Strategic Advisory

Business Valuation

Sunfield Advisors holds its position as a premier Merger and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm due to our mastery of the art and science behind equitable business valuation. This expertise equips us to deliver a comprehensive, analytical, and tailor-made valuation service that aligns perfectly with the needs of our diverse clientele.

For the majority of our clients, the determination of their business’s value transcends a mere accounting task. It entails a strategic, specialized, and meticulous endeavor that profoundly impacts the success or failure of every corporate decision or transaction they undertake. Consequently, it’s a process entrusted to the hands of esteemed business valuation firms like Sunfield Advisors.

Two-Pronged Approach to Fair Market Valuations

We recognize the paramount importance of equitable valuations in shaping both the current and future trajectories of our clients’ enterprises. Thus, our approach to objective economic valuations integrates scientific rigor with artistic discernment.

The scientific and analytical facet entails an array of research methodologies, tools, technologies, and refined practical acumen, all harnessed to navigate the intricacies of the business valuation process. Our Corporate Finance experts employ industry-standard valuation methodologies to gauge the approximate value of your businesses.

Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis: Our seasoned financial forecasters craft DCF models, encompassing a forecast period and terminal value, to ascertain business value.
Comparable Company Analysis: Drawing from a legacy of over 100 years of business valuation service, our Corporate Finance Team leverages firsthand insights to employ comparative analysis for determining business value.
Precedent Transactions: Through active involvement in numerous mergers and acquisitions, our financial experts wield pertinent data, information, and insider knowledge to gauge market value based on prior transactions.

The artistic facet of valuation entails adeptly selecting the most fitting tools and methodologies to ascertain a business’s fair market value. Such insights and professional discernment arise from decades of experience spanning diverse industries, markets, backgrounds, geographies, and valuation contexts.

Access Expert Valuations Across a Wide Array of Markets and Objectives

Valuation is a pivotal financial undertaking demanding the expertise of certified business valuation consultants. At Sunfield Advisors, our Corporate Finance team comprises world-class professionals with a comprehensive grasp of business valuation. Moreover, each member contributes specialized industry expertise, application proficiency, and service lines mastery.

Here are some of the areas we offer specialty valuation services:

Mergers and Acquisitions: Discrepancies often arise between sellers and buyers regarding business value. Yet, the true worth is defined by the value buyers are willing to invest. We meticulously assess market conditions, potential earnings, associated risks, and other factors to ensure your investment is prudent.
Funding Purposes: Personal proximity to your business might hinder objective valuation. When seeking funding from banks and potential investors, professional, independent valuation lends credibility and meets a typical requirement.
Exit Strategy Planning: Well in advance of the exit, strategic planning is essential. Determining an approximate business value aids in creating a comprehensive marketable business proposal. Our comprehensive valuations, coupled with annual reviews, prepare you for any scenario well ahead of time.

Initiating your strategic planning well ahead of the exit is crucial. Consequently, we advocate for a comprehensive valuation accompanied by annual revisions. This approach guarantees both you and your business are primed for any potential scenario.

We Remain With You ― Every Step of the Way

We make certain that our valuation report is coherent and easily comprehensible for key stakeholders. Additionally, we elucidate each decision, discovery, attribute, and methodology employed in reaching every conclusion or statement.

We recognize that ascertaining an unbiased value for your business typically marks the initial phase of a process for our clients. Consequently, we stand by your side―through every stage of the journey.

Building Valuation Growth Services

Whether you’re actively navigating the M&A process or searching for ways to optimize your exit plan, our team at Sunfield Advisors leverages actionable strategies to accelerate your financial performance and elevate your company’s valuation.

Our Approach

Our business valuation services encapsulate a comprehensive strategy for growth. Leveraging our position as a premier mergers and acquisitions firm, we comprehend the fundamental elements driving a robust, enduring, and lucrative financial landscape.

As prominent business valuation consultants, we:

Initiate with an initial evaluation to gauge your present business valuation
Recognize avenues to curtail expenses while enhancing profitability
Prioritize your timeline requirements, fostering advancement and facilitating your sale within 12 to 18 months
Empower you to attain your pinnacle business valuation during the sale process

The Sunfield Advantage

Whether you seek insights on enhancing your company’s valuation ahead of a forthcoming M&A or aspire to ready yourself for a potential future sale, our team establishes precise milestones, collaborates directly with your finance team and CFO, and prioritizes transparent overhead goals.

If you’re poised to elevate your business valuation, our committed consultants stand ready to assist you. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

Exit Strategy

Crafting an exit strategy safeguards you, your business, and investors, ensuring a seamless and lucrative transition.

Though it might appear unconventional to contemplate an exit strategy right from the start, the unpredictability of life can disrupt even the most well-laid plans. Therefore, formulating a well-structured exit strategy long before the decision to move on is crucial. This strategic move guarantees protection for you, your business, and your investors.

For owner-managed businesses, a mere 30% manage to endure the transition to the second generation, and a meager 13% reach the third. The lack of preparation for family succession is frequently identified as the primary reason behind this trend. While we fully acknowledge the uniqueness of every seller or client, certain fundamental elements of an exit strategy can prove universally beneficial.

How Can We help?

Our team will meticulously assess your business, offering an in-depth examination of various exit strategies. These encompass selling to a strategic or financial buyer, management buy-outs or buy-ins, as well as options for full or partial family succession.

Timeframe

The most effective strategies are conceived and refined well in advance of their execution. Our recommendation is to commence planning 1 to 2 years prior to the owner’s desired exit date. This allows us to ascertain both the current and potential exit value and collaborate closely with the business to foster sustainable growth in value.

Market or External Factors

Drawing upon our adeptness in mergers and acquisitions processes, we dissect market conditions, including sector-specific demand and supply, as well as the inherent attributes of your business. Through this analysis, we ascertain the potential impact of these variables on the intended exit of the seller.

When Should You Consider Contacting Us?

Contemplating retirement
Dissolving an unprofitable business
Reaching a specific life stage or moment where you desire liquidity or a fresh challenge
Identifying potential in your business but lacking the resources or capital for rapid growth. Seeking partial cash out and an investment partner. Considering the sale of all or a portion of your investment or company
Minimizing your ownership interest in a company
Transferring ownership to family or a successor.

Due Diligence Advisory for Buyers

Strategically Calculated Risks and Smart Decisions Propel Your Growth Exponentially

Due diligence involves the meticulous verification, investigation, or audit of a business, confirming the accuracy of presented information and assessing the financial viability of acquiring the business.

Due diligence is a comprehensive process that involves verifying relevant facts and financial data in an investment opportunity or potential deal. This process is crucial during M&A deals or investment undertakings. It occurs before finalizing a deal, providing the buyer with the confidence in the transaction. When purchasing a business, a dependable support team is imperative. In the absence of in-house corporate development/M&A experts, companies on the buy-side can encounter complexities, leading to delays, indecision, and missed opportunities. Post-transaction integration presents challenges in finance, accounting, systems, and culture. Sunfield’s dedicated team can ensure the smooth execution of your transaction.

How We Add Value

When deals go awry, you often hear investors claim they “overpaid.” Sellers tend to inflate prices in marketing materials, accompanied by numerous EBITDA adjustments. The challenge lies in determining the accurate value. We validate business financials and operations to establish a fair price and valuation, preventing overpayment. Our vigilant diligence has saved our clients millions by uncovering issues. Missing critical information during diligence can lead to battling bankruptcy rather than focusing on growth. Our experienced deal professionals identify key risks and help negotiate a reduced purchase price.

Due Diligence Advisory for Sellers

Sell-side due diligence encompasses the systematic identification and evaluation of a company, delving into its intricacies and intricacies that prospective buyers and corporate entities require for informed decisions prior to acquisition. This proactive process empowers sellers to address weaknesses preemptively and anticipate queries from potential buyers.

With a well-managed business, receiving unsolicited acquisition offers is a common occurrence. If you find yourself with such offers in your pipeline, the Sunfield team can swiftly assist you in evaluating the offer and guiding your subsequent steps. Our aim is to position you for success and furnish you with vital insights before your next business move.

Sell-side due diligence brings forth evident advantages when contemplating the sale of a business. In the current landscape, sellers consider investing in sell-side financial due diligence as an integral component of a seamless sales process.

What benefits does sell-side due diligence offer to sellers?

Saves Sellers from Over-explaining Their Business to Buyers

With an extensive portfolio of over 95+ successful M&A deals, Sunfield professionals possess a wealth of experience in the process. We can assist you in comprehensively identifying and analyzing all aspects of your business, including its earning potential and potential add-backs. This comprehensive understanding ultimately contributes to increasing the overall sales value.

Helps Sellers Avoid Deal-Breaking Elements

In any deal, certain elements have the potential to break the deal if not managed appropriately. Sell-side due diligence rigorously examines and addresses such issues in advance. By proactively resolving these issues, the likelihood of buyers demanding price discounts during the negotiation process is significantly reduced.

Boosts the Sales Process

Our dedicated Sell-side team collaborates closely with founders and management to articulate and reinforce the business’s historical narrative and key value propositions. We also adeptly present the financial story of the business to potential buyers in an efficient manner. As a result, the sell-side due diligence expedites the evaluation of business success and facilitates the finalization of deals.

A Professional Approach to Reach Potential Prospects

n today’s landscape, buyers prioritize comprehensive sell-side-oriented research when considering potential acquisitions. Sell-side due diligence focuses on critical business facets, offering valuable insights that expedite decision-making. This strategic investment in evaluating a business from every angle yields significant benefits.