The work done before a sale
The value a buyer places on a business, and the ease with which a sale completes, depend a great deal on work done well before any buyer is approached. Clean financial information, a management team that can run the business without its owner, and contracts, property and ownership in good order all tend to show up in the price; their absence tends to show up in due diligence.
We work with owners who expect to sell in the next few years and want to use the time well: to understand what the business might be worth today, what would add to that, and what might put a buyer off.
What it involves
Valuation
An independent view of what the business might achieve on a sale today, and the valuations buyers are likely to consider.
Readiness review
The business as a potential buyer would see it: the quality of earnings, customer concentration, depth of management, contracts and legal housekeeping, with its margins and growth set against our own benchmarks for its sector and size.
A plan to add value
A practical list of what to address before a sale, in order of its likely effect on price and on the chances of completing.
Timing
Through our research we help form a view on when to go to market, taking account of the business’s own performance, the owner’s plans and the state of the buyer market.
Other services
Sell-side M&A
Full and majority sales to trade and financial buyers, run as a managed process from preparation through to completion.
Private equity investment
Partial exits and growth investment for shareholders who wish to retain a stake in the business.
Unsolicited approaches
Advice for owners who have received an offer and want it tested before they respond.
Begin a conversation.
For a confidential discussion about your business and the future.