According to The Babson College Middle-Market/Small Business Mergers & Acquisitions Survey, the middle-market for mergers & acquisitions has significantly improved in the past two years. The survey was conducted by the business school’s MBA students in the first quarter of 2013.

Yet according to the report, growth in 2013 will be flat versus 2012 because of a stalled economy, challenges in Washington around tax and estate issues, hesitation by business owners to relinquish, and the gradual recovery in the debt market.

The Babson Survey directed by Babson College Professor Kevin J. Mulvaney in collaboration with members of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Exit Planning Exchange (XPX), assesses and defines current trends that impact buyers and sellers of businesses. The survey population included leading national middle-market investment banks, large business brokerage firms, advisory professionals, and commercial bankers.

“The M&A environment for both small and mid-sized business exits or recapitalizations is stable and may improve in the coming years,” commented Mulvaney. “It is a very good time for entrepreneur owners to begin planning for their capital event.”

To read the entire release, click here.