M&A advisory · Sell-side
Selling your business, done well.
Selling a business is one of the largest decisions an owner makes. We guide you from valuation to completion, keep the process confidential and leave the decisions with you.
Our approach
Protect your interests. Realise full value.
Every business and every seller is different. We start with a confidential conversation about your business, your motives and your timetable, then build a sale strategy around them.
From preparing your financials and marketing documents to qualifying buyers and negotiating to close, we act as your adviser throughout, with honest guidance and strict confidentiality, so the sale has as little impact as possible on the business you are still running.
- Stage 1
A confidential consultation
We learn about the business, its customers, people, revenue, profitability and trends, and why you want to sell. You leave with an early view of what the business could be worth.
- Stage 2
Detailed review under NDA
Once a confidentiality agreement is signed, we review three years of tax returns, the current year's accounts, the owner's total income and the value of the assets.
- Stage 3
Valuation and asking price
We compare the business with similar companies that have sold and recommend a realistic asking price. We then agree the terms of our engagement.
- Stage 4
Marketing documents
We write a one-page anonymous teaser and a detailed confidential information memorandum, released only to buyers who have signed an NDA.
- Stage 5
Confidential marketing
We approach buyers through our own network, our intermediary partners and carefully chosen channels, without revealing who you are.
- Stage 6
Qualifying buyers
Every buyer signs an NDA and shows they can fund the deal before they see detail. We hold the first conversations so your time goes to serious parties.
- Stage 7
Offers, negotiation and letter of intent
We compare offers on price, terms, financing and likelihood of closing, negotiate on your behalf, and agree a letter of intent that sets the due diligence period.
- Stage 8
Due diligence, purchase agreement and close
We coordinate the buyer's diligence, work alongside your lawyer and accountant on the purchase agreement, and support the handover after completion.
Why use an adviser
Mistakes in a sale are expensive and permanent.
A specialist intermediary brings expertise most owners use only once in their lives.
- Confidentiality. Talking to buyers without an NDA is risky. Every buyer signs one before any sensitive information is shared.
- An accurate valuation. There are at least 39 recognised ways to value a business. We help you set a price that attracts buyers and protects value.
- Serious buyers only. We separate funded, serious buyers from time-wasters, which saves your time and protects your confidentiality.
- Competitive tension. Managing several interested parties at once improves both price and terms.
- A buffer in negotiation. An intermediary keeps relationships intact, takes the heat out of negotiation and keeps the deal moving.
- Your business keeps performing. We run the sale so you can keep running the company. Every extra dollar of profit adds a multiple to the price.
Questions
Asked by owners.
What is my company worth?
There are at least 39 business valuation methods, and deal structure changes the answer too. Talk to a specialist before relying on a rule of thumb.
How do you help owners during the sale?
We package the company for buyers, recast the financials, bring out its strengths and growth opportunities, resolve issues before they surface, protect confidentiality and act as your buffer in negotiation.
Do you only work with established companies?
We work with companies we believe we can help. We prefer good companies priced realistically, and we will tell you plainly if expectations are out of line with the market.
Do you offer exit planning?
Yes. Exit planning finds the problem areas before you go to market and sets out a plan to fix them, which usually improves both price and speed.
How are your fees structured?
Mostly on a success-fee basis, with retained services where a mandate needs them, plus reasonable agreed expenses. Fees are set only in a signed engagement letter. We never ask for payment by chat, voice or email.
When should I ask for advice?
Before you speak to any buyer. Selling a business is a different skill from running one, and early advice protects value you cannot recover later.
Private enquiry
Thinking about selling?
A confidential conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. We will give you an honest view of value and timing.