Company Sales

For the majority of business owners, selling their company provides a once and only opportunity to realise their lifetime’s work. Sound planning, identification of the right exit route and efficient structuring of the tax are likely to realise the best price. 

Owners are able to significantly impact the price achieved upon sale by careful planning. It is never too early to start to plan for the eventual route out of or succession to the business. We work with our clients to develop an appropriate strategy to generate successful exits, and in many cases are working with companies that are looking to exit in several years time. 

All businesses need to consider how best to position themselves to maximise the value or benefit to the shareholders.

The planning and grooming process we conduct is aimed at finding out: 

- What is the business worth?  And if the value doesn’t meet the owners expectations, what steps can be taken to increase it.

- Who is most likely to buy the business? 

- When is purchaser appetite likely to be at its peak?

- Are there any areas that can be changed to make the business more attractive to potential purchasers?

- Are there any areas that can be changed to make the business more profitable and efficient?

Our key role through the exit process itself is:

- Devise optimum tactics and approach in order to maximise value

- To find the strategic buyer who will pay a premium for your business

- To sell the business discreetly and without distraction whilst you continue to operate on a day to day basis

- Negotiate the best position for you, and your workforce

If you are contemplating an exit, in the short, medium or long term then we can assist you through the process.

Acquisitions

Spinnaker are highly experienced in helping its clients to make acquisitions of other companies. 

Our role typically commences with a feasibility assessment to understand more fully your requirements, assess the current market for M&A activity and, if appropriate, the ability to raise funds for a transaction. 

We frequently pro-actively target suitable business on behalf of our clients.

This initial research and short listing of potential candidates, is typically based upon desk-top research, your knowledge of competitors and our knowledge and network of companies that are for sale.

We would make direct contact to establish if the potential targets are interested in an exploratory meeting and if it is decided to proceed with the target(s), review with you any available relevant financial and commercial information to establish the feasibility of the proposed acquisition, including a review of potential funding structures;

Once discussions are properly underway our role is to act as project manager, ensuring that the transaction moves forward to completion briskly. This involves negotiations with vendors and, frequently, with funding partners as well.

Expanding by acquisition is not without its potential problems, and we help ensure the common pitfalls are overcome. These can include overpaying for a business, overestimating the synergies, and a poor integration of the target

Spinnaker have extensive experience of undertaking company and business valuations, across a number of different industry sectors.

We apply current best practice methods, that benefit from our vast knowledge of transactions within the small to mid-market.

The valuation of a business can be required for a wide variety of circumstances, including:

- On behalf of a buyer looking to acquire a business

- For vendors considering a business sale 

- Exiting minority or majority shareholders, or resolving shareholder disputes

- Introduction of new shareholders 

- Employee incentivisation plans or other HMRC valuations

Financial Projections and Business Plans

Whether you are just starting up, looking to raise finance for expansion, or simply clarifying your objectives for the long term, a business plan is essential.

To be effective, the plan must be concise, professional and targeted. We can give you expert help to ensure that your business plan achieves results.

Many business owners struggle with the production of accurate and realistic financial projections.

We can put together a detailed, professional presentation of funding sources and produce cashflow and profit forecasts. Your plan will be comprehensive, but concise enough to maintain the interest of a potential investor.