Confidential Business Owner Questionnaire

Help us understand your goals so we can explore the best path forward together.

About Your Business

1. What is the name of your business?

2. What industry does your business operate in?

Residential Services (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Pest Control, etc.)

Industrial Services (Manufacturing Support, Logistics, Facility Maintenance)

Tech-Enabled Services (Automation, AI, Digital Platforms)

Other

3. How long have you been in business?

Less than 5 years

5-10 years

10+ years

4. What is your annual revenue for the most recent fiscal year? (Approximate is fine)

5. Are you profitable in your most recent fiscal year?

6. Number of employees?

7. Please check which of the following are readily available:

Your Goals & Future Plans

8. What are your primary goals? (Check multiple if applicable)

Grow and scale the business

Transition to new leadership while keeping an ownership stake

Prepare for a sale in the next few years

Explore options—I’m not sure yet

Ready to sell the business and focus on other interests

9. What challenges are you currently facing? (Check all that apply)

Scaling operations efficiently

Hiring and retaining talent

Improving profitability

Technology and process improvements

Planning for leadership succession

Cash on the balance sheet for long term investments or growth strategies

Other

10. Do you currently have a succession plan in place?

Yes, but I’d like to refine it

No, I need help figuring that out

I plan to stay involved long-term

11. Are you open to a majority controlled transaction, meaning Black Ocean will acquire more than 50% of voting rights?

Yes - if it's the right partner

No, but open to a large minority stake (33%-50%)

No, but open to a small minority stake <33%

Other

What Matters Most to You?

12. When considering a future partner or transition, what’s most important?

Protecting my company’s legacy and team

Ensuring the business continues to grow

Receiving fair market value for my business

Having a flexible transition period

Immediate Liquidity (Cash up front)

Future equity upside potential

13. Would you be open to staying involved in some capacity after a transition?

Yes, I’d like to stay on in a leadership role

Yes, but in a minority role

Possibly, for a limited time

No, I prefer a full exit

14. How soon are you looking to make a decision about your next step?

As soon as possible, within the next 6 months

Within the next 6–12 months

I’m just gathering information for now

15. Have you explored opportunities to merge with or acquire other companies in the past?

Yes

If yes, please explain:

(Your information is confidential and will not be shared)

Where should we send your Business Owner’s Guide?

Thank you! We’ll send your guide shortly, along with resources tailored to your goals.

By checking this box, I consent to receive communications from Black Ocean Capital regarding acquisition and partnership opportunities, strategic transition insights, and relevant market trends.