The unseen work that separates the best outcomes from average ones in sell-side M&A.
A successful M&A transaction doesn’t begin with a buyer. It starts with preparation.
At Venture Growth Partners, we help founders and operators set the stage for a sale long before the market becomes aware of the opportunity. The foundational phase is where enterprise value is enhanced, not just defended, and where outcomes are shaped before the first conversation with a buyer even takes place.
The first phase of our Sell-Side M&A process focuses on two parallel tracks: operational and financial optimization, as well as the development of marketing materials. Together, they ensure that the company’s story is strong, its risks are mitigated, and its numbers are both clean and compelling.
Operational & Financial Review
Before buyers even see your numbers, our team helps improve them: realistically and responsibly. We work alongside our clients and other advisors to:
- Identify and activate opportunities for revenue growth.
- Review the cost structure and implement cost-saving measures to optimize efficiency.
- Assess and mitigate risk (including strategic insurance coverage).
- Design option/bonus plans to retain key employees through the transaction.
- Execute R&D tax credit studies and prepare Quality of Earnings reports.
- Coordinate audits of financials.
- Lead tax planning for both the company and its shareholders.
This is about more than cleanup. It’s about progress. The more momentum we can show buyers, the more credible our growth narrative becomes.
Building the Narrative and Assets
The story you tell in a sale matters. Our job is to help craft that narrative with precision and transparency. We support management in preparing:
- A curated list of strategic and financial buyers.
- A compelling Investor Teaser (2 to 3 pages in Word/PDF, or 5 to 6 in slides).
- A strong Management Presentation (10–15 pages for Phase I, 20–30 for Phase II).
- A robust 5-year financial forecast (including synergy potential for strategics).
- An internal valuation using multiple methods (DCF, comps, precedents).
- A technology and product roadmap presentation.
- A structured and secure data room for due diligence.
Excellent materials don’t just inform: they build confidence. The better prepared you are, the more leverage you’ll have later.
This foundational phase is where you take control of your story, elevate your numbers, and reduce the risk of surprises down the line. In our next article, we’ll explore how to take that foundation to market and drive interest from the right buyers.
Thinking about an exit in the next 12–36 months? Let’s build your strategy now, so you’re ready when it matters. Don’t waste time and fill out the form on this page for a free consultation!
