Trade disposals – selling a business

If you own a business and are preparing to sell it, it could be a once in a lifetime event, which can carry both a significant financial and emotional impact.

WMT’s approach is centred on fully understanding your objectives as well as the effect the sale may have on all the parties involved: the shareholders who want to get the maximum deal value, your staff, and the potential buyers.

The day-to-day trading of the business must remain strong in order for the sale to succeed. We release you from the management and administrative burden of the sale, so you can make sure the business runs as usual.

The sale process

As your corporate finance advisers, we will guide you through the process, keeping you informed of all offers, opportunities and developments. In particular, we will:

• Carry out a business valuation, so you have an indication of likely sale value;
• Appraise your business and make you aware of any timing or value related issues that could affect the sale;
• Agree a realistic timetable with you and coordinate all parties involved with the transaction, through to completion;
• Manage all aspects of confidentiality and the approach to target buyers;
• Negotiate offers;
• Prepare all the necessary sale documentation including an Information Memorandum;
• Manage the buyer’s due diligence process to minimise the intrusion on your company activities.

Marketing – confidential, discreet, and highly targeted

Based on our thorough research we:

• devise the most suitable marketing strategy for the sale; and
• identify relevant target buyers who could be a combination of:
  • trade buyers (UK and overseas);
  • private equity houses;
  • management teams.

The emotional dynamic of selling an owner managed business is as important as any other aspect of the transaction. With a keen appreciation of the sensitivities that can impact on progress, we work tactfully with all the parties involved to keep the transaction moving. We remain calm and empathetic if frustrations arise, while keeping a sharp focus on the deadline.

Planning your exit in advance will maximise your gain from the sale, and we advise you on the most tax-efficient way to do so.

We also advise on the use of share schemes to help retain your key staff, which goes a long way to keeping the sale process on track to successful completion.

At WMT we assume the role of project manager throughout the disposal process, from its inception through to its completion. We focus our efforts on finding the right buyer and securing the best available deal value for you without jeopardising the future of the business.

Get in touch with our corporate finance team to find out more about how we can help you make the most of your trade disposal.