The Smart Owner's Guide to Selling a Business
Strategic Steps to Maximise Business Value Before Sale
Complete the form to access the webinar.
Create a Business Buyers Want to Acquire
Every successful sale starts long before a buyer appears. This webinar shows business owners and advisers how to build a business that not only performs at its best but also inspires confidence in potential buyers.
You’ll learn how to strengthen operations, implement robust systems and processes, present clear and accurate financials, reduce reliance on the owner, and address legal and tax considerations. By taking these steps, you position your business for a smoother sale, higher offers, and a confident, well-planned exit.
Learning Highlights
- Put in place systems, policies, and procedures that increase business value.
- Present clean, accurate, and up-to-date financial records with forward projections.
- Reduce owner dependence by building self-sustaining operations and sales processes.
- Prepare legal contracts such as client, supplier, employment, and lease agreements. investment planning, wealth protection, and estate planning.
- Strengthen your tax planning early to minimise liabilities on exit.
- Position your business strategically to attract qualified buyers and competitive offers.
Designed for Business Owners and Advisers
- Business owners planning to sell within the next 1–5 years.
- Financial advisers, accountants, and lawyers supporting clients on exit planning.
- Succession and exit planners seeking structured strategies for maximising business value.
If you advise or own a medium-sized business in Australia, this session will equip you with clear steps to prepare for a successful and profitable sale.
Find Answers To Common Questions Here
Discover practical answers to the challenges owners often face when preparing a business for sale: the time required to get ready, the financial records buyers want to see, ways to reduce reliance on the owner, the importance of legal and tax planning, how recurring revenue strengthens value, why public advertising is risky, who belongs on the advisory team, and how long the process usually takes. You’ll come away with a clear picture of what makes a business sellable.
Q1. Why is preparing the business for sale important?
Preparation increases buyer confidence, reduces risk, and maximises the value buyers are willing to pay.
Q2. How far in advance should I prepare my business for sale?
Ideally 1–3 years, but even six months of structured preparation can significantly improve outcomes.
Q3. What financial information do buyers expect?
Buyers require accurate historical financials, clean records, and forward projections showing sustainable profit and cash flow.
Q4. How do I reduce reliance on myself as the owner?
By documenting systems, delegating responsibilities, and creating automated sales and marketing processes.
Q5. Why are legal contracts critical in preparing for sale?
Up-to-date client, supplier, employment, and lease agreements protect business continuity and reduce buyer risk.
Q6. How does tax planning affect the sale outcome?
Early advice on capital gains tax and related obligations ensures you retain more of the sale proceeds.
Q7. What role does recurring revenue play in valuation?
Recurring income streams, such as contracts or subscriptions, signal stability and increase business value.
Q8. Should I publicly advertise my business for sale?
No. Targeted outreach to qualified buyers creates competitive tension and usually results in a better price.
Q9. Who should be on my advisory team?
A coordinated team including M&A specialists, accountants, lawyers, and tax advisers is essential for a smooth process.
Q10. How long does a typical sale process take?
months for buyer engagement, negotiation, due diligence, and transition.