The decision to sell a business gives many managers and owners only one chance to get it right. Are you selling too cheaply or should you act quickly to realize your investment rather than risk further uncertainty?

Deloitte is able to guide shareholders and management through every stage of the transaction.

We provide independent advice and support to help sellers to avoid many pitfalls and to increase the chances of a successful transaction. Specifically, we offer complete transaction management, including:

• Review of options
• Valuation of the business
• Preparation of the information memorandum, which is the key document for acquirers. Presentation plays an important role in creating a quality document that will impress potential buyers. It will include a review of the business, organization, management, staff, competitive position, prospects for growth and financial details.
• Identification of potential acquirers, using industry specialists. The aim is to maximize interest in the business while maintaining confidentiality. Potential acquirers may include competitors, companies seeking vertical integration or others seeking synergy
• Tax planning, to take maximum advantage of personal tax planning opportunities
• Approach to a potential acquirer. Often a letter or a phone call to a chairman or CEO is best, although there may be questions of confidentiality and commercial sensitivity that require a different approach
• Negotiation on the vendor’s behalf with potential acquirers. We will be able to advise the seller on price, terms, negotiating tactics and structuring the deal
• Due diligence services on behalf of the vendor to provide a complete and independent picture of the business
• Transaction management. We have been through the process many times and we are well placed to manage the transaction to a successful conclusion
• Post-completion. We are able to offer independent advice on tax planning and investments through our Private Clients Division.