Selling a business isn’t just a transaction – it’s a process requiring careful planning and preparation. Setting a strong foundation ensures a smooth deal, balancing value, speed, and certainty while aligning strategically with a new owner. Here’s Springboard’s step-by-step approach to preparing your business for sale

Agreeing the deal strategy
When planning to sell your business, it’s crucial to agree on a clear strategy. Start by defining your desired outcome: When do you want to complete a deal by? How much money are you aiming for? Think about the type of buyer you’d like – one that aligns with your values and company culture. Do you want to stay involved after the sale, or step away completely? Also, consider the future of the business: Do you want it to grow, evolve, or stay true to its roots?

Refining the selling messages and materials
To attract the right buyers and maximize value, it’s essential to highlight what makes your business unique. What are your key selling points – strong customer relationships, innovative products, or a great market position? Buyers want to see these strengths backed up, so presenting a detailed business plan is crucial. It shows growth potential, financial performance, and strategic opportunities, helping buyers see the value and future of your business clearly.

Finding the right set of acquirers
Mapping the buyer universe is a key step in finding the right buyer for your business. It’s about identifying strategic buyers and financial investors who are the best fit. Using our market knowledge, trusted personal networks and proprietary databases, Springboard will identify those who will see the most value in your business. Targeting the right buyers increases interest, drives competition, and ultimately helps secure the best deal possible.

Preparing the legal, commercial and financial information
Having well organized legal, commercial, and financial documentation to hand is key for a smooth due diligence process and sale. Key preparations include compiling contracts, intellectual property registrations, licenses, permits, and shareholder agreements to address buyer concerns about compliance or liabilities. Financial records are equally critical, including detailed management accounts, up-to-date tax filings, and documentation of revenue trends, margins, and cost structures. Transparent, well-organized records boost buyer confidence, credibility, and the perceived value of the business.

Ensuring You Have Bandwidth in the Business
Selling a business is demanding, and while Springboard will do the heavy lifting, it’s crucial your management team has the bandwidth to handle the extra workload. Balancing the sale process with day-to-day operations is key – business performance must remain strong to protect the value of the deal. Now isn’t the time for new, ambitious projects that could stretch resources too thin. Staying focused on delivering results ensures the business stays attractive to buyers and keeps the sale process running smoothly.

Engaging the Right Professional Advisors
Beyond your trusted financial advisor, assembling a team of experts can significantly enhance the sale process and outcome. A comprehensive team may include:

• Legal advisors to manage the transaction documentation, ensure compliance, and address risks.
• Due diligence specialists to provide independent assessments of the business’s financial, commercial, and operational foundations.
• Tax advisors to optimize the transaction structure and minimize liabilities.
• Wealth management professionals to help plan and manage the proceeds effectively for your future goals.

Summary

Selling your business requires careful preparation to achieve the best outcome. Springboard helps you define a clear strategy, highlight your business’s strengths, identify the right buyers, and organize legal and financial records. With a focused management team and expert advisors – including legal, tax, and wealth specialists – we ensure the process is smooth, efficient, and maximizes value. By staying organized and strategic, you’ll secure the best deal while protecting the future of your business.