The financial information, controls, tax planning and value creation actions that matter before a sale process begins.
Why this matters
A well prepared business commands a stronger price, attracts better quality buyers and moves through diligence with fewer surprises. Owners who prepare early keep optionality and control.
What owners should consider
- Quality and consistency of historical financial information
- Reliability of management accounts and forecasts
- Tax position of the company, shareholders and any group structure
- Customer, contract and supplier concentration
- Strength of the management team beneath the owner
Common issues or warning signs
- Numbers that change between management accounts, statutory accounts and tax returns
- Personal and business expenditure mixed in the books
- Key customer relationships held by the owner alone
- No documented forecast or value creation plan
Practical steps
- Carry out an exit readiness review well before any process
- Address quality of earnings issues early
- Plan tax structuring for shareholders ahead of the timetable
- Strengthen the management team and reduce owner dependency
- Build a clear value creation plan with measurable milestones
How Bracknwell Partners can help
Our transactions team supports owners through exit readiness, sale preparation, vendor diligence, tax planning and value creation in the run up to a sale.