After 3 years of uncertainty caused by Brexit, as the calendar turned to 2020 the time was right for business owners to sell…
There was a tremendous amount of capital available from both buyers and lenders which created a favourable market for sellers. Then out of nowhere came along the coronavirus (COVID-19) which has had a significant impact on the economy and the business sale market. In particular, we have seen a shift from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market.
However not all is lost, in fact, a buyer’s market simply means a business owner needs to be better prepared for the sale and allow extra marketing time if they want the exit to be a success. A typical business sale takes 12 months from start to finish; the current lockdown has probably added a further 6 to 12 months to that time scale. So, if you want to sell your business in 2021/22 the time to act is now.
Here are three key actions business owners should start carrying out now, in readiness for a future business sale:
Document the impact to your business
It is crucial that business owners can demonstrate to prospective buyers the underlying strength of their business before, during and after COVID-19. Thoroughly quantifying the historical impact of your business using financial forecasts shows complete transparency and reassurance to the potential buyer so they can properly value your business. Business owners should consider documenting the following:
Integrated profit and loss accounts
Delayed sales and margin
Cash flows and balance sheets
Supplier interruptions/cost of alternative suppliers/cost of expediting materials
Impact of layoffs/furloughs
Government loans received/insurance claims
One-time costs associated with the disruption of the business, such as idle facility costs, costs to set up remote workforce, severance, etc.
Identifying and quantifying these items now, while it is happening, can save significant time during a future sales process and ensure all appropriate documents are captured.
Demonstrate versatility and corrective actions
COVID-19 has created an opportunity for business owners to demonstrate the corrective actions and versatility their company has undergone during this difficult time. Businesses that perform well, stand a strong chance of receiving a premium on the market upon a post-COVID sale. That is why business owners should consider documenting the following events, if they were successful:
Transition of remote working
Adapting marketing activities
Retaining staff and avoiding disruptions.
Adapting payment terms.
Reducing overhead spend.
Demonstrating the strength and versatility of a business now, especially during one of the world’s biggest crisis is extremely attractive to a potential buyer and will help the seller during deal negotiations.
Start preparing for due diligence
It is important that business owners start preparing for the due diligence process now, rather than wait for the sale process itself and risk being weighed down with numerous tasks post-COVID. If a buyer is already at the door and the owner is not ready, this gives the prospective buyer an unprofessional perception, as well as an indication that there may be operational difficulties within the company. That is why in terms of legal due diligence, the seller must be prepared to provide the buyer with the following:
Business contracts
Employment and management team
Intellectual Property (IP)
Dispute resolution
Compliance & Assets
The reality is that being prepared for the due diligence process, long before an exit is anticipated will not only make a business look more attractive to potential buyers, but will also maximize the value of the company and expedite the transaction timeline.
If you want to sell your business in 2021/22 the time to act is now. Serious and well-funded business acquirers have not gone away, they are just being extra cautious. They will continue to focus on and target acquisitions with strong business fundamentals. However, acquirers will try to negotiate hard and that is why you should consider working with a proven deal maker and business sale professional. For a no-obligation and confidential chat about your future sale or exit plans give our team a call today on 0330 133 2020 or email us here.
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