What Actually Moves a Stalled Acquisition Deal Forward?

For those involved in M&A, search funds, or independent sponsorship, I’m curious about what has actually helped get a stalled deal across the line.

When negotiations hit a wall, is the sticking point usually valuation, financing, payment structure, seller transition, or a mismatch in what each side wants from the transaction?

More importantly, have you ever learned something about the seller’s priorities that changed your approach and helped restart negotiations?

What was the situation, what changed in the offer or deal structure, and what ultimately got both sides to move forward?

Interested in hearing from people who have negotiated these situations firsthand, including deals that ultimately didn’t close.

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