Dealmakers Podcast

5 Business Acquisitions in 15 Months

Jonathan Jay talks with Andrew Norton about buying five businesses in 15 months, why larger acquisitions can be stronger than small deals, and how to approach financing when a target has limited fixed assets.

Episode 216  |  Runtime: 40:02  |  Audio Episode

Listen to the Episode

Hear Andrew Norton's practical account of completing five acquisitions in 15 months, structuring momentum, handling funding concerns, and building confidence through action.

Episode

216

Runtime

40:02

Topic

Multiple business acquisitions

Format

Founder interview and acquisition case study

Key Takeaways

Three direct lessons from an acquisition entrepreneur who moved quickly from first deal to a five company portfolio.

Action Creates Acquisition Confidence

Andrew's progress came from taking the first step, entering seller conversations, and learning through live deal activity rather than waiting for perfect certainty.

Larger Deals Can Be Better Targets

Bigger businesses are often more structured, less dependent on one owner, and more likely to have people, systems, and management already in place.

Asset Light Funding Needs Careful Framing

Financing a business without substantial fixed assets requires a clear explanation of cash flow, deal structure, risk reduction, and how the acquisition will be supported after completion.

Episode Breakdown

In this episode, Jonathan Jay interviews Andrew Norton about the acquisition path that led him to buy five businesses in just 15 months. Andrew explains why buying an established business appealed more than starting again from scratch, and how the Fasttrack environment helped him move from interest into active dealmaking.

The conversation covers the reality of a first acquisition, including the concerns buyers often have when they first assess a target, speak with sellers, and consider how a deal will be financed. Andrew also discusses the challenge of funding companies that do not rely on fixed physical assets, where the value may sit in people, contracts, reputation, recurring work, and future cash flow.

Jonathan and Andrew also address why larger deals can be more attractive than smaller owner led businesses. The discussion gives first time buyers a clear view of momentum, mindset, deal size, financing pressure, and the practical difference between wanting to acquire and taking the action needed to complete.

Best For

  • First time buyers preparing for their first acquisition.
  • Entrepreneurs comparing acquisition with starting a new business.
  • Dealmakers assessing small deals versus larger targets.
  • Buyers thinking through finance for asset light businesses.
  • Acquisition entrepreneurs who need practical confidence before speaking with sellers.

Questions Answered In This Episode

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