Fee Structure | RTO Advisory

Transparent, Fee-Based Pricing

Unlike traditional commission-based business brokers, Return To Owner Advisory operates on a transparent fee-based model that eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures all recommendations are purely in your best interests.

Retainer-Based Engagements

Initial Assessment & Valuation

Retainer Fee: Provided upon request
Comprehensive business valuation
Strategic assessment and opportunity analysis
Value enhancement roadmap
Timeline: 4-6 weeks

Strategic Exit Planning (Multi-Year)

Retainer Fee: Provided upon request
Multi-year value optimization program
Quarterly strategic reviews
Transaction readiness preparation
Timeline: 2-4 years

M&A Transaction Advisory

Retainer Fee: Provided upon request
Full transaction process management
Due diligence coordination
Deal structuring and negotiation support
Timeline: 6-18 months

Monthly Advisory Retainers

Monthly Retainer: Provided upon request
Ongoing Strategic Advisory
Financial performance optimization
Growth strategy development
Management advisory services

Project-Based Fixed Fees

Business Valuation Only

Fixed Fee: Provided upon request
Comprehensive valuation report
Industry-standard methodologies (DCF, market multiples, asset-based)
Defensible for tax, transaction, or litigation purposes

Due Diligence Support

Fixed Fee: Provided upon request
Financial analysis and verification
Quality of earnings assessment
Documentation preparation
Risk identification

Market Analysis & Positioning

Fixed Fee: Provided upon request
Competitive landscape evaluation
Strategic positioning recommendations
Market presentation materials

Hourly Consulting

Hourly Rate: Provided upon request
Financial analysis
Transaction support
Management advisory

Why Fee-Based vs. Commission-Based?

Commission-Based Brokers

(Typical 8-12% of Sale Price)

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Conflicts of Interest: Incentivized to push for quick sale
Timing Pressure: Motivation to sell now vs. when optimal
Lower Valuations Acceptable: Any sale generates commission
Limited Value Enhancement: No incentive to improve business first
Percentage-Based Costs: Fees scale with transaction size unnecessarily

Fee-Based Advisory

(RTO Advisory Model)

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Aligned Interests: Paid for advice, not sale completion
Optimal Timing: Recommend selling only when truly right
Value Maximization: Focus on achieving best possible outcome
Strategic Preparation: Multi-year value enhancement programs
Transparent Costs: Fixed fees known upfront
No Pressure: Guidance based solely on your best interests

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I pay upfront fees instead of just a success fee?

Upfront retainers ensure our advice is objective and in your best interests, not influenced by the desire to close a transaction. Success fees alone create pressure to sell quickly rather than optimize timing and value.

What if I decide not to sell after the engagement?

That's perfectly fine. Our goal is to provide objective, independent advice. If the analysis shows selling isn't optimal, we'll tell you — and help you build value for a stronger exit when the timing is right.

What size companies do you work with?

We advise owners of established small businesses and middle-market companies with $2M–$100M in annual revenue and $1M–$20M in EBITDA. Whether the engagement involves a valuation, merger, or transaction, RTO Advisory is built to maximize your Return To Owner.

Return To Owner Advisory - Fee Structure