Jamie Tisson
Transforming Vision into Value
Seven Steps to a Successful Acquisition
1. Private Discovery Conversation
We begin with a confidential, no-obligation conversation designed to help you explore your options in a safe, pressure-free way. This is an opportunity to talk openly about whether a sale feels right for you—now or in the future. We’ll discuss your company’s background, ownership structure, who may wish to exit and on what timeline, current trading performance, future ambitions, and competitive position. Just as importantly, we’ll identify the qualities that make your business appealing to potential buyers and address any early questions or concerns you may have.
2. Financial and Operational Review
After our initial discussion, we take a closer look at the numbers and operations to build a clear, realistic picture of the business. This typically includes reviewing the last three years of statutory accounts alongside the most recent management information. Beyond the figures, we assess customer mix, scalability, and growth potential. Any gaps, risks, or common challenges—such as succession planning or incomplete records—are identified early, with practical guidance provided to help address them calmly and effectively.
3. Readiness and Risk Mitigation
Before moving forward, we focus on making sure the business is genuinely ready for acquisition. This may involve strengthening internal processes, clarifying management roles, or resolving issues that could raise concerns for a buyer. Taking the time to address these matters upfront helps protect the value you’ve built and reduces stress and surprises later in the process.
4. Valuation and Commercial Alignment
We then work together to establish a fair, well-supported valuation that reflects financial performance, market conditions, assets, intellectual property, and brand strength. Just as important as the headline number is ensuring expectations are aligned on structure and terms. Once agreed, these principles are documented in the Heads of Terms, providing clarity, confidence, and a shared roadmap for the transaction.
5. Assembling the Deal Team
With the commercial framework in place, the right advisers are brought on board. This typically includes solicitors with experience in business acquisitions and accountants who understand transaction work. I remain closely involved, coordinating communication and managing timelines so everyone stays aligned and the process progresses smoothly, without unnecessary complexity or delay.
6. Future Strategy and Integration Planning
A thoughtful post-acquisition plan is developed to support continuity and future growth under new ownership. This may include refining operations, investing in sales and marketing, or introducing new systems and processes. Particular care is given to staff retention and cultural alignment, recognising that people are central to maintaining momentum and long-term success.
7. Ownership Transfer and Continuity
The final stage is a carefully managed transition of ownership. Knowledge, relationships, and operational responsibility are handed over in a structured and collaborative way, often with the outgoing owner supporting the process. This ensures customers feel reassured, employees remain engaged, and the business continues to trade smoothly and confidently from day one.
The 12 Most Crucial Steps to be Genuinely Exit Ready
Clarify your exit goals and timing – define why you want to exit, when you want to do it, and what success looks like financially and personally.
Reduce reliance on the owner – ensure the business can operate effectively without day-to-day dependence on you.
Build a strong management team – establish capable leaders with clear roles, authority, and accountability.
Maintain clear, credible financial reporting – keep accurate, timely management accounts with a strong understanding of margins and cash flow.
Document key processes and systems – formalise how the business operates so knowledge is transferable and scalable.
Strengthen customer and supplier diversity – reduce concentration risk by broadening key relationships.
Address legal, contractual, and compliance matters – ensure contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory requirements are complete and up to date.
Demonstrate sustainable profitability – show consistent performance, recurring revenue, and stable margins.
Articulate a credible growth story – clearly communicate future opportunities and why the business is well positioned to capture them.
Optimise working capital and cash discipline – demonstrate effective control over debtors, creditors, inventory, and cash flow.
Prepare for due diligence early – organise financial, legal, and operational information to minimise disruption and delays.
Plan your transition and handover – prepare a clear approach for transferring knowledge, relationships, and leadership to new ownership.
Why not arrange an informal chat to discover more
Contact me by email: jamie@consult4business.co.uk
Or call 07802 618213