Gateway Mergers & Acquisitions Research
Advisory Approach
Gateway Mergers & Acquisitions is a leading DFW business brokerage firm serving business owners in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Founded in 1998 and rebranded as Gateway in 2007, the firm operates with a clear thesis: successful business exits require converting hard-earned business equity into cash through a structured, client-focused process. Their approach emphasizes confidentiality, customized marketing, and building relationships between buyers and sellers to achieve successful ownership transitions.
The firm's leadership, Managing Partners Michelle Dunn and Scott Perry, bring deep expertise to lower middle market transactions. Scott Perry, a multi-business owner himself, understands the pressures business owners face and leads a team that delivers a 90 percent closing ratio—nearly triple the industry average. This exceptional close rate speaks to their disciplined approach to buyer qualification, deal structuring, and transaction navigation.
Sector Focus
Gateway Mergers & Acquisitions specializes in lower middle market transactions with revenues above $5 million, while their Gateway Business Sales division handles main street business transactions under $5 million. Their Gateway School Sales division focuses exclusively on education-related businesses, including preschools and private primary schools.
Across all divisions, Gateway has deep experience in manufacturing, distribution, retail, automotive, and various service industries. The firm has particular expertise in HVAC businesses, construction trades, and light industrial companies. Their brokers have successfully closed transactions across diverse sectors including consumer goods, business services, healthcare, and technology-enabled businesses.
Deal Track Record
Gateway has served North Texas business owners for over 20 years and closed over a thousand business transactions. While specific deal details are typically kept confidential (as is standard for privately-held business sales), the firm's aggregate transaction history demonstrates significant market presence. Their Axial membership since 2011 shows one tracked closed deal in 2022 involving commercial and industrial machinery sectors. The firm's team members have represented transactions ranging from $2 million service companies to $40 million manufacturers, with hundreds of millions in combined transaction value across their careers.
Process & Fee Structure
Gateway runs a structured sell-side process built around four key pillars: data-driven valuation grounded in real-time market multiples, pre-sale value enhancement roadmaps to eliminate deal-killers before going to market, buyer screening and confidential marketing to qualified buyers, and hands-on deal navigation through LOI, due diligence, financing, and closing.
The firm requires potential buyers to sign confidentiality agreements before receiving any business information, ensuring seller confidentiality throughout the process. Their marketing approach is customized for each engagement, with recognition for excellence in tailored marketing packages that showcase each business's unique value proposition.
Buyer Network
Gateway maintains a global network of potential buyers including private equity groups (PEGs), strategic acquirers, and SBA-qualified buyers. This diverse buyer pool allows them to match businesses with appropriate acquirers based on industry fit, transaction size, and buyer qualifications. Their Axial membership since 2011 provides access to an additional network of vetted lower middle market buyers.
Competitive Positioning
Gateway differentiates through several key factors:
- Regional Focus: Deep Texas market expertise with 20+ years serving North Texas business owners
- Exceptional Close Rate: 90% closing ratio versus industry average of ~30-40%
- Specialized Divisions: Separate focus areas for lower middle market, main street, and education sector transactions
- Operator Perspective: Leadership includes former business owners who understand the seller's perspective firsthand
- Professional Credentials: Multiple brokers hold industry designations including M&AMI, CBI, BCB, and Texas real estate licenses
- Process Excellence: Data-driven valuations and pre-sale value enhancement to maximize outcomes
Not a Fit If
Gateway is typically not a fit for businesses below $1 million in revenue, pure asset sales without going-concern operations, or sellers seeking limited buyer outreach. The firm's value proposition is in running thorough, professional processes—sellers wanting a quick, transactional exit without proper buyer qualification may not be well-served.
Team
The firm is led by Managing Partners Michelle Dunn and Scott Perry, supported by a team of experienced brokers and support staff. Michelle Dunn brings over 25 years of transaction expertise, having successfully sold her own multi-location business in 1999 before entering business brokerage. She holds the Lifetime Merger & Acquisitions Master Intermediary (M&AMI) accreditation, Lifetime Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), Board Certified Broker (BCB), and Texas Real Estate Agent license.
Scott Perry has 20+ years of deal-making experience in Texas and surrounding regions, with hundreds of millions in combined transaction value. He serves as President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Association of Business Brokers and is a State Board Director. His credentials include Lifetime CBI, Board-Certified Broker, and Licensed Texas Real Estate Broker.
The team includes Cheryl Hayes (Associate Broker), Margaret Perry (Senior Business Broker), Joseph Lahoud (Associate Broker), along with marketing and administrative support. The brokers' combined experience exceeds 40 years.
Geographic Coverage
Gateway is based in Carrollton, Texas (1000 E. Belt Line Rd, Suite 204, Carrollton, TX 75006) and serves the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and broader Texas market. Their primary focus is Texas and surrounding states, though their global buyer network allows them to connect sellers with qualified buyers nationwide.