Business Advisory
Deals are won in the detail.
Whether buying or selling a business, the outcome is shaped by clear goals, an agreed plan, defined non-negotiables, the right structure, thorough preparation and due diligence. We manage every commercial, financial, tax and valuation element alongside your lawyer through to settlement.
What we do
Both sides of the deal, and the structure underneath.
Sell-side.
We create a plan for every part of the deal and the structure beneath it. This includes detailed analysis of the key elements, preparation of the information memorandum, development of options, agreement on the valuation methodology and process, due diligence management and negotiation support. Everything is run as one cohesive process so nothing gets missed.
Buy-side.
We begin by understanding your goals and your why. We appraise the target and your options, analyse value, returns and commercial risk, structure the acquisition, prepare due diligence questions and identify any gaps, including what the seller has not said or presented.
Transaction structuring.
Whether buying or selling, we look under the bonnet of the entire transaction, including the tax and entity structure. This helps determine exactly what you buy or sell, maximise value and improve what you ultimately keep.
With your lawyer.
We prepare a detailed brief and term sheet, then work closely with your lawyer or help you find the right one. On every deal, we operate as one cohesive team, collaborating with your advisers and internal team to keep the transaction moving and ensure nothing gets missed.
Our experience
From first meeting to a signed deal.
When a manufacturing client of nearly 20 years decided to sell, we prepared the information memorandum, approached purchasers including large multinationals, and flew with him to New Zealand to pitch. We then managed the due diligence process through to completion, sitting across the table from the buyer's MD, CFO and in-house counsel. He sold for enough to retire. He went again instead, and we set up the new business too.
Our process
How this works.
Good work follows a process. Whether buying or selling, here is ours.
Ready
We understand your goals and must-haves, appraise the opportunity and review the structure, value and tax position before you go to market or approach an acquisition target.
Run
IM or target approach, negotiation, data room and due diligence, managed day to day.
Close
We provide an independent, fresh perspective and work collaboratively through the settlement mechanics, completion accounts and transition plan. Everything is finished properly, so you have clarity at every step.
Common questions
Questions we get asked.
Say little, sign nothing, and get your numbers and structure reviewed before responding. Unprepared sellers negotiate from behind. A confidential conversation with us is a sensible first step.
No. Legal work stays with your lawyer. We manage the commercial, financial, tax, valuation and due diligence elements of the deal and work closely with your legal team. Some matters are referred to us by lawyers. In others, we collaborate with them to keep the process moving, ensure nothing gets missed, maximise your outcome and mitigate risk.
We have worked on deals of different sizes, structures and complexity, so we know what to expect and keep you informed throughout. Due diligence can be intense and detailed, involving data rooms, information requests, question lists and weeks of scrutiny. Having someone manage it day to day can be the difference between a deal that keeps moving and achieves the right outcome, and one that stalls or falls over.
We prepare directors' appraisals of value for your initial consideration, planning and negotiation. Where a formal, court-standard valuation is required, we work alongside an accredited valuer.
Structure decides it, and small business CGT concessions are unforgiving on detail and timing. This is why the readiness work happens before the market hears anything. The earlier we become involved and understand the entire deal, the greater the opportunity to develop options and provide advice that legally minimises your tax.
Like a quick chat to see if we can help?
20 minutes. No obligation. No product pitch, just an honest conversation.
Or call (03) 9574 8300
