M&A Source
M&A Source is a not-for-profit trade association serving lower middle market M&A advisors, investment bankers, private equity firms, and family offices through certifications (M&AMI, CM&AP), the ProEdge Learning Center, the DEALMATCH deal platform, bi-annual Conferences and Deal Markets, and the quarterly Market Pulse Survey.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersIndependence, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What M&A Source does
M&A Source is an Ohio-domiciled, not-for-profit trade association founded in 1992 that serves lower middle market (LMM) transaction professionals — defined as advisors handling companies with $5M-$50M in revenue. Its primary members are individual M&A advisors and investment bankers, multi-broker corporate offices, private equity firms, family offices, and (indirectly) business owners seeking to sell. The organization is governed by an elected Board of Governors and operated by 101-250 employees headquartered in Independence, Ohio, with activity concentrated in North America.
Its core product portfolio is organized around five pillars: (1) certifications — the experience-based M&AMI designation and the CM&AP program co-developed with Kennesaw State University's Coles College M&A Academy; (2) education — the ProEdge Learning Center hosting M&A Foundations Online, the Core Educational Series (Core #1 and Core #2), and topic-specific courses; (3) deal-making tools — the 2025-launched DEALMATCH members-only deal alert platform and a searchable Member Directory; (4) industry research — the quarterly Market Pulse Survey with historical data back to 2012; and (5) community events — bi-annual Conferences and Deal Markets, The Bridge newsletter, a free glossary, and an awards program recognizing transaction volume. Underlying technology is conventional web-platform and database infrastructure rather than a proprietary AI/data stack.
M&A Source monetizes through a diversified, recurring-leaning revenue mix: annual membership dues (Individual $570, Corporate Lead $845, Associate Corporate $345, variable Investor tier), the CM&AP program at $2,950 per participant, semi-annual conference registration and sponsorship fees (2025 Exclusive Sponsors include Morgan Stanley, Live Oak Bank, CFC, and Cultivate Brands), M&AMI application and annual maintenance fees, and revenue participation from ~20 vendor partnerships offering members discounts on services such as GF Data, Vertical IQ, PEI, BizWorth, Vequity, and CIM-PRO. As a nonprofit, revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.
M&A Source firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- M&A Source
- Legal name
- M&A Source
- Website
- https://masource.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- M&A Source is a not-for-profit trade association serving lower middle market M&A advisors, investment bankers, private equity firms, and family offices through certifications (M&AMI, CM&AP), the ProEdge Learning Center, the DEALMATCH deal platform, bi-annual Conferences and Deal Markets, and the quarterly Market Pulse Survey.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
M&A Source industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Trade Association Services
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industry-Specialist / Sector-Focused M&A Advisory (FSAEAGAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Valuation, M&A & Corporate Development (EDABAJAN), M&A / Corporate Finance Finders (Deal Origination) (FSAEAMAD)
Keywords
Where M&A Source is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Independence
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
M&A Source business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from individual, corporate, and investor members. Individual membership at $570/year, Corporate membership at $845/year (lead), Associate Corporate at $345/year each. Joint IBBA/M&A Source memberships available at 25% discount.
- Professional Education Programs: Revenue from educational courses including the Certified M&A Professional (CM&AP) program at $2,950 per participant, M&A Foundations Online, and Core Educational Series courses. Additional revenue from ProEdge learning center subscriptions.
- Conference and Event Fees: Registration fees for semi-annual Conferences and Deal Markets, which include intensive education and networking components.
- M&AMI Certification: Annual maintenance fees and application fees for the Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary (M&AMI) certification program.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Membership - $570/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Corporate Membership - $845/year for lead member |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate Corporate Membership - $345/year each |
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Investor Membership - Variable |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CM&AP Program - $2,950 per participant |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels10 records
M&A Source product offering
Product offeringCore offering
M&A Source is a not-for-profit trade association that sells membership, professional certifications (M&AMI and CM&AP), fee-based educational courses, and event registrations to lower middle market M&A transaction professionals. Its core deliverables include the DEALMATCH members-only deal-introduction platform, semi-annual Conferences and Deal Markets, the ProEdge Learning Center, a searchable Member Directory, and the quarterly Market Pulse Survey, all targeted at advisors, investment bankers, private equity firms, and family offices focused on the $5M–$50M revenue segment.
Product overview
M&A Source is a not-for-profit trade association for lower middle market (LMM) business transaction professionals, not a product software company. Its offering is a portfolio of membership-based programs and professional services organized around five pillars: (1) professional certifications — the M&AMI (Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary) designation and the CM&AP (Certified M&A Professional) program delivered in partnership with Kennesaw State University's Coles College M&A Academy; (2) education — delivered through the ProEdge Learning Center, which hosts the M&A Foundations Online course, the Core Educational Series (Core #1 and Core #2), and additional curriculum courses; (3) deal-making tools — the DEALMATCH members-only platform connecting advisors with investors, plus a searchable Member Directory; (4) industry research — the quarterly Market Pulse Survey with downloadable reports dating back to 2012; and (5) community events — bi-annual Conferences & Deal Markets, plus The Bridge newsletter and a professional glossary. The individual products are complementary: certification programs set professional standards, education trains practitioners, the directory and DEALMATCH facilitate deal flow, research informs market positioning, and conferences provide in-person networking.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Annual Memberships (Individual, Corporate, Investor)
- M&AMI (Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary) Certification
- CM&AP (Certified M&A Professional) Program
- M&A Foundations Online
- Core Educational Series (Core #1 and Core #2)
- ProEdge Learning Center
- DEALMATCH Platform
- Market Pulse Survey & Reports
- Member Directory
- Conferences & Deal Markets
- Additional Curriculum Courses
- M&A Source Glossary
Quantifiable outcome
- Members receive over $15,000+ in potential annual savings through partner vendor discounts (Vertical IQ $1,200, GF Data up to $3,600, PEI $900+, BizWorth $2,100, Vequity $5,000+, plus various software and service discounts)
Companies that use M&A Source
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
M&A Source technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
M&A Source partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- GF DatacoreGF Data provides access to a leading private transaction database for the lower middle market, helping advisors benchmark valuations and deal structures. Powered by information from more than 350 private equity groups. M&A Source members receive up to $3,600 savings.
- Vertical IQcoreVertical IQ provides industry intelligence through research reports that help members streamline deal prep and identify industry trends. M&A Source members receive $1,200/year in savings through this partnership.
- PEI | Private Equity InformationcorePEI provides M&A research database enabling members to search, identify and download targeted lists to close more deals. Members connect with key executives across thousands of companies, firms and funds. Value: $900+ annually.
- CIM-PROcoreCIM-PRO is a tool for creating rapid web-based CIMs, advanced appraisals, and dynamic proposals with integrated data room functionality. Members receive 25% savings.
- Dropbox DocSendminorDocSend enables M&A advisors to securely share deal documents with real-time insights into viewer activity. Members receive 30% discount on annual advanced data room plans (~$650 savings).
- VequityminorVequity provides expertly curated buyer lists averaging >80% strategic acquirers. Members receive >$5,000 average savings per year through the partnership.
- BizWorthminorBizWorth provides professional business valuations under member branding, with certified appraisers and fast turnaround. Members receive $2,100 average savings on most popular report. Claims $120,000+ in paid valuations generated.
- CAPTARGETminorCAPTARGET helps source acquisition opportunities and new clients through a 'no success fee' model of deal origination. Members receive 10% off origination services.
- One80 IntermediariesminorOne80 Intermediaries provides specialized insurance solutions throughout the US and Canada. M&A Source M&AMI members receive a 5% credit on E&O policy coverage.
- ShareVaultminorShareVault simplifies due diligence and elevates deal success across borders with secure data rooms. Members receive 30% discount.
- MoneySoftminorMoneySoft's DealSense streamlines recasting financials, year/year analysis, cash flow projections, and Business Valuations. Members receive 25% off first year online subscription for DealSense.
- JoorneyminorJoorney provides full-service deal prep support for sell-side advisors, delivering professional documentation that accelerates business conversations. Members receive 20% off services.
- ClientsIOminorClientsIO is a sales generation company helping M&A Advisors fill pipelines more consistently in target markets. Members receive 20% off packages.
- The Digital WOWminorThe Digital WOW provides member benefits including Website Reports, SEMRush Site Audit, Competitor Analysis and Keyword Reports. Value: Over $1,000.
- CoolLife.io (Vault Rooms)minorCoolLife.io/Vault Rooms provides secure data rooms with credentialed reporting, controlled permissions, and full workflow visibility for transactions. Members receive $1,200 annually benefit.
- CIMgeniusminorCIMgenius builds customized, best-in-class CIMs, fundraising decks, and presentations for M&A professionals. Members receive 25% discount for first engagement with subsequent ongoing discounts.
- Kennesaw State University - Coles College M&A AcademycoreThrough partnership with Kennesaw State University, M&A Source promotes the Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional (CM&AP) certification program. Developed and taught by Coles College M&A Academy faculty, the program is delivered virtually over six weeks and qualifies for CPE and CLE credits.
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)coreM&A Source and IBBA are both Specialty Sections of the International Association of Business Intermediaries, Inc. (IABI). Joint memberships available at 25% discount. Both associations focus on supporting transaction advisors with education, designations, conferences and benefits relative to their respective market segments.
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF)coreBIEF was formed in 2005 and is committed to growing the business transaction advisor profession and promoting highest standards. BIEF has been the driving force behind advancing important legislation including the M&A Broker Registration Exemption (passed December 2022). Supported by M&A Source, IBBA, and the Alliance of Mergers & Acquisitions Advisors.
- Morgan StanleyminorMorgan Stanley is a 2025 Exclusive Conference Sponsor for M&A Source's bi-annual conferences.
- Live Oak BankminorLive Oak Bank is a 2025 Exclusive Conference Sponsor providing SBA lending services to the lower middle market community.
- CFCminorCFC (Commercial Finance Corporation) is a 2025 Exclusive Conference Sponsor serving the small deals guide market.
- Cultivate BrandsminorCultivate Brands is a 2025 Exclusive Conference Sponsor for M&A Source's bi-annual conferences.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
M&A Source competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Axial Network: Digital deal-flow network serving lower-middle-market advisors and PE firms. Directly competes with DEALMATCH as a private introduction platform and pursues a comparable advisor/investor user base.
- The M&A Advisor: Media, awards, and conference business covering the broader M&A industry. Comparable as a recognition/events layer in the same ecosystem and overlapping on awards and deal-maker recognition (e.g., comparable to M&A Source's Diamond/Gold Clubs).
- BizBuySell: Online marketplace for buying and selling small businesses. Partial overlap with M&A Source's exit-driven advisor network and indirectly competes for LMM deal-maker mind share via its listings and broker directory.
Direct peers
- American Society of Appraisers (ASA): Long-standing valuation professional society, co-developer of the M&A Source standardized glossary. Competes for the same business valuation/appraisal certification spend among LMM practitioners.
- National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA): Adjacent professional association offering the CVA designation and valuation-focused education. Shares many small-firm advisors and the Glossary partnership cohort listed on M&A Source's site, and competes for the same continuing-education budget.
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF): Education and advocacy foundation supporting M&A and business brokerage intermediaries. Co-founded the legislative push behind the M&A Broker Registration Exemption and shares leadership with M&A Source, making it a closely affiliated peer in mission and scope.
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Sister specialty section of IABI alongside M&A Source, jointly offering education and designations to business brokers. The two associations are explicitly co-marketed with a 25% joint membership discount, making IBBA the closest functional twin.
- International Association of Business Intermediaries (IABI): Umbrella organization of which M&A Source and IBBA are both specialty sections. Comparable as a parent trade body in the same M&A advisory ecosystem with overlapping governance and joint membership benefits.
- Association for Corporate Growth (ACG): Large, established trade association for the middle-market dealmaking community with events, education, and networking across PE and corporate development. Overlaps with M&A Source on LMM deal-flow and investor access but serves a broader (upper middle market to large-cap) audience.
- Alliance of Mergers & Acquisitions Advisors (AM&AA): Peer M&A intermediary trade association offering its own certification (AM&AA) and member education. Sits in the same niche — serving middle-market M&A professionals — and shares member advisors with M&A Source.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
M&A Source social profiles
Digital presenceM&A Source financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
M&A Source leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
M&A Source funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
M&A Source M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about M&A Source
What does M&A Source do?
M&A Source is a not-for-profit trade association that sells membership, professional certifications (M&AMI and CM&AP), fee-based educational courses, and event registrations to lower middle market M&A transaction professionals. Its core deliverables include the DEALMATCH members-only deal-introduction platform, semi-annual Conferences and Deal Markets, the ProEdge Learning Center, a searchable Member Directory, and the quarterly Market Pulse Survey, all targeted at advisors, investment bankers, private equity firms, and family offices focused on the $5M–$50M revenue segment.
Is M&A Source a public or private company?
M&A Source is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was M&A Source founded?
M&A Source was founded in 1992. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is M&A Source based?
M&A Source is headquartered in Independence, United States, in the North America region.
How does M&A Source make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are professional Education Programs, conference and Event Fees and M&AMI Certification.
Who are M&A Source's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Axial Network, The M&A Advisor and BizBuySell. Direct peers are American Society of Appraisers (ASA), National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA), Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF), International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), International Association of Business Intermediaries (IABI), Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Alliance of Mergers & Acquisitions Advisors (AM&AA).
Does M&A Source have an API?
No public API is recorded for M&A Source.
What industry is M&A Source in?
M&A Source's product category is Professional Trade Association Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAEAGAJ, Industry-Specialist / Sector-Focused M&A Advisory, with a secondary code of EDABAJAN, Valuation, M&A & Corporate Development.