This St Valentine’s Day, our colleague Emily Hencher considers how to make your business more attractive to a buyer…with the help of more than a few Rom-Coms…
So you’re ready to sell your company and you are looking for that perfect buyer. You might be looking for A Cinderella Story but developing this exciting new business relationship will require significant work and self-reflection up front. There is a lot of preparation to do in order to ensure that your transaction goes off without a Hitch – the last thing you want to do is start a transaction and realise He’s Just Not That Into You!
MINIMISE RED FLAGS
Love is Blind, but your buyer will pick their way through every corner of your company. A full review of your internal practices can be intimidating, but it is vital that you understand your business so that you aren’t Clueless when the Buyer asks for more information.
Doing this internal due diligence before selling your business will allow you to identify The Ugly Truth and resolve any issues. Has your employee handbook been updated lately? Does your company comply with the most recent data protection laws? Taking some time to update your internal procedures and ensuring that your documentation is compliant will be your Ticket to Paradise.
KNOW YOUR WORTH
A buyer will want comfort that your company is Mr. Right. As a seller, you should understand not only the monetary value of your company but also its position in the industry, its reputation and its potential. Having a firm grasp on the desirability of your business allows you to attract someone who sees your company for what it is, acknowledges the value in the business you have created and (perhaps most importantly) is willing to pay handsomely for that worth.
You may have a figure in mind for the company but you will also need to consider how you will justify this sum to the buyer. Is the figure negotiable? Do you want to include an adjustment mechanism? Would a reduction in price result in a Failure to Launch?
There are many questions to answer when it comes to the value of your business and entering into negotiations without an understanding of the finances of your company could leave you Sleepless (in Seattle). Accountancy and tax advice is key here and it will be essential for you to engage with financial advisors as well as your legal team – It Takes Two!
SET YOUR BOUNDARIES
When you sell your business you separate from a company that you have dedicated a significant portion of your life to. It is essential that you think about The Break Up and do this on your terms.
You could be looking for a quick transaction where you step back from the business completely, No Strings Attached. If so, you should make sure to include provisions that leave you free to look for greener pastures.
Maybe It’s Complicated and you wish to stay on with the company, lending your expertise to the business and guiding the buyer through the first few years.
Once you’ve decided on the structure, it’s important to formalise the terms of the transaction and have “the talk”. There’s nothing worse than finding out the proposed buyer is actually a Definitely Maybe. Signing Heads of Terms, non-disclosure agreements and/or exclusivity agreements can provide some certainty for both parties.
However you choose to structure the deal, consider how to integrate the proper rights, remedies and limitations in a way that is fair to the buyer, but still protects your interests. It is equally as important to ensure that you do not retain liability once the business changes hands. We all dread That Awkward Moment when we receive notice of a Warranty Claim!
KEEP YOUR PROFILE UP TO DATE
We know it’s tempting to Just Go With It, but it is essential that you keep your website and social media pages up to date. Buyers want to know that they are making a good investment so take time to ensure that your company has a positive presence online.
This should also extend to your company’s governance. A company which has kept its Statutory Registers well and has updated Companies House comes across as organised and well managed. If this governance has fallen by the wayside, it may be About Time that you review your company’s constitutional documentation.
PEOPLE MATTER
Securing The Proposal isn’t just about the two core parties – people are at the heart of every business. There will be a lot of relationships to develop and safeguard in order to create a Picture Perfect team. When selling your business you should consider how directors, employees, customers and suppliers will add value to the business and how they will transition after the transaction takes place.
There are, of course, many other considerations when it comes to selling your business but keeping these simple points in mind can be a fantastic starting point.
If you are planning on selling your business and would like to discuss the part we can play in preparing your company for sale, finding the right buyer for you and completing the transaction efficiently, please get in touch with our corporate team.