Start Early: Preparation is Key - Too often, business owners begin preparing for sale only once a buyer is in sight. The groundwork should start 12–24 months in advance. This allows time to optimise financial performance, address operational inefficiencies, and build a compelling growth narrative.
Early preparation enables you to shape the business into a more attractive proposition, not just financially, but operationally and strategically.
Understand Your Value Drivers - Buyers whether trade or private equity are looking for scalable, resilient businesses. That means recurring revenue, strong margins, and a clear competitive edge. We help clients identify and position their value drivers early in the process.
Knowing what makes your business valuable allows you to focus on the areas that will drive premium valuations.
“Value isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the story your business tells.” Kaine Smith
Build a Strong Management Team - A buyer isn’t just acquiring a business; they’re investing in the people who will drive it forward. A well-rounded, incentivised management team adds credibility and reduces perceived risk, especially in private equity transactions where ongoing leadership is key.
Empowering your team and demonstrating succession planning and how they have instilled a strong, positive culture, can significantly increase buyer confidence.
Get Your House in Order - From financial reporting to legal documentation, diligence readiness is essential. It should be considered if a vendor due diligence process to pre-empt issues would add value and aid a process or not. Ultimately, it’s about presenting your business in the best possible light and streamlining the transaction process as much as possible.
Clean, accurate, and transparent records are not just helpful they’re essential. They reduce friction, build trust and can be a strong tool for valuation enhancement in competitive processes.
“Buyers don’t like surprises, preparation builds trust.” Kaine Smith
