Looking for a succession plan for your business?

We can help.

We’re two entrepreneurs on a mission to acquire, lead, and grow a remarkable Midwest-based business in the $0.5M - $4M EBITDA/SDE range. We seek to preserve what makes your business special and ensure a smooth transition for your employees and customers, while growing it in a way that honors your hard work, values, and legacy.

Why We Exist

We recognize that selling your business is one of the most significant financial and emotional decisions that you’ll make. You’ve spent years building your business into what it is today and you’re looking for successors who can provide a smooth transition for your employees and customers, while growing the business in a way that honors your hard work, values, and legacy.

We exist as an option to continue your legacy with strong leadership in place for the coming years while rewarding you with a well-deserved financial payout that will enable you to diversify your portfolio. Just like you, we are entrepreneurs seeking to lead a business that has a lasting, positive impact on its customers, employees, and community.

What We Look For

Every business is unique, and our search criteria may not perfectly describe yours. We encourage you to get in touch to see if we could be a good match.

  • Primary Industries:

    • Building & Facility Maintenance

      • e.g. Pest Control, Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial Services, Self-Storage Services, Commercial Security Services)

    • Industrial Suppliers & Services

      • e.g. Industrial Part Supplier; Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)

    • B2B Elderly Care Services

      • e.g. Assisted Living Facility services, Non-Medical In-Home Care services

    • $1M - $4M EBITDA/SDE

    • 5+ years of operating history

    • Consistently Profitable

    • Located in the Midwest

    • Privately held

    • High portion of revenue is recurring

    • Low customer concentration

    • Low customer churn

  • We believe that great companies are made up of great people. We're looking for a company that has built a heathy culture with:

    • high employee satisfaction

    • high employee engagement

    • low employee turnover

  • We're looking for a business with a proven track record.

    • 5+ years operating history

    • 3+ years of consistent margins

    • consistent growth over recent years

  • We are focused on acquiring a majority stake in your company.

    • We are open to business owners maintaining equity in the business

    • We are flexible on the owner's role post-acquisition

Process

    • During a short phone or video call, we'll get to know you, your business, and your goals to understand if we're a fit.

    • We will sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and request access to your company's basic financial information.

    • We will review your financials to better understand your business and schedule an in person meeting to get to know each other better.

    • Following our review and meeting, we will put together an initial non-binding offer to help us discuss the terms and structure of what a deal might look like.

    • If we agree to move forward, we will submit a letter of intent (LOI), which is a formal, non-binding offer to buy your business, which will include a purchase price (or a range) and key terms of the deal.

    • A signed LOI will provide Midway Legacy Partners an exclusivity period (typically 60-90 days) to conduct due diligence.

    • Due diligence involves a thorough review of your company's financial history, operations, and team. Third party specialists such as lawyers, accountants, and banks will be engaged at this step.

    • Throughout due diligence, we'll navigate this step closely with you. We will meet regularly to discuss questions, specific deal details, and transition planning.

    • NOTE: this is usually the most time-consuming step of the process so we promise to respect your time with transparency, efficient communication, and empathy.

    • Once all parties are in agreement, we will sign the final purchase agreement documents, transfer the funds, and celebrate an exciting future for you and your business!

    • After closing, we will work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition for all employees, customers, and suppliers.

Meet the Founders

Clarence and Henry founded Midway Legacy Partners with a singular mission: to acquire, lead, and grow a remarkable business in the Midwest. Their journey together began at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where they quickly bonded over their shared passion for entrepreneurship, often during late-night discussions after class at the Midway Bar atop University of Chicago’s Gleacher Center. These conversations - paired with their academic and professional experiences - revealed a mutual vision: to run a business that leaves a lasting positive impact on its customers, employees, and community.

Clarence Marsh

clarence@midwaylegacypartners.com | LinkedIn

I’m Clarence, the COO of a Chicago-based commercial real estate brokerage firm. My career journey has taken me through over ten small businesses, where I’ve faced unique challenges and gained a deep appreciation for the daily grind of executing at small companies.

Growing up as the son of two military parents, I lived all over the country — Illinois, Utah, Maryland — and that trend continued when I moved to Jackson, Wyoming, after college at Franklin & Marshall, where I had the honor of captaining the football team. This dynamic upbringing, paired with my diverse career experiences, has made me fiercely curious and comfortable connecting with people from all walks of life.

From being a landscape laborer to an investment sales analyst, an airport ramp agent to a retail and office leasing broker, I’ve built a strong work ethic and belief that no job is beneath me. I’ve learned that having the right people in the right roles is crucial for teams to succeed. My experiences leading both athletic and professional teams have ignited my call to a higher purpose. I see the opportunity to lead a business as a privilege and a chance to positively impact the lives of my family, employees, and community.

Outside of work, I’m an avid science fiction reader, a Baltimore Ravens fan, and an outdoor enthusiast who loves biking, skiing, and new experiences. I live in suburban Chicagoland with my wonderful wife, Tara, our daughter, Nell, and our Westie, Paul.

I hold degrees in Business and Geosciences from Franklin & Marshall College, and I’ll graduate with my MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2025.

Henry Berkemeier

henry@midwaylegacypartners.com | LinkedIn

I’m Henry, a two-time startup co-founder with experience in data analytics, strategy, and finance at a Fortune 500 automotive company.

I grew up in Jackson, Michigan as the second youngest of six kids surrounded by a lively bunch of cousins. My dad made sure we were in church on Sundays, while my mom kept us active with a mix of sports, music, and other activities. A typical Saturday consisted of mornings spent studying, afternoons playing cello in my family’s string quartet, and evenings practicing tennis, basketball, or golf - depending on the season. My family has played an integral role in forming my core values of faith, hard work, and discipline.

My entrepreneurial journey began during undergrad at Purdue, where I co-founded a frozen yogurt kiosk company serving northwest Indiana. Over four years, I wore many hats and learned firsthand the complexities of running a small business. After graduating, I broadened my experience at a Fortune 500 automotive company, where I gained insights into how strong culture and solid systems drive success. Along the way, I’ve also coached basketball and tennis, helping players develop their skills and work together as a team. Now, I’m excited to bring my startup, corporate, and coaching experience to a small business, helping it grow while honoring its legacy.

In my downtime, I enjoy playing tennis and volleyball with friends, cheering on Purdue basketball and the Detroit Lions, staying active at my church, and exploring Chicago’s vibrant concert and theater scene.

I hold a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We realize that your business isn't just a business - it's part of you and your legacy. We're here to honor your legacy by leading your business into its next chapter. We will work closely with you to understand your business, its history, and culture to ensure we're a great fit. Clarence and Henry will work on your business to ensure your company is successful and that you are proud of where the company goes next.

  • We are looking to acquire a business in the Midwest. If you're unsure whether your business is outside our range, please reach out and we'd love to meet you to see if we're a fit.

  • Our succession plan is tailored to meet your needs. Whether you want to move on from your business to focus on your next phase of life or stay involved in some capacity, we will work together to design a plan that works well for you.

  • We value your team and want them to be part of the continued growth of the company.

    We believe that a great team is the foundation for any organization to succeed, and we don't plan to make radical staffing changes to succeed.

Contact Us

We look forward to getting to know you and your business.

Fill out the form below or email us directly, and we’ll get back with you soon!

clarence@midwaylegacypartners.com henry@midwaylegacypartners.com