Seller Services

Process Overview 

Before we begin working together. We need to understand where you are in the process. All inquiries are confidential.

The process of selling your business has 6 phases;

1. ASSESS/EXIT PLAN
2. PREPARE FOR MARKET
3. SOURCE/ENGAGE BUYERS
4. RECEIVE OFFERS/NEGOTIATE TERMS
5. FINALIZE THE SALE
6. TRANSITION/CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Each stage has multiple sub-steps. Some people have begun to navigate some of these steps on their own, while others need full assistance.

Some business owners plan years in advance while others are facing more immediate decisions.

When deciding how to work with us, choose from taking a workshop, having us support you by way of consulting or have us manage your full exit.

Here is a breakdown of each phase;

1. ASSESS/EXIT PLAN

Exit Planning is the practice of assessing the current status of both your business and personal situation to understand the gaps between where you are today and where you would like to be when the time comes to sell; in terms of company value, buyer options, meeting market demand and personal financial planning. Exit Planning typically happens when a business owner has time to implement exit strategies several years before a sale. It is recommended to begin Exit Planning at least 3-5 years before a desired sale. 

2. PREPARE FOR MARKET

Once the decision has been made to sell the business the materials that are presented to a buyer to support the sale need to be prepared. The items to be prepared may depend on who the target buyer is. A few of the common items that get prepared are;

• Business Summary/Confidential Information Memorandum
• Normalized Income Statements
• Due Diligence Data Room

3. SOURCE/ENGAGE BUYERS

Who your buyer could be can depend on a number of factors. We review both internal and external buyer categories with you to uncover all of the potential exit options available to you.

Following the exit options analysis a plan is then created to seek out specific buyers.

Some people prefer to be more hands-on and manage communications with buyers directly, while others prefer to have us manage all buyer communications. We can accommodate either preference.

4. RECEIVE OFFERS/NEGOTIATE TERMS

When it’s time to receive offers it’s our role to help you navigate negotiations, interpret the contents of the Letter of Intent (LOI), mediate valuation discussions and ensure you are aware of creative or unique methods of structuring the deal so you are satisfied with all of the terms you are agreeing to.

5. FINALIZE THE SALE

Once the terms have been agreed to, between you and a buyer, you enter into an exclusivity period while due diligence is being conducted by the buyer. We work with your lawyer to ensure the deal reaches a successful closing and support you through the rest of the due diligence process.

6. TRANSITION/CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Planning how your duties will be transitioned to someone else and how your company will succeed under new leadership is pivotal to it’s success. The culture you have created is part of the value your buyer sees and if you will be receiving funds based on the future performance of the company it’s essential to plan for the impact that the change of ownership will have on your clients, suppliers and employees. Planning for change management is an important phase of the exit.

CONTACT US FOR AN INITIAL CONSULTATION

It’s never too early to start planning your exit.