Selling a business isn’t just a major decision, it’s also a significant, ‘once in a lifetime’ event for many business owners. Choosing an experienced adviser with a proven track record will help you avoid pitfalls, reduce unnecessary stress, and ensure a seamless transaction.

To find the right adviser, begin by assessing the specific factors involved in your business sale, including the business size, industry, and any unique complexities. This will help you narrow down the potential options and choose an advisor with the relevant expertise.

What is the role of a corporate finance adviser?

Typically, a corporate finance adviser plans and directs the selling process from beginning to end. At Rickard Luckin, we will begin by taking the time to understand your business and the wider industry, before identifying key value drivers to maximise the business sale price.

Our experienced advisers will also map the market and harness their professional networks to find credible buyers, negotiating terms and managing the due diligence process to ensure a successful outcome on both sides.

Here are some further points to consider when selecting the right corporate finance adviser for your needs.

1. Do your research

Online directories and professional bodies will help provide introductions to corporate finance advisers.  You could also consider word-of-mouth recommendations from industry peers, business networks, and professional associations.

Always try to arrange an in-person meeting with potential advisers before making a final decision. At Rickard Luckin, we will use this meeting to clearly explain how we plan to market your business, and ensure you feel comfortable with our style and approach. 

Bear in mind that you will be working closely with your chosen adviser, often sharing sensitive information along the way, so trust and compatibility are crucial.

2. Evaluate your chosen adviser’s experience and credentials

It’s important to work with an experienced and capable adviser.  Ask to see relevant case studies and evidence of successful past transactions, as well as testimonials from previous clients. 

Assess your adviser’s specific qualifications and check for details of any corporate memberships that prove adherence to professional standards. As a member of the ICAEW, we at Rickard Luckin are able to demonstrate an comprehensive and in-depth level of professional expertise. We are always happy to explain more about the transactions we have managed and will provide testimonials from our previous clients on request.

3. Check your adviser’s fee structure and contract

Many corporate finance advisers offer flexible fee structures, so check that yours meets both your needs and your budget. Discuss how any additional costs may be captured and charged later on. 

At Rickard Luckin, we offer full flexibility with fees in several stages: fixed fees, time costs, and success fees – which involve a percentage of the sale price – or a combination that best suits your needs.

A well-defined agreement will help to prevent misunderstandings as the sale progresses, so ensure your contract describes the scope of the work in full, as well as providing clauses for confidentiality and termination. 

In summary, appointing a corporate finance adviser is a critical step in selling your business successfully.  

Our specialist team at Rickard Luckin can offer a broad range of experience and expertise, as well as a welcoming approach and a wide network of professional contacts, that will help to facilitate a successful outcome.