Selling a business?

Selling a business is the most exciting business journey there is. For many, it is the trip of a life-time; the culmination of a career. Appointing the right advisor could be the most important business decision you ever make!

With the right advisor by your side, a smooth, confidential sale process can be undertaken with minimal disruption to your business. Running the right type of process and engaging the best potential buyers for your business can make the difference between selling your business for a premium, and not selling your business at all.

Why choose Shield to sell my business?

Shield specialises in selling businesses. We work in close collaboration with clients throughout the process, guiding them through all the potential pitfalls. The keys to selling a business for more are simple to understand, but difficult to deliver. You need experienced advisors who have done this successfully many times before, achieving excellent results time after time.

Shield is able to achieve peak value for business owners when it comes to sale by delivering a range of services well beyond the simple match-making role of brokers. Shield adds significant value to a sale process by:

Preparing your business in advance for investigation by buyers
Understanding what drives value in a business and also what depresses value, so when it comes to discussions with potential buyers the story both credible and defensible
Quantifying and communicating stand-alone, synergistic and strategic value, using proprietary techniques
Extensively researching potential trade and financial acquirers from around the world
Orchestrating and sustaining confidential competitive auction processes
Determined, skillful negotiation to achieve maximum price and optimal contractual terms for the seller

What’s involved in selling my business?

Selling a business can be an intensive process which will normally take about 6-7 months. The table below shows the main stages in the sale process:

Stage	Tasks	Time(Months)
Preparation	Understand the business Write the "teaser" Write Information Memorandum Prepare Financial Projections Research Potential Buyers	1 -2 Months
Marketing	Contact Potential Buyers (confidentially) Put Confidentiality Agreements in Place Send Information Memorandum Invite Selective Management Presentations	1 -2 Months
Negotiation	Preliminary Bids Due Diligence Final Bids Contract Negotiations Completion	2 -3 Months

What are the fees?

A small monthly retainer; and
A success fee based on the value at which the business is sold which is paid only when the business is sold

What Next?

If your business has operating profits of £500,000 or more then contact us now for a no-obligation, confidential discussion with one of Shield's experts.