S2:E7: Norman Kallen & Stuart Brown: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Business

About Our Guests

Norman D. Kallen is a founding partner of Brown Moskowitz & Kallen, focusing on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and business litigation. With extensive experience advising middle-market businesses, he provides practical, tailored solutions to complex legal challenges. Norm’s in-depth understanding of business operations stems from years of working in-house, giving him a unique perspective on client needs. Recognized for his strategic insight and personalized service, he excels in guiding family-owned businesses through succession planning and transitions. Norm is committed to building long-term client relationships and driving successful outcomes for every engagement.

Stuart M. Brown is a founding partner of Brown Moskowitz & Kallen, where he brings decades of experience in corporate law, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and business litigation. Known for his strategic approach and strong client relationships, Stuart excels at guiding middle-market businesses through complex transitions. His firm was honored with the 2022 “Deal of the Year” award by M&A Advisor, reflecting its impact in the M&A space. Stuart is particularly passionate about helping family-owned businesses navigate succession planning and ensuring long-term success for future generations.

Episode Highlights:

What does it take to turn a business deal into a true success story? In the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the stakes are high, and the challenges are many—especially for family-owned businesses and middle-market companies.

In this episode of Business Unchained, host Bobby Mascia sits down with Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen, co-founders of Brown Moskowitz & Kallen, a law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). With nearly 26 years of experience working together, their firm has become a trusted name in connecting buyers and sellers of middle-market businesses valued between $50 million and $100 million.

A key focus of the discussion is the emotional and financial complexity of family-owned businesses, particularly when it comes to succession planning and corporate divorces. Stuart and Norman share real-life stories of family disputes, including cases where generational dynamics shaped the future of a business. They discuss the importance of addressing conflicts early, creating clear agreements, and planning proactively to prevent costly litigation and emotional strain.

Stuart recounts helping an 80-year-old client finally begin succession planning, while Norman reflects on his early career working in-house with startups, which gave him a unique perspective on the challenges business owners face.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a family business owner considering a sale, or someone curious about the human side of M&A, this episode delivers valuable advice, candid reflections, and actionable insights into the art of balancing relationships, strategy, and success in the business world. Let’s dive in!