Company Sales

Strategic Positioning & Advisory

With the goal of maximizing value and reducing potential post-closing risks, PB&W advises owners and senior managers on positioning their business for a future sale transaction.  Such advisory services often include evaluating internal systems, financial reporting, detailed forecasting, depth of management, management succession planning (Key Man Issues), customer concentration, current and expected market dynamics and pricing, assessment of technology/product positioning, along with other operational dynamics.  Key considerations often include a quality of earnings analysis, financial audits, internal financial reporting systems (ERP and inventory control systems), environmental surveys, market surveys, representation and warranty insurance, among other items.  Our objective is to enhance business processes, to mitigate risks and prepare a company for a future liquidity event.

Market Preparation, Staging & Sale Process

Once a decision has been made to sell, PB&W works with its client to determine the optimal sale process that meets with the client’s objectives.  PB&W guides its clients through a comprehensive planning and preparation process to prepare the company for the rigors of the transaction.  PB&W is involved in all aspects of the transaction process from preparing required evaluation materials through identifying, contacting and negotiating with multiple potential buyers.  PB&W services also include detailed due diligence support, advanced modeling, evaluating a clients platforms/programs and opportunity pipelines, managing virtual data sites, responding to detailed questions and information requests and contract negotiations.  PB&W fully supports other client advisors throughout the sale process to include legal counsel and accountants.  On every transaction, PB&W assigns senior level bankers who are fully engaged throughout the entire process.  Our bankers have leading tenure and experience in our markets and have a thorough understanding of critical technologies/systems and market dynamics.

PB&W also has experience in advising on transactions with complex ownership structures to include Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and multiple tiered ownership structures. 

PB&W Advantages

Identification of Strategic Acquirers

Identifying strategic acquirers is critical to finding the best potential suitors and to maximizing value for all stakeholders. PB&W uses its industry expertise, relationships and database resources to identify strategic acquirers, to include strategic private equity groups and private and public companies.

Access to Key Decision Makers

Identifying and accessing key decision makers is important to working with strategic acquirers and soliciting interest.  PB&W has relationships with, and direct access to, many key executives in its focal market segments.  This access expedites the decision making process, drives value and reduces the sale process duration.

Understanding the Market and Value Drivers

Understanding of the industry, business and technology/services of a selling company and how these attributes enhance a suitor is key to positioning and maximizing the value of a client business.  PB&W has a comprehensive understanding of the value drivers of our clients’ businesses.

Continuous Sale Process Management

A well-executed Sale Process requires continuous management by expert professionals.  From initial engagement to closing, PB&W is directly involved in all aspects of the sale process, including due diligence and purchase agreement negotiations.  PB&W prides itself on being a full service M&A advisor with leading sector expertise

Understanding of Buyer Dynamics

A thorough understanding of buyer dynamics is central to the strategy and negotiations in a company sale.  As a result of our buy-side experience and long-term relationships, PB&W possesses a unique understanding of buyer dynamics during sell-side engagements.  This experience is critical in creating the sale document, during management meetings and due diligence, and in LOI and purchase agreement negotiations.