The most common requirement for a Business Appraisals is as a precursor to a business sale.

Here we collect information about the business, such as financials, machinery, staffing, premises, and customer profile, then analyse the data and provide a report as to what we think the business value is, and the rationale behind how we determined that value.

We also provide some guidance as to who the target market for the business may be.

Alternatively, a Business Appraisal can provide a key element of business or exit planning.

The Appraisal can identify direction as to how you should structure your business and where to put in the effort to build business value.

Unfortunately, we find many business owners, having done a "self-appraisal" or having their accountant do the Appraisal, are way off the mark in determining business value – the only real way to value businesses is on market evidence – what buyers are currently paying for like businesses.

And only someone, such as us, who has that evidence can provide a realistic estimate.

Since our establishment in 2007, as a dedicated industry business appraisal and sales specialist, we have that evidence – during that time we have conducted over 200 business appraisals and have been involved in over 80 business sales / acquisitions.

We provide Business Valuations for a wide range of purposes including:

1. Management buy in or merger discussions.
2. Matrimonial disputes or other personal situations.
3. Banks & Financial Institutions requirements.
4. Insurance Purposes.
5. Shareholder Agreements.
6. Litigation.

Our Valuations differ from our Appraisals as they are required to be far more detailed and thorough in the business analysis, and far more robust. They are also provided completely independently and to match the required purpose.

They need to be thoroughly supported in every aspect as frequently they need to face scrutiny – for example in matrimonial dispute they may be challenged by the other party in a court of law.

All our Valuations comply with The International Valuations Standards (IVS), are prepared in accordance with the Australian Institute of Business Brokers (AIBB) "Code of Conduct and Ethics" and are provided by a Registered Business Valuer.

Most of our work has been helping business proprietors help sell their business. Frequently vendors are surprised at how much their businesses are worth, even if they are not making a profit.

The reason for this is that their sales component is keenly sought after as a means for the acquiring printer to swiftly grow their existing sales.

Our process in selling businesses is tried and proven:

Stage 1 – Appraise the business. Here we need to ascertain what the real market value of the business is. We collect data from the vendor on their financial position (last 3-4 years financials), clients (type, mix and spread), employees (titles, hours per week), machinery and premises details. Apart from providing a realistic market value we also provide details of who the likely buyer type may be, and time frame for sale.

Stage 2 – We are engaged to sell the business.

• Data from the appraisal is used to prepare an Information Memorandum on the business. This is the sales document we provided to suitably qualified prospects after they sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
• Marketing – we market the business to our known pool of qualified prospects and use our web site and newsletter, Market Watch, to attract enquiries.
• Qualifying / Selling / Negotiating – we want you to continue to focus on running the business. We handle all the enquiries / prospects and keep you posted on the progress.
• “The Meet and Greet” Usually we arrange a meeting with the prospect and you to view the operation. This is frequently arranged after hours, so your employees are not alerted to the sale.
• The Deal – in liaison with you, we negotiate the total deal including the terms.
• We brief your lawyer to prepare the Business Sales Contract.
• Due Diligence – we assist with arranging due diligence.
• The Transaction. We are there guiding you through to final transaction.

The vast majority of sales follow this process.

Contact us now for a confidential discussion about your business sales needs.

Mobile: 0402 021 101 richard@ascentpartners.com.au

Acquisition Services:

Whilst for most of these transactions we have been acting for business vendors, we are now finding, in diminishing print markets, we are increasingly acting for proprietors who wish to grow their sales by means of acquisition.

Here are some of the benefits of using our Acquisition Service:

We have the expertise and credibility – we have completed close to 100 print related business sales / acquisitions, so can help business proprietors avoid the traps / risks, help structure deals, with the aim of achieving a good ROI.

1. We have the network – we know who is selling / open to selling and have a data base of 2,500 contacts in the Australian Print segment.
2. Potential purchasers are much more likely to speak to, and be open with, a known third party than another printer / competitor.
3. We have market evidence to back our appraisals – this is important, because otherwise how do you or they know they are buying / selling right?
4. We have access to advertising mediums – my web site, newsletter, Market Watch (2,500), and close relationships with major trade press journals such as Print 21 On line and Wide Format On Line.
5. Engaging a third party frees up your time and is a more proactive and strategic approach than the ad hoc, “wait and see” what’s about approach.
6. Targets follow our approach / system – when we advise what the stages are in our process, they usually follow.

Next Steps. If you’re interested in growing your business by acquisition, and remaining viable long term, then contact:

Richard Rasmussen for a confidential discussion:

Mobile: 0402 021 101 richard@ascentpartners.com.au