Insights from Professionals: The Business Landscape for Deals and Investments in 2024

Reflecting on the tumultuous period that followed the 2008 real estate crash, the potential for recovery in the commercial real estate sector seemed bleak. Transactions were at a standstill, with sellers unable to sell and lenders halting loans as the financial industry grappled with plummeting values. Brokers, whose livelihoods depend on the flow of deals, were thrust into a state of uncertainty.

The economic downturn prompted a shift in strategy. Traditional lead generation made way for networking events that fostered indirect business connections with professionals who serviced the same clientele but did not directly compete. This symbiotic relationship with CPAs, wealth advisers, business bankers, commercial insurance agents, attorneys, and business sales professionals would endure and flourish for years to come.

Monthly gatherings with a diverse group of experts now provide a forum to exchange wisdom and discuss industry trends for the year ahead. The insights gathered from these professionals paint a picture of the current landscape for deals and investments.

Banking and Loans

Business banking is currently difficult, with an expensive cost of capital and a heightened regulatory atmosphere following regional bank failures. Borrowing money has become more challenging under these conditions.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Rising interest rates and a climate of uncertainty led to a slowdown in company sales during the previous year. However, with a normalization of expectations and a decline in interest rates, 2024 promises a more favorable climate for mergers and acquisitions.

Accounting, Tax, and Legal

Businesses contemplating a sale in the near future should proactively prepare their operations for scrutiny, while those concerned with estate planning must act swiftly before impending tax law changes.

Technology, Human Resources, and Insurance

Artificial intelligence continues to reshape business operations. The equilibrium reached in the job market offers businesses smoother hiring processes. Additionally, companies are encouraged to consider captive insurance to possibly reduce costs and build equity.

Wealth Management

Savers have enjoyed advantageous returns from idle cash, particularly when interest rates were high. As interest rates decline, savers and businesses alike will need to seek alternative investment vehicles for growth.

These collective insights from various sectors suggest that 2024 could likely see an increase in business transactions as interest rates fall, opening up opportunities for growth and investment.

business, networking, investment