Al Danto

About Al Danto

I work with business owners navigating complex acquisition and exit decisions, where valuation, structure, timing, and personal objectives intersect. Over the past 30+ years, I’ve started, built, and exited multiple companies and advised owners on transactions ranging from $5–50 million. My focus is helping sellers prepare for and execute exits that maximize enterprise value and terms - not just price. As a partner in the Exit Advisors Network, I serve as the senior sell-side representative, coordinating experienced CPAs, attorneys, valuation analysts, financial planners, and operators to ensure the exit process is disciplined, aligned, and well-managed.In parallel, I’m a Senior Lecturer at Rice University, where I teach entrepreneurship, valuation and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) to full-time, professional, and executive MBA students. My teaching and advisory work are distinct, but both are informed by real-world transaction experience. I’ve been honored multiple times with Rice’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Experience

1. Principal Advisor

   Exit Advisors

   Jul 2018 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   I work with business owners navigating complex acquisition and exit decisions - where valuation, structure, timing, tax and personal objectives intersect.We advise owners on transactions and valuations ranging from $5–50 million. My focus is helping sellers prepare for and execute exits that maximize enterprise value and terms.The Exit Advisors Network is an affiliation of senior transaction professionals, including highly experienced CPAs, attorneys, valuation analysts, financial planners, EOS consultants, and experienced operators.We coordinate this expertise on behalf of the seller - managing process and information flow to seamlessly work together to achieve the optimal result.

Education

• Rice Business

  MBA

  1998 — 2000

• Central Michigan University

  BS in Business, Business Administration / Mathematics

  1978 — 1982

Skills

• Consultancy
• Firm Valuation
• Consultants
• Market Evaluation
• Business Planning
• Business Acquisition
• Business Analysis
• Business Strategy
• Valuation
• Independent Research
• Contract Negotiations
• New Business Development
• Contract Negotiation
• Start-Ups
• Consulting
• Company Representation
• Acquisition Integration
• Marketing Strategy
• Business Development
• Strategic Consulting
• Risk Assessment
• Market Evaluations
• Market Analysis
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Entrepreneurship
• Small Business
• Business Valuation
• Risk Evaluation
• Divestitures
• Assessment
• Business Integration
• Evaluation
• Exit Strategies
• Esop
• Management