What Is the M&A Source Platinum Club?
The M&A Source Platinum Club is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the business brokerage and M&A profession. Awarded annually, it honors advisors who demonstrate elite-level performance - professionals whose results, client dedication, and industry leadership define the standard for the entire field.
Earning this recognition in 2026 reflects Greg's consistent commitment to guiding business owners through some of the most significant financial decisions of their lives - with integrity, precision, and a genuine focus on client outcomes at every stage of the transaction.
The Platinum Club is awarded to the top tier of M&A Source advisors based on annual sales achievement. Recognition at this level reflects not just transaction volume, but the quality of advisory work, depth of client relationships, and the standard of professionalism that an advisor brings to every deal they lead.
Three Decades of Delivering Outcomes That Matter
Greg Carpenter founded Horizon M&A Advisors on a simple premise: founders deserve advisors who have been on both sides of the table. Before building Horizon, Greg spent years on the buy side - which means he understands exactly how acquirers think, what they look for in due diligence, and how to position a business to command a premium.
That experience informs every engagement. Greg's team doesn't just list businesses - they prepare them. Normalizing financials, addressing quality-of-earnings exposure, and building the narrative that sophisticated buyers respond to. That preparation is where the money is made.
The M&A Source Platinum Club award for 2026 is a reflection of that approach - not just transaction volume, but the quality of outcomes for the founders who trusted Greg and his team to guide one of the most important financial events of their lives.
On Starting the Conversation Early
"After 30 years in M&A, the most common thing I hear on a first call is some version of: 'I wish I had done this sooner.'
Founders wait - sometimes years - because they assume the time isn't right, or the business isn't ready. The truth is, the founders who get the best outcomes are almost always the ones who started the conversation early. Not because they were in a rush to sell, but because they had time to prepare.
This call costs you 30 minutes. If we are not the right fit for your situation, I will tell you directly - and try to point you toward someone who is."
There Is a Difference Between a Broker and an Advisor.
It shows at the closing table. Greg's team has been on both sides of hundreds of transactions. Here is what that means for you.
Advisors, Not Brokers
A broker lists your business. An advisor prepares it. Greg's team works with you before the process starts - normalizing financials, addressing QoE exposure, and positioning your business to command a premium. That preparation is where the money is made.
Access to Institutional Buyers
Horizon works with private equity firms, strategic acquirers, and public company buyers - not just individual buyers browsing listings. For businesses in the $5M–$100M range, that difference in buyer quality directly affects your multiple.
Deep Bay Area Market Knowledge
Greg understands the specific valuation dynamics in Silicon Valley - EBITDA distortions from R&D capitalization, PE consolidation activity in manufacturing, and what institutional buyers are paying for Bay Area businesses right now.
100% Confidential Process - Always
Horizon runs a blind process. Buyers sign NDAs before receiving any information. Your employees, customers, and competitors will not know your business is for sale. Operations stay undisturbed throughout the entire process.
End-to-End Process Management
From valuation to CIM to buyer outreach to LOI negotiation to due diligence to close - Horizon coordinates every step. You focus on running the business. Greg's team focuses on getting you the outcome you deserve.
What Founders Say About Working with Horizon
Horizon treats every conversation under strict confidentiality - never sharing business details with buyers, competitors, or third parties at any stage of the relationship.
"I had an excellent experience working with Horizon for the sale of my business. Their team operated with a level of honesty and professionalism that is truly rare. I highly recommend their services and would gladly work with them again in the future."
The Right Next Step If…
This conversation is the right next step if:
- You own a business with $5M–$100M in annual revenue
- You've thought about selling in the next 12–36 months but haven't started
- You want to know what a buyer would actually pay before you start negotiating
- You've received an unsolicited offer and want an independent second opinion
- Your CPA or attorney has suggested speaking with an M&A advisor
After 30 minutes with Greg, you will leave knowing:
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What a buyer would likely offer for your business today
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The 2–3 things most likely to reduce your valuation
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Whether you're 6 months or 3 years away from being market-ready
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What the Horizon process looks like and whether it's a fit
"This is where most clients say: 'I wish I had done this sooner.'"
Book a Confidential Call
Greg works with founders in the $5M–$100M range. A 30-minute call gives you a clear picture of what your business is worth and what a successful exit looks like - at no cost and no obligation.
30 min · Free · No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions About Working with Greg
What founders ask most when they're considering a conversation with the Horizon M&A team.
Know Your Exit Value Before You Go to Market
Greg works with founders in the $5M–$100M range thinking about a business exit in the next 1–3 years. A 30-minute confidential call gives you a clear picture of what your business is worth and what a successful exit looks like for your specific situation.
30 minutes · Free · No obligation · Available as soon as tomorrow