Pre-close · Vertical SaaS

Vertical SaaS Deals: Cross-Border Structuring Done Right

Independent sponsor counsel for vertical SaaS, focused on Cross-Border Structuring and the deal mechanics that protect sponsor economics and LP alignment.

EV range $10M to $200M EV EBITDA $2M to $30M (or run-rate ARR) Audience Buy & Sell-side
The deal context

An independent sponsor closing vertical SaaS transactions in the $10M to $200M EV range has a defined set of moves at the Cross-Border Structuring stage. Most of them are not in a generic M&A textbook.

The typical vertical SaaS platform sits at $10M to $200M EV with EBITDA in the $2M to $30M (or run-rate ARR) range. The thesis runs on platform plus adjacent module acquisitions inside a single end-market. The ARR number on the CIM is rarely the ARR number on the closing balance sheet. Reconcile early.

The moves

How Cross-Border Structuring actually gets structured.

  1. Map jurisdictional tax exposure with US and foreign counsel before the LOI.

  2. Plan repatriation mechanics if cash is generated offshore.

  3. Address CFIUS review where foreign capital is in the LP base.

  4. Structure for treaty benefits where the operating geographies allow.

  5. In vertical SaaS, layer in ARR bridge built before LOI signing as part of the Cross-Border Structuring workstream.

The common mistake

Treating cross-border deals like US deals with extra steps. Tax, regulatory, and timing assumptions break differently.

Jason's take
"Cross-border deals need three sets of advisors at the table from day one. Bring them."
Jason Powell · Cross-Border Structuring
Capital after close

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

The capital that opens up post-close, from refinancing to growth equity to strategic exit, runs through a small set of Wall Street relationships. That network is built in.

MONTH 18
Senior refi
MONTH 24
Dividend recap
MONTH 36
Growth equity
YEAR 4–5
Strategic exit
WORK WITH JASON

Bring the vertical SaaS deal. Get Cross-Border Structuring done right.

Direct counsel from a securities and M&A attorney with billions in structured transactions, the independent-sponsor-native playbook, and the capital markets network that opens up post-close.