What can you do to make sure your business is sale ready?
Businesses that are well managed and profitable will always be sought after.
To ensure that your business is ‘sale ready’, check that the following is in order:
• Business documentation is in order
• Processes are clearly documented
• Systems are capable of providing quality information
• Technology and software current and in good working order
• Staff employment agreements are current
• WIP and debtor recovery is strong
• Financial performance is strong and has an improving trend
• Budget to actual performance is documented and actively managed
• Arrangements with business partners, service providers, etc. are documented and up to date
• Your business plan is well documented and being implemented
One of the key considerations when assessing the readiness of your business for sale is the business’s level of principal reliance. If your business is principal reliant it may be difficult to find someone willing to take over your business.
You will need to reduce the dependence of your business on the principal and any other key staff who will be leaving the business at the time of sale.
In order to rectify this situation it is important to start planning for the sale of your business years in advance. You may decide that an internal transition of ownership is your best exit option. Do you have a future successor in your business? A key staff member is often the best person to consider as a possible successor as you can start transitioning client management and other responsibilities a lot earlier than if you were selling to an external successor.
Another key consideration is ensuring you have strong relationships with your clients, suppliers and business partners. This will lower the risks in your business and make it more attractive to a future purchaser.
Key Value Drivers
There are numerous key value drivers you should focus on to optimise the value of your business and ensure that you get the best price for your business when it comes time to sell. In addition to the value drivers already discussed, some of the other key value drivers are:
• Loyal customers
• Being innovative and different
• Benchmarking performance
• Good systems
• Loyal and committed staff
• Growth and succession planning
Steps in planning for sale
The following is a guide as to what you need to do before putting your business on the market or approaching potential successors:
• Prepare a Selling Memorandum which includes unique selling points
• Prepare a Register for Sale – the documentation to be given to potential buyers
• Obtain a business valuation
• Discuss your proposed sale with your professional advisers
• Obtain tax advice prior to sale
• Determine the purchase price
A helpful tool for checking that your documentation is in order is to complete a ‘Planning for Sale Checklist’. This is a step by step guide in preparing the information you will need to show prospective purchasers and is a good way of double-checking that your house is in order.
