Welcome to Episode 29 of the Invest & Scale, "Masters of the Deal: Acquisition Strategies and Growth Insights." Today's episode features a gripping dialogue with Diego Cerezo, an entrepreneur who transitioned from running a Guatemalan craft brewery to mastering the art of business acquisitions in Latin America.
Diego tells us about the influences that triggered his shift towards acquiring businesses and shares his personal experiences navigating the unique challenges of Latin America's acquisition landscape. We’ll also explore creative financing arrangements, the significance of partnerships and mentorship, and the critical role of strategy in managing a diverse portfolio of companies.
Get ready to dive into a world where deal-making meets strategic foresight, and introspection becomes a cornerstone of success in business acquisitions. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced professional, this episode is brimming with valuable takeaways.
Now, let's roll the intro music and get ready for an enlightening session on "Investment Scale" with Diego Cerezo. Stay tuned!
00:00 Diego Cerezo shares journey of buying business.
05:43 Dad's guidance made the first acquisition successful.
07:41 Latin American business culture differs from the US.
11:17 Tough negotiations led to creative payment terms.
15:35 Discipline and commitment lead to business rewards.
18:50 Delegate operations, focus on strategy, oversee projects.
20:28 Admitting humility unlocks greatness in building teams.
24:38 Podcast discusses different ways to acquire businesses.
27:20 Guatemala partner sets up meetings, revenue share.
30:51 Innovative approach to niche ecommerce advertising strategy.
34:43 Considering acquisitions beyond Guatemala: b-to-b, low capex.
37:37 Tips for business: introspection, focus on cash flow, collaboration.
41:10 Excitement and possibility lead to big dreams.
- Entrepreneurial shift from craft brewery to acquisitions.
- Influence of personal and educational background on decision to enter acquisitions.
- Comparison to US acquisition culture.
- Challenges of a more relationship-driven market.
- Diego's personalized approach to sourcing deals.
- The intensive 15-month journey to acquire a tech company.
- Creative revenue-share agreements and company acquisition options.
- Learning resources for acquisition skills.
- Essential tips for first major acquisitions.
- Importance of cash management with profit first methodology.
- Focus on long-term growth and the strategic role.
- The significance of mentors and partnerships.
- Benefits of collaboration for business success.
- Diego's commitment to investing in education and tourism.
- Anticipation of future in-person meetings and continued exchanges.
- Diego oversees strategy for multiple companies with varied industries.
- Long-term investment vision for portfolio businesses.
- Acquiring businesses to facilitate regional growth.
- New methods beyond traditional SBA loans for business acquisitions.
- Real-life example of a revenue-sharing deal with an option for investment or income.
Diego Cerezo's Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegocerezo/?originalSubdomain=gt