You want to sell in two to five years
Now is the right time to fix weaknesses and increase value in a targeted way, without time pressure and with full negotiating power later on.
Service · Exit readinessCreate more value
Create more value
before you sell.
Most companies are sold as they currently are. Those who prepare in a targeted way twelve to twenty-four months ahead sell better: at a higher price, with fewer deductions during due diligence and with more buyers competing.
- 12 to 24 monthsideal lead time before a sale
- Value driversstrengthen them, reduce risks
- Buyer's viewsee your company as a buyer does
Starting point
What matters when preparing for a sale
- Buyer's viewspot weaknesses before others find them
- Value driversthe levers with the greatest impact first
- Sale readinessstory, figures and documents complete
Buyers pay for future, transferable earnings and deduct whatever they see as a risk. Heavy dependence on the owner, a few large customers, unclear figures or missing documents cost real money in a sale, often late in due diligence, when your negotiating position is weaker.
Good exit preparation reverses this logic. You look at your company early through a buyer's eyes, fix weaknesses calmly and strengthen the factors that drive the price. That way you enter the process with a clear equity story, clean figures and a prepared data room.
We accompany you along this path as a sparring partner: with an honest outside view, a prioritised action plan and knowledge of what buyers across Europe look for today.
What you get
What we take care of
- 01
Exit readiness check
A structured analysis from the buyer's perspective: what increases value, and what leads to deductions?
- 02
Adjusted figures
Normalised EBITDA, a sound budget and clearly explained special items.
- 03
Value driver programme
Concrete measures on customer concentration, owner dependence, margin and recurring revenue.
- 04
Organisation and succession within the team
Strengthen the second management tier and make knowledge and customer relationships transferable.
- 05
Equity story
Your company's story that convinces buyers: market, strengths, growth.
- 06
Data room preparation
Contracts, permits and documents in order before the first buyer asks.
Process
How we work
- 1Exit readiness check2 to 4 weeks
Analysis from the buyer's perspective and a first indication of value.
- 2Action plan2 weeks
Prioritised levers with an impact on value and saleability.
- 3Implementation6 to 18 months
Strengthen value drivers, tidy up figures and organisation.
- 4Sale readiness4 to 8 weeks
Finalise the equity story, documents and data room.
- 5Transition to the saleon your timeline
Start of the structured sale process.
Challenges
Typical hurdles and our answer
The company depends heavily on the owner
We build a second management tier with you and transfer customer relationships and knowledge step by step, so that the business is convincing even without you.
A few customers account for most of the revenue
We show you how to broaden the customer base or secure contracts, because concentration almost always leads buyers to apply deductions.
The figures are shaped by tax considerations
We separate private and business expenses, normalise special items and prepare a budget that a buyer can follow.
Documents are scattered or incomplete
We organise contracts, permits, HR and tax records the way they are needed in a data room.
Who it is for
Who this service is for
We work on a small number of mandates at a time. Each one is led personally, from the first conversation to closing.
Succession is still open
A well-prepared company has more options: a handover within the family, to management or to an external buyer.
You want to maximise value before an exit
We show which measures will have the greatest impact on price and terms by the time of the sale.
You have already had enquiries from buyers
Before you negotiate, you should know where your company stands and which questions you will face.
Preparation
What you should prepare
You do not need everything ready. These points help us give you a well-founded assessment quickly.
Send a request- Annual financial statements and management accounts (BWA) for the last three years
- Your personal goals and preferred timing for a sale
- An overview of your largest customers and suppliers
- Organisation chart and your own role in day-to-day business
- Known open issues, such as contracts, legal disputes or permits
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When should I start preparing for a sale?
Ideally twelve to twenty-four months before the planned sale. That leaves time to strengthen value drivers and reduce risks before buyers take a close look.
Is preparation worthwhile if I will only sell in a few years?
Yes. Many measures, such as a stronger second management tier or less dependence on individual customers, already improve earnings and stability today.
How does this differ from a valuation?
A valuation tells you what your company is worth today. Exit readiness shows you how to increase that value by the time of the sale and avoid deductions.
Do I then have to commit to a sale?
No. Exit readiness is a separate mandate. Whether and when you sell is your decision alone.
What does exit preparation cost?
We agree a fixed fee for the exit readiness check. Support during implementation depends on scope and duration. We discuss the details in the initial meeting.
Do you work with my tax adviser?
Yes. Tax structuring and annual financial statements remain with your tax adviser. We make sure the figures are understandable and robust from a buyer's perspective.
Let us talk about your plans.
Confidential, without obligation and personal.
Book a first conversation