Sell-Side M&A Advisory
Sell-Side advisory services include:
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Private Company Sale
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Corporate Divestitures
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Partial Sale of Equity (Majority/Minority)
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Recapitalization
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Complex Carve-outs and Spin-offs
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Joint Ventures
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Strategic Alliances and Partnerships
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Distressed and Special Situation Sales
FAQs from Our Clients:
What drives the decision to sell a company?
Selling a company—whether a family-owned business, a private equity-held entity, or a publicly held subsidiary—is driven by the objective to maximize value and ensure strategic alignment for future success.
For family-owned businesses, the decision to sell may stem from the desire for a profitable exit, addressing succession challenges, or securing additional capital and expertise to fuel growth. Private equity funds typically sell as part of their strategy to realize returns for investors or optimize their portfolio. Publicly held subsidiaries may be divested by parent companies to enhance shareholder value, streamline operations, or adapt to evolving market conditions.
Ultimately, selling provides an opportunity to achieve financial objectives, facilitate smooth transitions, and strategically position the business for continued growth and success.
What are the usual steps in a company sale process?
The company sale process consists of three key stages: Preparation, Marketing, and Closing. In the Preparation stage, the company is readied for sale by conducting a thorough valuation, organizing financial records, and addressing any legal issues to enhance its attractiveness. This stage culminates in the preparation of a detailed memorandum that highlights the company's value proposition.
Next, the Marketing stage involves confidentially reaching out to potential buyers, such as competitors or private equity firms, with a targeted strategy to maximize interest while maintaining discretion.
Finally, in the Closing stage, the sale terms—including price and payment structures—are negotiated following the buyer's due diligence. Skilled negotiation is critical at this point to ensure a smooth transition and a satisfactory deal conclusion.
It’s important to note that each transaction is unique, requiring a tailored approach to align with the specific circumstances of the sale.
How should one effectively prepare for the sale of a company, whether privately owned or part of a larger corporation?
Additionally, it's important to conduct a thorough market analysis and evaluate the company’s current situation to strategically position it in a way that attracts potential buyers, whether they are strategic buyers or financial buyers, including private equity firms and family offices.
Addressing any potential due diligence issues early on helps prevent complications later in the process.
Engaging an experienced investment banker, along with legal advisors, will ensure that the sale process is tailored to the seller's goals, guiding them through a smooth and successful transaction while avoiding potential transaction pitfalls.
What are our standard fees for a sell-side project?
Representative Case Studies
W.R. Grace & Co.
Divestiture of the specialty vermiculite business from Grace to Specialty Vermiculite
Representative Sell-Side M&A Advisory Transactions
Representative Sell-Side M&A Advisory Transactions
Company Sale Process Overview
- Valuation and Strategic Alternatives Assessment: We conduct a comprehensive valuation of the company to determine its true market worth, using proven methodologies and in-depth financial analysis. This assessment helps identify the most viable strategic alternatives, enabling our clients to make informed decisions that align with their long-term objectives and maximize shareholder value.
- Preparation of Selling Materials: We develop detailed, professional selling materials that highlight the company’s strengths, growth potential, and market position to attract potential buyers. These materials typically include a Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) and financial models, designed to present a clear and compelling narrative that maximizes interest and valuation.
- Buyer Research: We conduct thorough research to identify and evaluate potential buyers from around the world, focusing on those who align with the company's strategic goals and value proposition. Our approach involves analyzing a broad spectrum of candidates, including strategic buyers, financial buyers, and other investors, to ensure a competitive process. By leveraging our extensive network and industry insights, we target the most suitable buyers, maximizing the chances of finding a partner that not only offers the best price but also the right strategic fit for the business.
- Buyer Pre-qualification: We carefully screen and prequalify potential buyers to ensure they have the financial capability, strategic interest, and commitment to follow through on the transaction. This process helps filter out unsuitable candidates early, allowing us to focus on serious buyers who are most likely to align with the seller's goals and vision for the company's future.
- Distribution of Selling Materials and Offer Evaluation We facilitate the introduction of qualified buyers to your business, providing them with comprehensive selling materials that highlight the company's strengths, financial performance, and growth potential. Our team carefully manages the distribution of these materials to ensure confidentiality while maximizing buyer engagement. Once offers are received, we conduct a thorough analysis of each proposal, evaluating both the financial terms and strategic fit, helping our clients make well-informed decisions that align with their long-term objectives.
- Due Diligence: We guide our clients through the due diligence process, coordinating with potential buyers to ensure they receive all necessary information while protecting the company's sensitive data. Our team collaborates with legal, financial, and operational experts to address buyer inquiries, identify potential risks, and resolve issues that may arise, ensuring a thorough and efficient evaluation of the business.
- Negotiation to Close: During negotiations, we work closely with your legal counsel on securing the best possible terms for our clients, advocating for their interests and navigating complex deal structures. Our goal is to achieve a successful closing that maximizes value, mitigates post-closing risks, and ensures a smooth transition, minimizing any disruptions to the business.
Benefits of working with Seale & Associates
- Integrity and Independence: As an independent investment banking firm focused exclusively on advisory, we offer conflict-free advice and unwavering dedication to achieving our clients' objectives.
- Senior-Level Participation and Support: Our approach involves active involvement from senior professionals at every stage of the process, ensuring trusted counsel and creative, tailored solutions.
- Commitment, Creativity, and Innovation: We deliver outstanding results through unwavering commitment, creative problem-solving, and an innovative approach to every project.
- Consistently Exceptional Results: Since 1999, we have built a proven track record of success in executing complex M&A transactions, corporate finance initiatives, and other strategic endeavors across diverse industries.
- Strong References from a Global Client Base: We boast strong references and repeat mandates from leading multinational public and private companies, family businesses, and private equity funds, demonstrating the trust our clients place in us.
Are you exploring the sale of your company or divesting a non-core business from your portfolio?
Seale & Associates offers trusted advisory services for both private business owners and multinational corporations. Contact us today to learn how we can guide you through the complexities of a sale process and help you to evaluate the full range of strategic alternatives for your business.