Selling a business

          
 

The sale of a business usually represents the single most important and valuable transaction in the life of its owner. A business often represents a lifetime of hard work for the owner manager and a successful sale is critical to unlocking the equity value created over this period. We appreciate the importance of the sale of your business, and we work with you to prepare the business for sale, confidentially market and successfully sell the business.

We tailor our professionally managed sales process to our clients requirements in order to maximise value achieved. Stages involved in the sale of a business and how we add value are summarised below.


Preparation for sale
Professionally preparing a business for sale before marketing can improve the valuation.

How do we add value?

  • We undertake a thorough review to determine the best exit strategy for the business - as part of this process we identify factors that influence price, valuation and saleability
  • We provide a benchmark indicative valuation to enable shareholders to make an informed decision as to when to sell - our approach is to give you an honest opinion as to the value of the business rather than an inflated valuation to persuade you to commence a process
  • We can provide a detailed action plan to help you "groom" the business for sale - properly preparing a business for sale can considerably improve its saleability and valuation
Identify buyers
We research markets to identify credible buyers which are most likely to be interested in your business and to pay a strategic price for your company.

How do we add value?

  • By using our market research databases we identify strategic trade buyers by researching your market and associated sectors
  • We not only identify UK based acquirers but also international businesses which increasingly are seeking to acquire UK based businesses
  • Once we have identified potential acquirers we qualify the "credentials" of all potential buyers before marketing
Produce sales documents
We have the experience of preparing a professional "Information Memorandum" designed to enhance potential offers whilst protecting commercially sensitive information.

How do we add value?

  • We prepare a comprehensive and professional "Information Memorandum" to positively position the business to potential acquirers
  • Having spent time to understand your businesses key value drivers, we sell these features to enhance the value of indicative offers received from buyers
  • We are experienced in providing sufficient details to solicit strategic offers without disclosing commercially sensitive information
Confidential marketing
We only contact and ultimately send the "Information Memorandum" to approved Buyers in a very discreet and professional process.

How do we add value?

  • We only contact pre-qualified and client "approved" buyers
  • We contact potential buyers' key decision makers (usually the Chairman, Managing Director or majority shareholder) personally to discuss the opportunity on a "no names" basis - this approach minimises market gossip and the damage that this can cause
  • Confidentiality agreements are obtained before parties join the professionally run sales process
  • Regular marketing reports are provided to our clients to keep them fully informed of the progress on their project
Negotiate Offers
By approaching only credible buyers, we seek to create an "auction" process to maximise value for our clients.

How do we add value?

  • We handle all negotiations with prospective buyers allowing you to focus on running your business
  • By approaching only credible buyers we seek to create competitive tension between prospective acquirers in order to maximise the value of your business
  • All negotiations are conducted by our team of Corporate Finance Directors who have extensive experience of negotiating good deals even with seasoned and experienced buyers
  • Once a deal has been agreed we draft "Heads of Terms" to ensure there is no ambiguity between parties as the process moves forwards
Project manage process
Once a deal in principal is agreed we actively manage all aspects of the process to maintain momentum and to enable us to defend value and ensure a successful completion.

How do we add value?

  • We proactively manage the sales process following the agreement of Heads of Terms supporting clients through to legal completion
  • Proactively managing the deal including the due diligence and legal process enables us to avoid any loss of momentum and we help to resolve issues quickly before they escalate - this approach enables us to defend value as buyers may seek to "chip" the price if the process stalls
  
We were impressed by Springboard's proposed approach to selling our business. Springboard's professional and discrete approach to identifying and approaching buyers for the business, coupled with its commitment, tenacity and open and honest advice, enabled us to meet our collective aspirations. I would have no hesitation in recommending Springboard.

 

What do you do next?

Do you help prepare businesses for sale?

Yes, we are happy to take a long term approach to building a relationship and to develop an understanding of your Company.

Can you help with Succession Planning?

We can assist to groom existing members of your team or we have access to a comprehensive database of management buy-in candidates, entrepreneurs and corporate buyers which can help address succession issues.

Do you advise Vendors on partial exits?

Yes. This is commonly known as a "cash out" or "equity release" transaction if instigated by the owner or a "vendor assisted buy-out" if instigated by the management team. We can help deliver these sensitive solutions.

What do I do next?

Please Contact Us if you would like to confidentially discuss an opportunity and to take advantage of a free no obligation meeting.

  
 
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