Close · Specialty Distribution

Disclosure Schedules for Specialty Distribution Independent Sponsors

Preparing Disclosure Schedules on specialty distribution deals, with the structure protection and capital connectivity an independent sponsor actually needs.

EV range $10M to $100M EV EBITDA $2.5M to $18M Audience Buy & Sell-side
The deal context

An independent sponsor closing specialty distribution transactions in the $10M to $100M EV range has a defined set of moves at the Disclosure Schedules stage. Most of them are not in a generic M&A textbook.

The typical specialty distribution platform sits at $10M to $100M EV with EBITDA in the $2.5M to $18M range. The thesis runs on vertical buy-up of niche product distributors. Most distribution multiples are wrong by half a turn until the rebate accounting gets normalized.

The moves

How Disclosure Schedules actually gets structured.

  1. Coordinate disclosure schedule preparation with the seller's diligence file, not against it.

  2. Specifically disclose against specific reps, with cross-reference indexing.

  3. Use the schedules to surface known issues, not to hide them.

  4. Update schedules at signing and again at closing where allowed.

  5. In specialty distribution, layer in supplier reaffirmation letters before LOI signs as part of the Disclosure Schedules workstream.

The common mistake

Treating disclosure as a dump. The schedules carry the same legal weight as the reps; they need the same precision.

Jason's take
"Disclosure schedules are the most underrated document in M&A. They protect both sides when done right."
Jason Powell · Disclosure Schedules
Capital after close

The deal is one thing. The capital that opens up after close is another.

Most independent sponsors solve the closing capital and then run into the post-close capital problem alone. The capital markets relationships that matter at month 18 are part of this practice.

MONTH 18
Senior refi
MONTH 24
Dividend recap
MONTH 36
Growth equity
YEAR 4–5
Strategic exit
ENGAGE THE PRACTICE

Disclosure Schedules for Specialty Distribution, on independent sponsor terms.

Independent sponsor counsel that already speaks fluent deal-by-deal economics, structures clean LPAs, and travels with capital markets relationships for what comes after close.