Accounting M&A Insider: Inside Independent Acquisitions | Podcast #EP02 1 Credit
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In this Episode of Accounting M&A Insider, acquisition entrepreneur Bakari Akil joins us to provide a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how independent sponsors and other acquisition entrepreneurs approach buying businesses. As the founder of Graves Hall Capital and a lecturer at Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of Management, Bakari teaches MBA students and aspiring entrepreneurs how to successfully buy and operate established businesses.
In our conversation, Bakari walks us through the entrepreneurial acquisition journey—from identifying and evaluating potential businesses to effectively managing the due diligence process and ultimately closing deals. While his approach isn't limited to any single industry, Bakari's insights are particularly valuable for business owners considering an exit, advisors looking to better support their clients, and entrepreneurs curious about entering the world of acquisitions.
Major Topics:
If you've ever wondered what motivates independent buyers and how you can position your business to attract acquisition interest, this episode delivers clear, practical strategies you can apply right away.
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| License details | Credits | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BusIness Management & Organization for Certified Public Accountants (CPA-US) | 1 CPE | Approved |
| BusIness Management & Organization for CPA in Canada | 1 CPD | Eligible |
| BusIness Management & Organization for Delaware Licensed Public Accountant (DE-LPA) | 1 CPE | Eligible |
| Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) | 1 CPD | Eligible |
| Chartered Accountant - ICAEW | 1 CPD | Eligible |
| BusIness Management & Organization for Iowa Licensed Public Accountant (IA-LPA) | 1 CPE | Eligible |
| BusIness Management & Organization for Maine Licensed Public Accountant (ME-LPA) | 1 CPE | Eligible |
| Chartered Accountants - Ireland (CAI) | 1 CPD | Eligible |
| Chartered Accountants - Scotland | 1 CPD | Eligible |
| CPA - Ireland | 1 CPD | Eligible |
Credit
1
Course Level
Basic
Instructional Method
QAS Self Study
Group Internet Based
Pre-requisites
None
Advance Preparation
None
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Bakari Ali is the founder of Graves Hall Capital, a firm focused on acquiring and growing small businesses. With a strong background in private equity and M&A, Bakari brings operational insight, deal execution skills, and people-first leadership to every acquisition.
Recent Acquisitions:
Past Experience:
Across these roles, Bakari has sourced, negotiated, and executed multi-million-dollar acquisitions.
Academic Role:
📚 Visiting Lecturer at Cornell University’s Graduate School of Management, teaching MBA candidates how to buy and lead small businesses.
Leadership Approach:
Bakari values integrity, humility, and team-building. He believes great businesses are built by empowering employees and honoring the legacy of former owners.
“I don’t show up as the expert on your business—I show up to listen, learn, and lead with respect.”
As Director – Partnerships, Content Strategy, and M&A Advisory, I lead strategic initiatives at the intersection of growth, education, tax, and transaction advisory within the accounting and professional services industry.
I collaborate with thought leaders, firms, and content creators to drive high-impact partnerships and deliver compliance-ready, insightful content for professionals. My focus on content strategy ensures subject matter experts are positioned to educate, influence, and scale their reach across the MY-CPE ONE platform and the broader continuing education ecosystem.
In the M&A and advisory space, I work closely with private equity firms, accounting leaders, and advisors to create educational resources that support practice growth, succession planning, and deal execution. Through podcasts, webinars, and curated learning experiences, my goal is to enable smarter dealmaking and build stronger professional alignment.
Additionally, I support firms in delivering high-value tax advisory content, empowering professionals to stay ahead of regulatory changes, enhance client outcomes, and develop deeper technical capabilities through modern, practical education
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