{
  "title": "How Acquisition Advisors Make Money: Retainers, Fees and Referrals",
  "url": "https://acquisitions.com/blog/how-acquisition-advisors-make-money/",
  "author": "Moran Pober",
  "publisher": "Acquisitions.com",
  "published": "2026-10-22",
  "updated": "2026-10-22",
  "section": "From the videos",
  "keyword": "how acquisition advisors make money",
  "short_answer": "A buy-side acquisition advisor is paid by the buyer. In the model Moran Pober describes, that is an up-front retainer of at least $5,000 for 6 to 12 months of support, plus a fee at closing of at least another $5,000 or 1 to 2% of the deal. On top sit referral fees from banks, other brokers, lawyers and accountants the advisor introduces.",
  "facts": {
    "Retainer": [
      "Up front, on signing",
      "At least $5,000 for 6 to 12 months of support",
      "$5,000"
    ],
    "Closing fee, flat": [
      "At closing",
      "At least another $5,000",
      "$5,000"
    ],
    "Closing fee, percentage": [
      "At closing",
      "1 to 2% of the deal",
      "$20,000 to $40,000"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    "https://sidley.com/en/insights/newsupdates/2023/03/us-congress-exempts-certain-merger-and-acquisition-brokers-from-sec-broker-dealer-registration",
    "https://california.public.law/codes/ca_bus_and_prof_code_section_10131"
  ],
  "license": "Facts may be quoted with attribution to Acquisitions.com and a link to the url above."
}