Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common questions about our commercial transaction consulting services for music, media, and IP, including how engagements begin, typical deal sizes, fractional CXO support, confidentiality, and where and how we operate. If you don’t see your question here, reach out and we’ll get back to you.
What services do you provide, and what services do you not provide?
We provide commercial transaction consulting services for music, media, and intellectual property (IP), including buy-side, sell-side, and inside (e.g., fractional CXO, restructuring, etc.). We don’t provide legal, tax, or investment advice, and we don’t sell securities or solicit investments. When those inputs are needed, we coordinate with your bankers, lawyers, accountants, and other specialists.
I want to pursue a transaction — what is my first step?
The first step is an initial conversation. Whether you’re considering a sale, an acquisition, or a restructuring, we start by learning about your assets, goals, and timing. From there we outline fit, likely options, and what preparation would be required before moving forward.
I was approached by a buyer — what should I do next?
First, congratulations. Second, pause before sharing details. Document what was discussed, then contact us so we can help you evaluate the approach, structure the right response, and outline appropriate next steps.
Do you have thresholds or minimum engagement sizes?
We focus on asset acquisitions, divestitures, and restructures in the mid-market ($10 million – $500 million range). That said, we don’t apply a rigid minimum if our involvement can add meaningful value.
How do engagements typically begin?
Engagements begin with an initial conversation to define objectives and constraints. From there we prepare a proposal that sets out scope, deliverables, timeline, and fees so everyone is aligned from the start.
How long does an engagement usually take?
Timelines vary by scope and counterparties, but most engagements run several months from preparation through closing.
Do you only work in the music, media, and IP industries?
Music, media, and IP are core strengths, but we also advise across adjacent industries where similar economics and processes apply.
Is Media Asset Advisors a software platform?
No. Media Asset Advisors is a transaction-consulting and M&A advisory firm, not a media asset management (MAM) software platform.
Do you offer fractional leadership services?
Yes. We provide fractional CXO leadership (e.g., COO, CFO, CMO, CBO) as well as corporate and business development support before and during critical transitions.
What markets or geographies do you serve?
We primarily serve clients across North America, the UK, the EU, and Australia.
Do you work onsite with clients, or only remotely?
We primarily work remotely but can travel or work onsite when in-person collaboration adds value.
How do you handle confidentiality?
We take confidentiality seriously. While an initial email, call, or form submission isn’t confidential, we’ll sign a mutual NDA at the outset of substantive discussions. From that point forward, confidentiality is built into every engagement.
Do you offer pro bono or reduced-fee services?
On a limited basis, we take on pro bono or reduced-fee projects when the mission or circumstances align with our values.
Who founded Media Asset Advisors?
David Gurule founded Media Asset Advisors in 2014 to advise rights holders and C-level executives on asset acquisitions and divestitures, restructures, and other strategic initiatives.
Meet our founder
David Gurule is a leading commercial transaction and strategy advisor specializing in music, media, and intellectual property. A former Universal Music executive and artist manager, he has been featured in Billboard, and deals he's advised on have been reported in Variety, Music Business Worldwide, and other industry publications. As Principal of Media Asset Advisors, he guides clients through M&A transactions, restructurings, and strategic exits.
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