Articles & Whitepapers

We know that 55% of all business exits are via less than favourable circumstances. That is either death, disability, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation or simply closing the doors and walking away. This is indeed a gloomy reality. Under these circumstances, we usually then conduct a post-mortem. What went wrong? When did it go wrong? Was there anything that we could have done differently to avo...

As part of our initial investigative work with clients' businesses and to help in preparing due diligence and valuation reports, we inevitably undertake a benchmarking exercise to measure the performance of the business against industry averages and for comparison against competitors in the marketplace. On every client we have benchmarked, we have been able to identify the following: Key are...

As aging baby boomers get closer to retirement and exiting their business, many put exit planning in the 'too hard' basket - delaying the inevitable and putting off the sometimes-difficult decisions. By a long way, the most successful exits come with early planning, detailed preparation, and careful strategy. But strategy takes time. The longer you have to plan and prepare, the better the outcom...

There has been much recent talk of the aging population and with it naturally comes the aging of business owners. This has led to a dramatic increase in those seeking to exit their businesses both now and over the next 12 years. What is important to realize for business owners is that business succession planning is not about leaving it until the last possible moment and then determining the most ...

A lot of hard work and investment (personal and professional) goes into the building and growing of a business. For this reason, it can be a tough pill to swallow settling for less than you feel your business is worth when it comes to selling. There are 4 major mistakes business owners make that can be easily avoided to make sure your business sale is a complete success, and you sleep easier after...

As the New Year unfolds, it brings with it a renewed sense of hope and possibility. For business owners and entrepreneurs, this is an opportune time to reflect on the past year's achievements and set new goals. The theme of "New Year, New Beginnings" resonates strongly in the business world, where continuous growth and adaptation are key to success. One of the most effective ways to ensure that th...

In the lifecycle of a business, one of the most critical phases is the transition of leadership and key roles to the next generation. Failing to plan for this inevitable change can have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from daily operations to the long-term viability of the business. Without a clear transition plan, there can be significant confusion and disruption in daily operat...

As I reflect on the numerous successful business transitions I've witnessed over the years, I'm compelled to share some insights on why a thorough transition plan isn't just a business strategy, it's a community responsibility. Why Transition Planning Matters Transitioning a business, whether through a sale, merger, or generational handover, is more than a financial transaction. It's a transfor...

1. Transform Regret into Confidence Did you know that a staggering 75% of business owners deeply regret selling? Much of this remorse stems from hastily accepting deals without adequate preparation. By understanding your business's worth from the get-go, you're armed with the insight to pivot and optimize, ensuring you're always a step ahead. 2. Fortify Your Negotiation Stance A well-grounded ...

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) can be transformative events for organizations, offering opportunities for growth, expansion, and synergy. However, the success of a merger goes far beyond the financials and legal aspects; it hinges on the ability to effectively integrate the two organizations into a cohesive whole. Developing strategic organizational alignment is a critical component of post-m...