A well-prepared business commands a higher valuation and attracts serious buyers. Ideally, you should begin preparing for sale at least three years in advance. This gives you time to organise your financials, optimise profitability, and put key processes in place that ensure the business can run smoothly without you.

2. Structure Your Financials the Way Buyers Want to See Them

One of the biggest hurdles in any sale is presenting financial information in a format that buyers expect. We help you:

• Clean up your accounts and financial records.
• Use tools like Xero and Fathom to create visual, insightful, and accurate management information.
• Prepare profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports in a buyer-friendly way.

This transparency makes your business more attractive and reduces friction during due diligence.

3. Validate Your Numbers—So There’s No Room for Negotiation

Buyers will scrutinise every financial detail, often looking for reasons to reduce their offer. We work with you to validate and challenge your numbers regularly, ensuring they stand up to scrutiny. By the time due diligence begins, every figure is accounted for—leaving buyers with little to question or negotiate down.

4. Help Buyers Understand Your Business’s True Value

A key question buyers ask is: What does the business look like without the owner? We help you position your business as a strong, self-sustaining entity by:

• Strengthening leadership and operational structures.
• Showcasing recurring revenue and growth potential.
• Demonstrating how the business will continue thriving post-sale.

5. Manage the Financial Data Room for a Seamless Due Diligence Process

Having an organised data room is crucial. We take care of gathering and structuring all necessary documentation, including financial reports and key operational details. A well-managed data room speeds up due diligence and instils confidence in buyers.

6. Represent You in Buyer Negotiations

As your trusted financial partner, we don’t just prepare your numbers — we actively support you in negotiations. We sit in on calls with buyers, answer financial questions on your behalf, and act as your finance director (FD) during discussions. Our goal is to give you confidence and control throughout the process.

7. Bring in the Right Experts to Secure the Best Deal

A successful business sale involves more than just numbers. We introduce experienced legal and corporate finance advisors to:

• Draft heads of terms and explain legal intricacies.
• Negotiate key terms to ensure you get the best possible deal.
• Push back on unfavourable clauses that could impact your post-sale position.

8. Minimise Tax Liabilities with Strategic Planning

Selling a business comes with tax implications. We work with tax specialists to help you structure the sale efficiently, ensuring you optimise your post-sale financial position.

9. Find the Right Buyer—Even If You Don’t Have One Lined Up

If you don’t already have a buyer, we can introduce you to corporate finance experts who will:

• Develop a compelling sales slide deck highlighting your business’s strengths.
• Market your business to a network of potential buyers.
• Oversee the process to ensure you secure the right buyer at the right price.

10. Maintain Discretion Throughout the Process

Many business owners prefer to keep the sale process confidential, especially when employees are unaware of the discussions. We operate with complete discretion, ensuring that information gathering and negotiations are handled with the utmost confidentiality.

Ready to Start Your Business Sale Journey?

Selling your business is a major milestone, and the right preparation makes all the difference. At Wild & Co Chartered Accountants we bring expert financial, corporate finance,  legal and strategic support to help you navigate the process smoothly and successfully.

If you’re considering selling your business in the next few years, now is the time to start preparing. Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can help you maximise value and secure the best deal for your business. Call us on 01423 222710 or email liz@wildandcoaccountants.co.uk