In our view, every business owner should have their end game decided and the path to it mapped out, but that’s another story and another blog. Here we are addressing agency owners who have come towards the end of that cycle and are at the point of exit – and the crucial subject of maximising value and ten main points to get the deal over the line.
1. Valuation Accuracy – BE REALISTIC
Ensure your business is accurately valued using appropriate methods (e.g., EBITDA multiples, revenue multiples, or even future profit multiples). An accurate valuation is crucial to attract serious buyers and justify your asking price. Overvaluation is the most common cause of deals failing to materialise and will always derail negotiations. Put a number on the deal upfront, so everyone is aware of the expectation level before negotiations start, and BE REALISTIC!
2. Due Diligence Preparation – KNOW YOUR NUMBERS!
Prepare for due diligence by organising all necessary documentation, including financial statements, contracts, operational records, organogram, client lists, and potential growth commentary. Transparency is key and will reduce professional costs and readiness can instill confidence in buyers and expedite the process.
3. Relationship Building – BE ACCESSIBLE
Form and nurture relationships with potential buyers and key stakeholders. Building trust will facilitate smoother negotiations and more favourable terms. Take time to understand their business and motivations for the acquisition and highlight the areas of your business they would most be interested in. Maintain regular communication and transparency throughout the process as you will gain insight in every conversation.
4. Highlighting Financial Health and Growth Potential – SHOW CONSISTENCY
Present clear evidence of your business’s financial health and growth potential. Presenting a strong, consistent growth curve (with an explanation for any bumps in the road along the way) will impress. Emphasise strengths in the team, prospects, and unique selling points to justify a higher valuation.
5. Deal Structure (Cash vs. Paper) – WHAT DO YOU WANT?
Determine and communicate your preferred mix of cash and equity (paper) in the deal. While cash offers immediate liquidity, equity can provide long-term value. Usually, a deal will include an ‘earn out’ period. Decide upfront the period you want to be tied in for an acceptable target to be achieved post-deal. Balance your need for liquidity with potential future gains and if you still want to have skin in the game in the consolidated business.
6. Cultural Fit and Integration Plans – FOCUS ON CULTURE
The buyer should be concentrating on this as a priority as this is an area where most problems occur post-deal. Highlight the cultural fit between your business and the potential buyer’s operations. Demonstrating a seamless integration plan can add value and reassure buyers of a smooth transition. Having a senior management team in place that can run the business without the principal shareholders is a big plus.
7. Market Timing – DO YOUR RESEARCH
Consider market conditions and timing. Selling during a peak market can significantly increase the deal’s value. Conduct market research to identify the optimal time to sell and keep a keen eye on the business and political landscape in the years up to your preferred point of sale.
8. Legal and Tax Implications – GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
Understand the legal and tax implications of the deal structure. Proper planning can optimise tax outcomes and avoid legal pitfalls. Consulting with experienced industry consultants (allpoints!) and legal and tax professionals is essential to ensure a favourable outcome.
9. Negotiation Tactics – DECIDE STRATEGY IN ADVANCE
Employ strategic negotiation tactics. Understand the buyer’s motivations and constraints to leverage better terms. Be prepared to make concessions but know your limits to protect your interests. Again, industry consultants are of immense help in this area.
10. Competitive Landscape – PROMOTE THE BUSINESS
Highlight your competitive advantages and market position. Demonstrating how your business stands out in the competitive landscape both in terms of service offering and profitability can justify a higher valuation and attract serious buyers.
These points, in order of importance, focus on the seller’s perspective, emphasising strategic preparation, relationship building, and effective negotiation to achieve the best possible sale price for your agency. There are many more things to be considered and the process of sale should start years before the actual deal itself to structure the agency correctly. Deciding your end game and ensuring that all business focus moves towards that goal is essential, and allpoints are uniquely placed to help in this area.
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