Transaction Management
Selling, merging or buying a business, managed from start to completion
A sale is usually a one-off chance to realise the value of a lifetime’s work, and it is hard to run a second process once you have been to market.
Our highly skilled and experienced team specialise in helping business owners sell a business, prepare for sale, manage the transaction through to completion. That matters because a buyer is paying for the profits your business delivers, and performance that slips during a sale is one of the quickest ways to lose price.
Is it the right time to sell?
Three questions are worth answering before you go to market.
- Is the business performing well and well positioned in its industry cycle, and can you explain why a buyer will want it?
- Can it succeed without you, including keeping existing contracts and winning new work under your brand?
- Are you prepared to stay involved for a limited time to support the handover?
If any answer is unclear, our optional Business Sale Readiness assessment can help you address it before you go to market.
Ask about sale readinessHow a Sale Works
Seven steps take you from first conversation to completion
A sale transaction can be a one-off chance to realise the value of your lifetime’s hard work. Once you go to market you need to get the result you want. You may find it hard to run a second process and attract real interest from the right parties. To ensure you’re best equipped for this stage of your business, we have developed this seven step framework to ensure a smooth sale transaction, achieving maximum value.
1. Prepare
We review the business, assess sale readiness and build a plan and timetable. The optional Business Sale Readiness assessment and Sale Preparation Program are designed for first-time sellers and to maximise the value achieved.
2. Start the Project
Once you decide to move forward, we send you an Engagement Letter and a Request for Information, and agree how we will work with you and your accountant.
3. Document Creation
We write a teaser document seeking Expressions of Interest and a comprehensive Information Memorandum along with other supporting marketing material. We submit this material to you for approval before commencing the marketing process.
4. Marketing
Targeted marketing processes while maintaining client confidentiality, to reach strategic buyers who recognise the value in your business. Fountain will issue NDAs and Information Memorandum to potential buyers for offers within 30 days.
5. Negotiate and Qualify
We work closely with you to review all offers and their respective conditions.
Together, we will agree on the best course of action, which could involve quickly resolving any unfavourable conditions to keep all parties involved, shortlisting preferred parties for final, binding offers, or selecting a single party to proceed with.
We will then initiate the due diligence process, including inspections, which will lead to solid offers and formal expressions of interest.
6. Sale Structure & Agreements
When considering the sale of your business, the structure of the sale is an important decision that will impact both parties. We offer expert guidance on whether to sell the shares of the company or the business and assets of the company, taking into account tax implications and perceived risks.
We can also provide guidance on which assets to include in the sale, allowing interested parties to submit offers for the entire business or just the operating business without the property, with the option to become a tenant and create a future income stream.
Once the parties agree to proceed, Fountain prepares the documents as appropriate, setting out the terms of agreement.
7. Complete
We manage all aspects of the sales process; sale readiness, marketing, contract negotiating, due diligence and completion.
Some business sales require you to continue with the business in some role for a limited time to assist with the transition, whatever the scenario, we will help to manage the transaction until completion.
If your ready to sell or need help starting your sale preparation process. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial discussion to discuss how we can help you.
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