Business exit planning: Understanding the role of a corporate finance team

Selling your business can feel like one of the most personal and significant transactions you will ever make. Yet the advisors guiding you through it may have managed hundreds of similar deals. That contrast creates an interesting tension and in this episode, we explore how to make the exit process feel less mysterious and more manageable, with practical guidance you can use whether you are 24 months away from a sale or already considering offers.Chris Dobson, Corporate Partner at Boyes Turner, is joined by James Buckingham, Partner in Corporate Finance at BDO. They explore the role of a corporate finance advisor throughout an M&A sale process, from preparing the business and positioning it for market, through to managing buyer engagement and maximising the outcome.We explore what good preparation actually looks like before a business goes to market, why keeping the process moving is so important once buyers are involved, and how an experienced advisor can help you navigate the questions, challenges and negotiations that come with a sale. We also discuss what to look for when choosing a corporate finance advisor, from trust and rapport to sector experience and the strength of their network of buyers and investors.Finally, we explore what really drives valuation multiples beyond headline profit, including quality of earnings, cash generation, customer retention, systems and data, and the risks associated with reliance on key individuals. We look at why earnouts and deferred consideration are so common, and how continuity, succession planning and building a strong management team can influence both the transaction process and the value of a business.If you are interested in finding out more about selling a business, please contact us at [email protected]. Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact us