Finding the Right Partners for Exiting Your Business
The right partners can make all the difference in getting the best exit outcome.
The process starts months or years before exiting.
Whatever the type — investor, advisor, M&A specialist — partners bring objectivity, support growth, guide valuation, and identify the right buyer.
Thoughts on choosing partners:
🔹 DEFINE YOUR NEEDS. Clarify requirements, capability gaps, and exit goals first.
🔹 WIDE NETWORK. Look for expansive connections to leverage around scaling, buyers, negotiating.
🔹 RELEVANCY. Industry expertise accelerates, even if not sector-specific.
🔹 RECENCY. You need partners doing regular, recent deals as landscapes shift quickly.
🔹 MEET F2F ASAP. Get a feel for chemistry early. Trust your gut.
🔹 INCENTIVISED FOR RESULTS. All must be motivated for your desired outcome.
🔹 AVAILABILITY. You have ONE exit, partners juggle SEVERAL. Don’t leave partner decisions late.
🔹 START EARLY. Engage partners ASAP to start maximising value immediately.
The right expertise and experience pays off — take time to choose what’s best for you and your business.
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