GreatWater 360 Auto Care (2022): Sale of an Auburn, Indiana automotive repair garage to a Michigan-based auto services consolidator. This transaction exemplified BIB Group's expertise in the consumer services space and ability to connect regional sellers with strategic buyers expanding geographically.
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Britton Marketing & Design Group to BrandStar (2024): Sale of a Fort Wayne, Indiana boutique branding and design firm to a Florida-based vertically integrated marketing agency. This deal showcased BIB Group's capabilities in the business services sector and ability to attract national strategic buyers for regional agencies.
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Paula's on Main Street (2023): Restaurant sale in Fort Wayne, demonstrating BIB Group's activity in the consumer services space.
Through their Generational Equity affiliation, BIB Group team members have participated in transactions across manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and technology sectors. While specific transaction counts are not publicly disclosed, the firm's 40+ year operating history and team's combined 100+ years of experience indicate significant transaction volume.
Process & Fee Structure
BIB Group runs a structured sell-side process designed to maximize value while minimizing business disruption. The process begins with comprehensive consultation and business valuation to establish realistic market pricing. The firm then creates customized marketing plans, leveraging proprietary databases and national networks to reach qualified buyers. All potential buyers undergo rigorous financial screening to ensure capability and genuine interest.
The firm's advisors lead negotiations to secure optimal terms and manage all aspects of due diligence coordination. They emphasize maintaining business-as-usual operations throughout the sale process to preserve value and ensure smooth transitions.
BIB Group promotes "performance-based compensation" and positions their fee structure as aligned with client success. While specific retainer and success fee ranges are not publicly disclosed, the firm's affiliation with Generational Equity suggests adherence to industry-standard Modified Lehman or similar percentage-based success fee structures common in the lower middle market.
Buyer Network
Through 40+ years of operations and 20+ years as a Generational Equity affiliate, BIB Group has developed extensive buyer networks spanning:
- Private Equity firms: Access to Generational Equity's national PE relationships and regional lower middle market PE firms active in the Midwest
- Strategic Buyers: Regional and national strategic acquirers in manufacturing, distribution, consumer services, and business services seeking geographic expansion or platform acquisitions
- Family Offices: High-net-worth individuals and family offices seeking acquisition opportunities in the lower middle market
- Individual Buyers: Qualified entrepreneurs and executive-backed acquisition groups
The firm's "98% buyer match rate" claim suggests a large and active buyer database. Generational Equity's national platform provides access to over 2,000 active buyers, which BIB Group leverages alongside its own regional relationships.
Competitive Positioning
BIB Group differentiates through several key advantages:
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Longevity and Track Record: 40+ years of continuous operation through multiple economic cycles, providing stability and deep market knowledge that newer entrants cannot match
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Generational Equity Affiliation: 20+ year relationship providing access to national buyer networks, institutional resources, and sophisticated deal structures while maintaining local market expertise
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Industry Specialization: Deep expertise in manufacturing, distribution, and consumer services with team members who have owned and operated businesses in these sectors
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Midwest Regional Focus: Concentrated presence in Indiana and surrounding states, enabling deep local relationships and market understanding
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Professional Credentials: Multiple team members hold Certified M&A Professional designations and maintain active memberships in M&A Source and IBBA
Not a Fit If
BIB Group typically declines:
- Businesses below $1M TEV (their lower middle market focus begins above this threshold)
- Startups or pre-revenue companies without operational history
- Businesses with significant pending litigation or regulatory issues
- Founders seeking quick, off-market sales without proper process
- Transactions requiring securities registration (BIB Group is not a FINRA-registered broker-dealer)
Team
BIB Group's senior leadership team combines over 100 years of combined M&A and operational experience:
Kimberly Knoble – President/Senior M&A Advisor: A Certified M&A Professional with 34 years of transaction advisory experience, Kimberly also serves as a Senior M&A Advisor for Generational Equity. She is a Purdue University graduate and active member of M&A Source and IBBA.
Marcia Conley – Founder/Senior M&A Advisor: Founded BIB Group in 1983 after owning multiple real estate and manufacturing companies. With 40+ years in M&A and 20+ years as a Generational Equity Senior M&A Advisor, Marcia brings exceptional negotiating skills and a proven track record. She is a licensed Real Estate Broker and Purdue alumna.
Jack Boersma – Senior M&A Advisor: Former corporate executive at Lincoln National and K&K Insurance (AVP, Senior VP roles), Jack has led international distribution and manufacturing companies. He holds an Economics undergraduate degree and MBA.
Mike Conley – Senior M&A Advisor: With BIB Group since 2006, Mike specializes in challenging deals requiring creative solutions. He holds a BA in Interpersonal Communication from Purdue and owns two marina-related businesses, bringing operator perspective to transactions.
N Scott Wade – Business Broker: 40+ years in sales and entrepreneurship, with 12 years as a business broker. Previously owned two businesses and works with Fortune 500 manufacturers and distributors. Indiana University graduate.
Bob Atkinson – Business Broker: U.S. Air Force veteran and former three-location automotive parts business owner. Specializes in machine shops and manufacturing automation. Holds B.A. in Marketing from Michigan State.
Geographic Coverage
Primary focus: Indiana, with particular strength in Fort Wayne and surrounding regions. The firm also serves Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Kentucky through referrals and Generational Equity co-brokered deals. Physical office at 6137 Stoney Creek Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.