"Rich in examples and details, well-grounded in wisdom from years of experience, and blessedly practical . . . . engaging, well-written, and loaded with worthy insights. Study this book and prosper." -- DR. ROBERT B RUNER, Dean, University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, and author of Deals from Hell, The Panic of 1907, and Applied Mergers & Acquisitions.

"Drawing on his experience with more than 100 M&A transactions, Hoffmann has written a defi nitive 'how-to' for acquiring companies in the below $50 million sales market space. The examples . . . [offer] astute insight into every feature of the topic." -- DR. NANCY BAGRANOFF, Dean, Robins School of Business of the University of Richmond; President of the American Accounting Association; and coauthor of Core Concepts of Consulting for Accountants and Core Concepts of IT Auditing.

"This is a wonderful history with compelling lessons from the great successes of the Trader Publishing and Landmark Communications leadership and business model. The reflection on past deals gone wrong helps the reader understand why you do deals, how to pursue M&A, and what principles you need to be successful." -- MACON B. ROCK, founder and Chairman of Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., and founder and former President of K&K Toys.

"A must-read for those who hope to start small and grow big by acquiring, improving, and innovating. Following his rules may not lead you to be part of the 1 percent, but it will certainly keep you from being part of the 70 percent that fail." -- HOWARD S. TEVENSON, Senior Associate Dean, Harvard University; Director of Publishing, Harvard Business Publishing Company board; and author of New Business Ventures and the Entreprenuer, Make Your Own Luck, and Do Lunch or Be Lunch.