Your Path to Business Ownership
From initial enquiry to successful handover, we walk beside you every step
Buying a business isn't something most people do every day. We've refined our approach over dozens of transactions to make the entire process less overwhelming and more strategic. Here's what actually happens when you work with us.
Start a ConversationThe Five-Phase Journey
Most acquisitions follow a similar pattern, though the timeline varies wildly based on complexity. Some deals close in eight weeks. Others take six months. Each phase builds on the previous one, so rushing early stages usually creates problems later.
Discovery and Alignment
We start by getting specific about what you're looking for and why. Not just industry or price range, but the actual role you want in the business, your risk tolerance, and what success looks like three years out.
This initial phase usually spans two to three weeks and includes financial capacity assessment, industry preference mapping, and realistic timeline planning. We also discuss deal-breakers upfront, which saves everyone time later when emotions are higher.
Market Research and Shortlisting
Once we know what we're hunting for, we dig into available opportunities. This means analyzing listings, identifying off-market possibilities, and building a shortlist that matches your criteria.
We look at businesses from multiple angles: financial health, market position, operational dependencies, and growth potential. You'll receive a detailed briefing on each candidate, including red flags we've spotted and questions that need answering before moving forward.
Due Diligence Deep Dive
This is where the real work happens. Financial records, customer contracts, employee agreements, supplier relationships, lease terms, intellectual property claims. Everything gets verified.
We coordinate with accountants and solicitors while managing the information flow from sellers. Most buyers underestimate how much time this phase requires. Plan on four to eight weeks depending on business complexity. We've caught some significant issues during due diligence that completely changed deal terms.
Negotiation and Structure
Once due diligence reveals the actual state of affairs, we enter serious negotiations. Purchase price matters, but deal structure often matters more for your long-term success.
We work through payment terms, earn-out provisions, handover support duration, non-compete agreements, and contingencies. Every business sale has unique complications. We've structured deals with vendor financing, staged payments tied to performance metrics, and creative solutions when bank lending falls short of asking prices.
Settlement and Transition
After contracts are signed, the real test begins. We help coordinate the handover process, working with you and the previous owner to maintain business continuity during the ownership change.
This typically includes staff introductions, customer communications, supplier notifications, and operational training. The transition period varies but usually runs three to six months. We remain available during this phase because questions always emerge once you're running things day-to-day.
What We Actually Do During Each Phase
People sometimes assume advisors just introduce buyers to sellers and collect a fee. That's not how we operate. Our involvement is hands-on throughout the entire acquisition process.
We coordinate between multiple parties, translate complex financial information into plain language, spot issues before they become problems, and push back when something doesn't make sense.
- Financial modeling and valuation verification across different scenarios
- Coordination with legal and accounting professionals throughout due diligence
- Negotiation strategy development based on market conditions and business specifics
- Transition planning including staff management and customer retention strategies
- Post-acquisition support as you settle into ownership and face unexpected challenges
Who You'll Work With
Business acquisitions involve high stakes and personal stress. You deserve to know who's guiding you through the process and what experience they bring to the table.
Marcus Beaumont
Senior Acquisition Advisor
Marcus has worked on forty-three business acquisitions since 2018, with a focus on retail and hospitality sectors across regional Queensland. He's particularly good at identifying operational inefficiencies during due diligence and spotting growth opportunities that sellers have missed.
Fletcher Donovan
Financial Structuring Specialist
Fletcher spent twelve years in commercial banking before joining our team in 2021. He specializes in complex deal structures when traditional lending doesn't quite fit, and he's saved more than one acquisition by finding creative financing solutions that work for both parties.
Questions People Actually Ask
These come up in almost every initial conversation. If your question isn't here, that's what phone calls are for.
How long does the entire process typically take?
From first meeting to settlement, most acquisitions take three to six months. Simple businesses with clean records and motivated sellers can close faster. Complex operations with multiple locations, significant inventory, or complicated lease situations often stretch beyond six months. Rushing usually creates problems.
What if due diligence reveals major issues?
Happens more often than you'd think. Sometimes issues are deal-breakers and we walk away. Other times, they're negotiating points that adjust the purchase price or deal terms. We've also seen situations where identified problems became opportunities because the buyer knew how to fix them and the seller didn't.
Do you work with first-time business buyers?
Absolutely. Many of our clients are buying their first business. The learning curve is steep, but that's exactly why guidance matters. We explain things in plain language and don't assume you know industry jargon or financial terminology. Questions are expected and encouraged throughout the process.
What happens after settlement if problems emerge?
We remain available for consultation during your transition period, typically three to six months post-settlement. Most purchase agreements include warranties and representations that provide some protection, though specifics vary by deal. We also help connect you with operational experts if specialized issues arise in your new business.