Having a clear understanding of value is critical to successfully guiding your next steps.

“Don’t underestimate the value of your Business”. This means you risk leaving money on the table. No-one wants that (except the buyer!).

“Don’t overestimate the value of your business“. Equally, starting a sale process with unrealistic expectations risks a difficult transaction; drawn out processes and quite possibly results in you continuing to be stuck in the status quo. Again, no-one wants that (including the potential buyers!). 

Can you tell me what my business is worth?
Yes, I can! Once I know some details, I can give you an estimated value of what your business is worth right now within the constraints of some parameters.

More importantly, we can discuss what you need to do to deliver on that value (now or in the future) – both in terms of preparing the business and how we might run a sale process.

What are some ways of increasing the value of my business?
There is never a definite list and each scenario is different. With my experience, I can map out ways that would increase the value of your business while keeping within your personal and business objectives.

Here are just some ideas:

• Properly prepare the business for sale.
• Understand your role; how that can change over time and how that might fit in with the goals of potential buyers.
• Create competition amongst purchasers.
• Create an excellent “Information Memorandum” and marketing strategy.
• Understand the business purchaser, the purchaser’s business and the motivation to purchase.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the market.
• Be able to accurately predict; forecast and talk about the future of your business.

There are of cause many more ways of increasing the value. My role is to map out which avenues are worthwhile pursuing and, unless you merely want to know what the value is right now, leading that process for you.

How can I sell my business for the maximum value?
Having a full understanding of the environment in which the sale takes place is essential. That understanding comes from working with experienced partners. The best strategies are forged from a position of knowledge. That includes an understanding of all the players and their objectives, an understanding of the market conditions and an understanding of how certain events may change outcomes.

Naturally, it helps to have a good negotiator on your team. Above all, you need to have someone to work with who can give you the confidence that you are doing the right at the right time. This includes making sure that the value of your business is not too low to disadvantage you, and not too high to scare off the best purchasers.