Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Buying Existing Businesses

Presented at Boise Entrepreneur Week 2026
September 28-October 2, 2026 | Boise, Idaho

As part of Boise Entrepreneur Week 2026, David Brandon and Nicholas Gourley discuss Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), an increasingly popular path to business ownership through the acquisition of an existing company.

In this session, the presenters explore key legal, financial, and strategic considerations involved in acquiring a business, from identifying opportunities and conducting due diligence to negotiating letters of intent and managing transaction risk. They also discuss common challenges buyers encounter and practical approaches for navigating the acquisition process.

Topics Covered

• Evaluating acquisition opportunities and business fit
• Understanding valuation and transaction structures
• Conducting effective due diligence
• Negotiating letters of intent and purchase agreements
• Identifying and mitigating legal and operational risks
• Preparing for a successful ownership transition

About Boise Entrepreneur Week

Boise Entrepreneur Week (BEW) is Idaho's largest entrepreneurial event, bringing together founders, investors, business leaders, and innovators for five days of educational programming, networking, and pitch competitions. Organized by Trailhead and held at the JUMP campus in downtown Boise, BEW celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2026.

About the Presenters

David Brandon is a tax attorney with extensive experience advising businesses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, joint ventures, investment structures, and other complex transactional matters. He counsels middle-market companies on tax considerations associated with business growth, acquisitions, and strategic transactions.

Nicholas Gourley is a corporate attorney who advises startups, emerging companies, private investors, and established businesses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity financings, corporate governance, and other complex business transactions. He works with companies throughout their lifecycle, from formation and growth to strategic acquisitions and exits.