Though many entrepreneurs dream of an IPO, history says that a company’s successful outcome is more likely to be a sale. Traditionally, a dozen or so companies are sold for every one that goes public, and that ratio is likely to persist or even increase as the public markets remain inaccessible to all but a few companies. Most successful venture exits result from sales to competitors, financial buyers or industry consolidators. Likewise, with sole-proprietor and family-owned businesses, this is most often the case. SiVal carefully manages the Sale process from start to successful exit.
The process starts well in advance of the actual transaction, with SiVal advising companies on issues including positioning for sale, valuation and timing. The advisor’s job is to maximize the value of the transaction, isolate management from the more difficult phases of the negotiation and allow them to focus on running the business. The process includes identifying prospects based on a number of strategic and financial factors, performing a market valuation analysis, executing a competitive bidding process, working to select the optimal buyer, managing the due diligence process and doing our utmost to ensure that the transaction closes successfully.