Munera Capital: An M&A Firm Focused on Connecting Small Business Buyers and Sellers

According to McKinsey’s Institute for Economic Mobility, a significant share of small business exits result in closure rather than sale. The firm reports that only a minority are completed as transactions, while others close operations, potentially affecting employees, cash flow, and operational continuity. McKinsey has also estimated that trillions of dollars in enterprise value could be affected as millions of businesses approach ownership transitions by 2035.

The problem may not be solely a shortage of buyers. Corporate professionals, operators, and investors are often reported to be actively seeking established businesses with proven revenue and operating histories. However, industry observers suggest the challenge frequently lies in connecting these buyers with owners who are prepared to exit. The infrastructure facilitating these connections has, in some cases, lagged behind the scale of demand.

Munera Capital positions itself as one firm working within this gap.

Why the Traditional System Can Be Challenging

The default path for many business owners is to work with a broker and list publicly. Broker fees are often reported to range between 8% and 15%, depending on the transaction. The business is then listed on a marketplace, where inquiries may come from buyers with varying levels of readiness. This process can also introduce visibility concerns, as employees, customers, or competitors may become aware of the sale.

According to data cited by Diomo, a large proportion of businesses listed through traditional marketplaces do not ultimately sell.

For buyers, the experience can also be competitive. Listings that meet certain criteria may attract a high volume of interest, and some opportunities may already be in advanced stages by the time a buyer engages.

These dynamics have led some market participants to describe the current system as fragmented, with inefficiencies affecting both buyers and sellers.

Munera Capital’s Approach

Headquartered in Puerto Rico, Munera Capital, founded by Michael Hummel and Michael Ehde, operates as a full-lifecycle M&A advisory firm focused on transactions between approximately $500,000 and $30 million.

According to the company, it has facilitated over $500 million in deal flow, with more than $100 million going under contract in Q1 2026, with subsequent activity continuing into Q2.

Rather than relying on public listings, the firm states that it connects business owners with pre-qualified buyers who have been assessed for financial readiness and operational fit. The company indicates that its process does not require public listings or long-term exclusivity agreements. Sellers are offered business valuations, positioning support, and introductions to potential buyers, based on the firm’s internal network.

For buyers, Munera Capital reports that it engages in a high volume of outreach to business owners each month, including those who may not yet have formally listed their businesses. Buyers can work with the firm to define acquisition criteria and review potential opportunities through a private system, with additional support provided during evaluation and negotiation.

A representative of the firm described its approach as prioritizing alignment between buyer and business over speed of transaction.

Broader Considerations Around Business Transitions

Research cited by PwC suggests that business owners who plan exits in advance may achieve stronger outcomes compared to those selling under time constraints. Similarly, data from the Exit Planning Institute indicates that preparation and timing can influence financial results in business sales.

When a business closes rather than transfers ownership, the effects can extend beyond the owner, potentially impacting employment, local spending, and continuity of operations. McKinsey has suggested that more effective ownership transitions could help preserve jobs and economic activity, though outcomes may vary by sector and region.

A Changing Market Landscape

The number of business owners approaching retirement or transition is expected to increase over the coming years. At the same time, there continues to be interest from buyers seeking established businesses.

Within this context, firms such as Munera Capital represent one approach among several aimed at improving how buyers and sellers connect, particularly in segments of the market where traditional processes may be less effective.