Insite M&A

Why Do 70-90% of Founders Exit for Less Than They Expected? It’s more common than you’d think. Here’s why: 1. Overestimated Valuations: Founders often overvalue their businesses based on emotional attachment rather than cold, hard data. 2. Lack of Preparation: Without proper preparation, due diligence can expose issues that lower a company’s valuation. 3. Profitability vs. Revenue: Buyers care more about profit and cash flow than top-line revenue. Focusing only on growth can lead to disappointment. 4. Misunderstanding Buyers: Founders often fail to understand what buyers need, which impacts negotiation power. Preparation is key. Start early, clean up your financials, and know what buyers are looking for. P.S. Follow me for more insights on selling your business. Want to maximise your exit? DM me "EXIT", and we’ll help you get there. Garry Cook Stephen Clarke Matthew Collins Thomas Honey #BusinessGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #ExitStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessValuation

Private Equity: Where Intensity Meets Opportunity! The private equity world isn't for the faint-hearted. Deals move fast, the stakes are high, and the pressure can be intense. As an M&A broker, I’ve witnessed firsthand how demanding this field is—but also how transformative it can be for businesses and investors alike. When you're in the trenches, you're handling complex negotiations, navigating intricate legal frameworks, and ensuring everything aligns for both buyer and seller. It’s exhilarating but also exhausting. Yet, the payoff can be huge. For companies, PE investment often leads to massive growth, operational improvements, and greater access to capital. For investors, a well-timed deal can yield incredible returns. In this game, there’s no room for complacency. You’re either sprinting or strategising, but every step is essential for success. For those with the stamina, the financial rewards and the satisfaction of seeing a company thrive post-deal are beyond worth it. The intensity is real, but so is the upside. Garry Cook Stephen Clarke Matthew Collins Thomas Honey Jennifer Clarke #PrivateEquity #MergersAndAcquisitions #HighStakes #Growth #DealMaking #Finance #MABroker #PrivateEquitySuccess #InvestmentStrategy

Want to Attract Buyers? Craft a Culture That Sells! The secret to a successful exit isn’t just in your numbers—it’s in your culture. Here’s how to create an environment that has buyers lining up at your door: 1. Empower Your Team: Foster a culture where employees feel valued and engaged. Happy teams drive innovation! 2. Encourage Collaboration: Break down silos and promote teamwork. Collaboration sparks creativity and attracts attention. 3. Stay Authentic: Maintain your unique identity. Buyers are drawn to companies that know who they are and what they stand for. 4. Be Transparent: Open communication builds trust. Let your team and potential buyers see the real you. 5. Invest in Development: Show that you prioritise growth for your employees and your company. A culture of learning is a culture that thrives. Are you ready to transform your culture and position your company for a successful exit? Let’s make it happen! Garry Cook Stephen Clarke Matthew Collins Thomas Honey #CompanyCulture #MergersAndAcquisitions #ExitStrategy #Leadership #Innovation

Selling a business isn't just about the money. There's a lot more to it. Here’s why: 1.Most deals fall through. In fact, 7 or 8 out of 10 business sales either fail or fall short of expectations. That’s a lot of disappointed sellers. 2. Money is just one part of the equation. Other critical factors include: - Do the businesses complement each other? - Can the teams collaborate effectively? - Are there hidden risks or challenges? If you don’t consider the bigger picture, you’ll regret it later. 3. Merging companies is no walk in the park. It’s a complex process with countless moving parts—people, culture, and emotions. If you’re not prepared from the outset, things can get messy. Need guidance? DM me "SELL", and let's chat. P.S. I'd like you to please follow for more insights on selling your business. Garry Cook Matthew Collins Stephen Clarke Thomas Honey Tony Mitchell #BusinessStrategy #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessSales #CompanySale #Leadership #CorporateFinance #Entrepreneurship #ExitStrategy #BusinessGrowth

Now is the perfect time to sell your accounting practice—and here's why: The world may seem addicted to negativity, and that pessimism is affecting the accounting industry. But what if all that noise and uncertainty was actually creating one of the most opportune moments for accounting professionals to sell? In fact, it is! Yes, it’s true—everywhere you look, from social media posts to news articles, the tone seems to be about doom and gloom. The nonstop barrage of negative stories might even make you feel like the future is uncertain for accountants. But here’s the truth: this is precisely why it's the best time to sell your practice and take advantage of the market. Let's flip the script. While some are stuck doom-scrolling, those with vision know that we’re on the brink of unprecedented change, and this moment offers incredible rewards for sellers. Let’s explore 5 reasons why: 1. Strong Market Demand – There's a high demand for accounting practices, with M&A activity surging. Buyers are eager to acquire established firms with solid reputations, and sellers are reaping the benefits. 2. AI and Automation – Many see AI as a threat, but smart sellers recognize it as a selling point. By positioning your practice as ready for automation, you attract tech-forward buyers who understand how technology will enhance, not replace, accountants. 3. Unprecedented Investment – Investment is pouring into the accounting sector, from private equity to large firms looking to expand. This means buyers are willing to pay premium prices for well-established practices. 4. Remote Work Revolution – Remote work has opened up new horizons, making your practice more flexible and appealing to buyers who want to access a nationwide talent pool and service clients without geographic restrictions. 5. Entrepreneurial Opportunity – For those selling, this is the chance to transition to new ventures. Whether it’s consulting, mentoring, or exploring a new field, selling your practice frees you up to pursue fresh entrepreneurial endeavours while capitalising on today’s hot market. The negativity out there is a distraction. The reality? There’s never been a better moment to sell your accounting practice. Insite M&A Garry Cook Matthew Collins Stephen Clarke Thomas Honey #SellYourPractice #AccountingOpportunities #BusinessForSale #PracticeForSale #ExitStrategy

Strategic M&A: Unlocking Growth Through Acquisitions and Mergers Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are transformative strategies that enable companies to fast-track growth, increase market share, and improve operational efficiency. By strategically partnering with or acquiring other businesses, organisations can access new markets, expand product lines, and bolster their competitive edge—all while creating synergies that drive long-term profitability. From acquiring disruptive startups to merging with established industry leaders, M&A offers a pathway to scale faster, diversify portfolios, and solidify a stronger foothold in evolving markets. However, these opportunities come with their own set of challenges, such as navigating regulatory landscapes, aligning company cultures, and conducting thorough financial due diligence. To truly capitalise on the potential of M&A, companies need to approach each deal with a clear vision, robust planning, and a focus on seamless integration. In this post, we'll explore how businesses can leverage M&A to fuel sustainable growth, outlining the key benefits, risks, and strategic considerations essential for success. We hope these insights help refine your M&A strategy, enabling you to execute deals that drive long-term value and lasting competitive advantage. Matthew Collins Garry Cook Thomas Honey Joe West Stephen Clarke #GrowthStrategy #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessExpansion #CorporateFinance #StrategicPartnerships #ScaleUp #BusinessGrowth #CorporateDevelopment #DealExecution