San Jose / Palo Alto Business Brokers / M&A Advisors Offices

Matt Coletta is the Co-Founder / Managing Partner of M&A Business Advisors, a full-service Business Brokerage and Lower Middle Market M&A Advisory Firm and The Leader in Business Sales & Acquisitions. Matt has over 30 years of industry experience representing Sellers and Buyers in the CONFIDENTIAL sale of privately owned Businesses in a wide range of industries including Manufacturing, Distribution, Service, E- Commerce, Technology, Software, Health Care, Construction, Automotive, Food & Beverage Related Businesses as well as other industries with revenue between $2M – $50M. Each Seller and Buyer receives the same personalized, quality service from Matt no matter how large or small the transaction. Matt is considered one of the most “Active Deal Makers” in the industry and is consistently in the top 10% industry wide. Matt has earned the confidence and respect of both Sellers and Buyers he has represented as well as his fellow colleagues in the industry. Matt has been a licensed Broker since 1989 and his credentials include a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Finance and a Designation Degree in Real Estate Development from SDSU & UCLA as well as holding multiple industry designations.

Matt is a Certified Business Broker (CBB) thru the California Association of Business Brokers (CABB). Matt has been elected and has served on the CABB Board of Directors since 2013. Matt was previously the President and currently chairs two committees and is an instructor, teaching the California Association of Business Broker’s re-certification course for the Certified Business Broker (CBB) designation. In 2022, Matt was awarded the Lifetime Certified Business Broker designation by CABB. This designation is awarded to members who have satisfied a specific list of requirements including completed transactions, education, conference attendance and number of years in the industry. Matt was also awarded the 2020 CABB Honorary Acknowledgement Award for his participation in the association.

Matt has also earned the designation of Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) from the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA). The CBI designation is granted to a select group of individuals who are seasoned in the industry, have completed over 70 hours of course work including financial analysis, pricing/valuation, legal and tax implications related to the sale or purchase of a business and have passed a comprehensive exam. With this designation, comes the guarantee that you will be working with an individual who is specifically trained and has met all the requirements to be a professional and knowledgeable Intermediary. In 2017, the IBBA awarded Matt the Lifetime CBI Designation. In addition, the IBBA has awarded Matt the Chairman’s Circle Award and the Platinum Chairman’s Circle Award for being a Top Producer and influencer in the industry.

Additionally, Matt has earned the Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) from M&A Source. The M&A Source is the world’s largest international organization of experienced, dedicated merger and acquisition intermediaries representing the lower middle market industry. The Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary designation is awarded to intermediaries who have proven professional excellence through verified lower middle market transaction experience, conference attendance, education and peer review. The M&A Source has also awarded Matt the Platinum Gold Club award for being a Top Producer in the industry.

Matt also holds the designation of Certified Mergers and Acquisition Professional (CM&AP) issued by Kennesaw University.

These designations and the time spent with the various associations show a true commitment to the industry and to the many clients Matt has represented. There are only a handful of advisors in the industry that hold and equally importantly maintain these designations.

Matt knows that selling or buying a business can be a complex, intimidating and time-consuming process. It involves knowledge and experience in a wide range of areas from valuation, due diligence, negotiations, contracts, financing, leases, and more. With over 30 years of experience, Matt is committed to making this process a smooth, fair and successful experience for all parties involved. References are available upon request. Call for a complimentary consultation and remember EXPERIENCE COUNTS!

Matt can be reached at or 818-999-9621.

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Brian Thornton helps business owners navigate one of the most important financial and personal decisions of their lives — the successful sale of their business. Serving clients throughout California with a focus on the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley, Brian works closely with entrepreneurs to create a smooth, confidential, and strategically managed transitions that align with each owner’s unique goals.

With more than 30 years of experience spanning engineering, financing, sales leadership, and business development, Brian brings a highly analytical yet practical approach to business brokerage. Before transitioning into brokerage, he spent over two decades in mortgage lending where he managed branches, sales regions, earned multiple top producer awards, and guided thousands of clients through complex financing transactions. That experience taught him how to anticipate problems early, communicate clearly during stressful situations, and keep transactions moving forward when challenges arise.

Brian began his career as a Mechanical Engineer after graduating with honors from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. During his engineering career, he earned nine U.S. patents and managed complex technical projects and international supply chains. Today, that same problem-solving mindset helps him evaluate business operations, identify opportunities to strengthen value before going to market, and guide buyers and sellers through complicated due diligence and financing processes.

Known for being responsive, detail-oriented, and direct in his communication style, Brian focuses heavily on education and expectation-setting throughout the transaction process. He understands that business owners are often navigating uncertainty while balancing concerns about confidentiality, employees, customers, taxes, timing, and legacy. His approach centers on proactive communication, careful buyer qualification, and hands-on project management designed to minimize surprises and protect seller interests from listing through closing.

Brian specializes in representing a wide range of businesses, particularly in manufacturing, construction, automotive, and healthcare-related industries. His financing background and understanding of SBA lending gives sellers an additional advantage when structuring deals, packaging financial information, and mitigating financing risk during escrow.

Brian is licensed Broker by the California DRE and a member of both the California Association of Business Brokers (CABB) and the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA). He previously served on the Board of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and maintains relationships with lenders, attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, and other trusted professionals throughout the Bay Area business community.

Whether you are preparing for retirement, planning a strategic transition, or exploring your options, Brian provides hands-on guidance and a results-driven approach to help business owners navigate the sale process with confidence. He understands that selling a business is both a financial and personal decision and works closely with clients to manage the process with professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail. Contact Brian for a confidential, no-obligation consultation at or (408) 242-1259.

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