Strategic
Development,
Defined
Strategic Development is the combination of perspective found inside corporate development teams and the market awareness and process fluency of experienced investment banks — applied independently and without a mandate to buy, sell, or transact.
The role is to identify real strategic paths, pressure-test them against how the market actually behaves, and support execution through selective buyer engagement or institutional processes, as appropriate.
Foundations
Trust, Earned Through Discretion
Strategic development only works when conversations are handled quietly, intentions are aligned early, and information is shared with care from the outset.
Knowledge of How the Market Actually Behaves
Effective strategic development depends on real experience with buyer behavior, deal dynamics, and market structure — not theory, averages, or surface-level advice.
Access Used Selectively
Relationships matter, but only when deployed with intention. Strategic development requires knowing when to engage buyers — and when restraint creates better outcomes.
Orchestration With Timing and Intent As situations evolve
Strategic development requires coordinating people, information, and decisions so momentum is created deliberately — not accidentally.
Who We Are
L&L Strategic Development works with founders on acquisitions and ownership transitions involving private equity, family offices, and strategic buyers. We operate as an independent strategic development partner — supporting founders through buyer engagement and execution with judgment, discretion, and alignment.
The firm is led by Gaston Reeder, who has worked across the lower middle-market M&A ecosystem for more than a decade. Prior to founding L&L, Gaston led business development within established advisory environments, sourcing and supporting transactions across a wide range of industries and deal sizes. His experience includes direct involvement in 100+ completed acquisitions and transactions, working alongside investment bankers, private equity groups, family offices, and corporate acquirers.
L&L works with a limited number of founders at a time, prioritizing thoughtful execution over volume-driven processes.
Our approach
and process
01 - Origination
We engage selectively where a credible strategic situation is beginning to take shape.
02 - Context
Develop a clear view of the business’s market position before assumptions or momentum build.
03 - Positioning
Define the engagement options — direct buyer introduction or competitive process.
04 - Path Selection
Frame a recommended path, positioned for the strongest achievable outcome
05 - Engagement
Initiate the chosen path through direct buyer engagement or a structured sell-side process
06 - Orchestration
Maintain alignment across people, information, and timing as decisions converge.
07 - Execution
Finalize the transaction alongside specialized professionals to support ownership transition.
