Mergers & Acquisitions
Stone Bridge M&A – as a member firm of Divest Merge Acquire (DMA) – offers transaction advisory services for Australian business divestments, mergers, and acquisitions. Stone Bridge’s practical experience and strong processes draw on DMA’s 30 years of experience and strong marketing capabilities to provide exceptional service for clients whilst delivering exceptional M&A outcomes.
Selling your business
For many business owners, selling their business can be a new, yet intimidating venture. Selling represents a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence to monetise years of effort and experience, marking the most pivotal decision business owners will make. The apprehension concerning potential risks and uncertainties associated with selling a business often stops owners from proceeding to sale.
Stone Bridge M&A assists business owners to successfully navigate a pathway to sale, achieving great outcomes, whether an owner is seeking to retire or branch out into a new business ventures.
Sales Process Overview
Preliminary Pricing Strategy
These are developed to determine a price range for the business. This strategy then supports the development of a sales plan and identifies areas that require attention prior to sale.
Engagement
When you are ready to proceed and have agreed to a sales price and strategy, we will send you a letter of engagement to commence services.
Analysis & Document Presentation
We dive into your business to identify how best to showcase the strengths of your business and prepare the relevant marketing and supporting documentation to commence the sale process.
Marketing & Project Management
Once materials are approved, we commence marketing your business to key local and international businesses. In conjunction with DMA, we have access to extensive and powerful databases to ensure we reach the right target markets.
Negotiation
Once interested parties have been identified, we do all the leg work for you. We engage with, qualify and triage all formal offers and expressions of interest before presenting them to you, saving you valuable time and hassle.
Terms Agreed
Upon agreement between parties we immediately proceed to prepare Term Sheets and associated sale documentation.
Completion
From due diligence to completion, we are actively involved in the entire process, supporting you to final sale.
Fig 1: The sales process can be daunting, but Stone Bridge can assist you in the process.
Preparing for sale
The sale of a business represents the most significant, intricate, and critical transaction a business owner may undertake. Often, business owners are unaware of the complexities involved in selling their business. The process, if poorly managed, can result in more potential pitfalls than success stories. Changes in percentage points, to administrative oversights, or avoidable procedural costs, can all translate into tens of thousands of dollars of difference at settlement for the uninitiated.
This is where Stone Bridge M&A in conjunction with DMA differs from others. We have the capability and network to assist with preparation, management and settlement of a sale, whilst navigating the intricacies of the business financials as well as identifying areas of opportunity to extract the maximum value of your business.
Baseline Existing Business Value
Sale Preparation to Enhance Value
Enhanced Value to Industry Players
Enhanced Value to Specific Investors
Maximise Value Through Transaction
Fig 2: Your business from the perspective of investors.
Qualifications
- Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA Australia)
- Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting)
- Justice of the Peace (JP).
About Ian
Ian is known for his enthusiastic approach in helping clients achieve their desired outcomes/goals.
He has developed a broad depth of knowledge over the last decade working as a CFO for a range of companies across multiple industries, including aviation, agriculture, trade services, allied health, IT and manufacturing.
Ian has invested, started, grown and sold businesses of his own.
Ian continues to ensure that businesses are well prepared and equipped for both selling and purchasing businesses in his role at Stone Bridge M&A. Applying his rigorous approach to problem solving and his experience negotiating to achieve the best outcome for his clients.
Ian prides himself on assisting the business from the initial point of contact through to completion. Ian is approachable and collaborative throughout the process.
Want to know more?
When selling a business there is are many components to consider.
- Have you thought about the sale process?
- Who will buy the business?
- What would it look like for you if you were to sell the business?
- What value is my business worth?
- What do I tell my employees?
- What advisor and lawyer do I choose?
- What do I do after I sell the business?
Stone Bridge M&A is here to make the process seamless.
We are here to answer your questions, optimise your sale and sale experience as well guide you through the process.
We recommend you view these videos to help answer your questions and then reach out if you are wanting to know more or ready to dive into the next step of selling your business.