Prepare For Exiting Your Business
As someone who acquires and invests in businesses, I review hundreds of companies every month. Over time, I’ve noticed clear patterns in what truly boosts company value — and what doesn’t. Here’s some valuable insight to consider:
The ideal time to begin exit planning? When you’re not ready to leave. It might sound counter-intuitive, but waiting too long often leads to missed opportunities. Many business owners end up focusing on the wrong priorities, treading water instead of funding the next chapter of their lives with a well-executed exit.
It’s not enough for your business to function while you’re on holiday. The question is: would it grow in your absence over the next 6–12 months? If your business depends too heavily on your involvement, its value to potential buyers significantly diminishes.
Your opinion about your company’s value doesn’t matter — the buyer’s perspective does. While turnover and EBITDA are important, they’re only part of the equation. The real key is understanding why a buyer would pay a premium for your business. This shouldn’t be an afterthought but a central part of your strategy.
Size matters in valuations. As your EBITDA crosses certain thresholds, your valuation multiple increases. Beyond a certain point, the fastest way to scale EBITDA — and overall company value — is often through mergers and acquisitions.
Successful exits don’t happen by accident. They’re carefully planned and executed well in advance. Hoping for an unbelievable offer to materialise at the right time is risky. Instead, take control and engineer the outcome you want.
#2025 #nextlevelgrowth #UKBusiness #exitlaunchpad
