The Silent Succession Wave
Walk down any Main Street in Canada and you’ll see it: family‑run manufacturers, HVAC contractors, specialty food producers—companies that quietly keep eight million Canadians employed. Yet nearly two‑thirds of these businesses have no formal succession plan, and 31 percent of owners say they intend to sell by 2030. Most of them are over 50 and ready for a well‑earned next chapter.
Why These Firms Matter
Backbone of the economy – 97.8 % of Canadian companies have fewer than 100 employees and account for the majority of private‑sector jobs.
Resilient cash flows – Decades‑long customer relationships and niche expertise create sticky, defensive revenue.
Community impact – When an owner retires without a buyer, the risk isn’t just lost GDP; it’s lost apprenticeships, local sponsorships, and generational know‑how.
Where Kanary Capital Fits
I founded Kanary Capital to be the patient successor these businesses deserve. My playbook is simple:
Protect the culture – Employees stay, customers stay, legacy stays.
Operational tune‑ups – From workflow tweaks to bite‑sized digital upgrades (think cloud bookkeeping, not a six‑month ERP slog).
Steady‑state growth – Reinvest profits into new service lines, measured geographic expansion, and selective bolt‑ons.
That’s it—no slash‑and‑burn roll‑ups, no “flip in five years” mandate.
Why Now Is the Moment
Demographics are destiny – The “silver tsunami” of retiring owners is peaking this decade.
Fair valuations – With higher financing costs tamping down mega‑deals, well‑run SMEs trading at 4–6× EBITDA look increasingly attractive relative to public comps.
Government tailwinds – Programs from BDC, EDC, and provincial lenders continue to de‑risk succession financing for first‑time buyers who keep jobs local.
What’s in It for Founders
Peace of mind – A buyer who values gut instinct as much as dashboards.
Flexible deal structures – Mix of cash, vendor take‑back, and earn‑outs to optimize tax and retirement goals.
Legacy preserved – Your name stays on the trucks; our team handles the nightly backups.
If you’re a founder thinking about succession—or an advisor helping one—let’s grab coffee (virtual or in Toronto). Even if a sale is years away, a quick conversation now can save headaches later.
