An M&A adviser guides business owners, buyers and investors through the transaction process. Depending on the engagement, this can include preparing a business for sale, valuation, identifying buyers or acquisition targets, negotiating price and terms, coordinating due diligence and managing the transaction through to completion.

Ideally, well before you intend to sell. Early preparation gives you time to strengthen performance, address risks, reduce owner dependency and improve the areas buyers are likely to scrutinise. Even if an exit is several years away, understanding how the business looks through buyer’s eyes can help you make better decisions now.

Business value is influenced by more than revenue or profit. Earnings quality, growth, margins, customer concentration, recurring revenue, management depth, owner dependency, market position and risk can all affect valuation. MSA can provide an independent valuation and help you understand what is driving the number and what could change it.

There is no standard timeframe. It depends on the business, its readiness, market conditions, buyer interest, due diligence and the complexity of the transaction. Good preparation before going to market can make a significant difference to both the process and the outcome.

The highest offer doesn't necessarily come from the right buyer. MSA considers who is most likely to see strategic value in the business and develops a targeted buyer universe rather than relying solely on businesses already known to the owner. Potential buyers may include strategic acquirers, competitors, private equity, investors and other organisations where there is a strong commercial fit.

Confidentiality and discretion are fundamental to the M&A process. MSA carefully manages how and when information is shared, with appropriate confidentiality arrangements in place as potential buyers progress through the process.

Being Game Ready means preparing the business before a transaction begins so it can withstand buyer scrutiny. This includes understanding value, identifying potential deal issues, strengthening the information buyers will require and addressing areas that could affect confidence, valuation or deal certainty.

Yes. MSA can identify businesses that fit your acquisition strategy and make discreet, confidential approaches to owners including businesses that aren't actively on the market.

Due diligence allows a buyer to investigate the business before completing the transaction. Depending on the deal, this can include financial, tax, legal, commercial, operational, HR, technology and other specialist areas. MSA helps coordinate the process and keeps the commercial implications of any findings connected to the transaction.

Yes. MSA can lead commercial negotiations around valuation, price, structure and key transaction terms while working alongside your legal, tax and other specialist advisers.

Yes. A full sale isn't the only option. Depending on your objectives, MSA can advise on capital raising and strategic investment, including preparing the business, considering the appropriate capital structure and managing the process with potential investors.

MSA provides that ongoing external perspective walking alongside the owner and leadership team as the strategy is implemented, reviewed and adapted.

That's often the best time to start the conversation. MSA can assess where the business sits today, identify what may affect its value or saleability and establish the priorities that could put you in a stronger position when the time is right.

No. Depending on your objectives and the appetite of potential investors or buyers, a transaction could involve a full sale, partial sale, strategic investment or other structure. The right pathway depends on what you're ultimately trying to achieve.

Valuation provides a view of what a business may be worth, while the final price is ultimately determined through the transaction process. Strategic fit, competition between buyers, deal structure, due diligence findings and negotiating leverage can all influence what is ultimately paid.

Before you need to transact. Whether you're thinking about selling, acquiring, raising capital or simply want to understand what your business is worth, an early conversation gives you more time to understand the options and prepare properly.