For an owner managed business the sale of their company is often one of the most important and emotional transactions that the owners will complete. It is typically a once in a life time event.
Whilst most shareholders will seek to maximize the proceeds from the sale there are other aspects that should be considered such as family matters and the affect on the staff at the company. Our approach is to make sure we have full understanding of the client’s objectives and tailor our marketing approach to ensure the optimal result is achieved.
The corporate finance team at WMT focus on the owner managed sector and are therefore fully aware of the emotional issues that can arise. We seek to identify issues before they arise and provide relevant timely solutions.
Through our tailored research, we market businesses in a confidential, discrete and a highly targeted manner. We work with clients to identify relevant buyers being a combination of:-
- Trade buyers (UK and if appropriate international);
- Private Equity; and
- Management teams, if applicable (both your incumbent team and potential Management Buy In teams or a combination of the two).
In carrying out our role as Corporate Finance adviser we:-
- Give you an indication to the vendors of the value of the business
- Agree with you a realistic timetable from the outset
- Undertake an appraisal of the company and make the client aware of any issues that could affect the sales process from either a timing or value perspective;
- Identify the most suitable marketing strategy
- Work with the client to prepare the necessary selling documentation such as an Information Memorandum
- Fully research the market to identify relevant buyers
- Managing all aspects of the approach to target companies and managing the confidentiality process
- Negotiating the offers received
- Managing the due diligence process to ensure it is relevant and un-intrusive into the company’s activities.
- Be responsible for co-ordinating all other advisers through to completion.
During the process, if required, we can introduce other service lines from WMT to assist with the transaction such as Tax Planning.
At WMT we act as full project managers throughout the transaction, from inception of the project through to completion thus allowing the owner to focus on running the business and ensuring trade is robust during the sale process. We are not brokers.
Furthermore, as WMT work on both acquisitions and disposals, we understand the psychology of the other side which assists in getting the deal done.
All of our transactions are partner led and the client can be assured of best advice throughout.
Click on the following link to view a disposal case study.
For further information about our Corporate Finance service please contact Andrew Williamson on 01727 838 255.
