Process

DO YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR COMPANY OR FIND AN INVESTOR?

This service is for owners who want to carry out the M&A process in a controlled manner, gaining a comfortable position in negotiations while maintaining confidentiality.

The process of acquiring an investor or selling shares is often one of the most important events in the life of a business owner. It is better if this process is controlled, conscious, safe and maximises profits.

We will guide you through the entire M&A process – from the first contact to the notary appointment. Transparently, comprehensively and with complete discretion.

Book a free consultation
Trzy osoby siędzące przy stole i omawiające zapisy na kartce papieru

This service is for you if:

You HAVE DECIDED TO TALK TO INVESTORS

We will contact the market and anonymously present your company to suitable investors.

You want to maximise the value of your transaction

Thanks to our experience and the right tools, we know how to generate demand for your company’s shares. The number of interested parties has a direct impact on the terms of your transaction.

You have a lot of responsibilities related to the company on a daily basis

We handle the entire sales process from A to Z, search for and verify investors and their offers, and you make the key decisions.

You are looking for professional support every step of the way.

You don’t need to know anything about selling businesses – together, we will plan the entire process, looking after your interests and limiting the risk.

You want to sell your company while maintaining confidentiality and minimising risk

You don’t waste time – we know the rules of the M&A market, we have the experience and tools to find the right buyer in the shortest possible time.

5-step M&A process

Wykres prowadzenie procesu sprzedaży

The process of selling/acquiring an investor

Selling a company is probably the most difficult and important transaction in an owner’s life. A mistake can cost a lot. Our experience, selection of the right strategy and ability to talk to investors will lead you safely to your goal.

We have developed a proprietary, proven 5-step sales model that ensures the process will proceed according to a jointly agreed scenario, minimising risk. The result will be a transaction on the best terms.

Each of these stages has been developed based on years of experience from previous transactions to ensure you maximum security, confidentiality and control over the entire process.

Thanks to a preliminary analysis, we will determine whether it makes sense to enter the market and talk to investors, or focus on implementing changes that will facilitate the sale of the company.

Scope:

  • review of the financial and market situation,
  • identification of strengths and potential risks,
  • strategy for increasing value prior to sale.

If you decide to take this step, we will work with you to determine the scope of optimisation for your company so that it meets the expectations of even the most demanding buyers. This will make selling your business easier.

  • preparing the company for buyer audits,
  • legal and financial protection prior to the transaction,
  • creating a sales strategy tailored to your goals.

We create comprehensive and professional materials that present your company to potential buyers in an attractive way, increasing its competitiveness.

  • process strategy, action plan, confidentiality plan,
  • professional investment memorandum,
  • company presentation designed to increase interest.

We have a proven method of reaching the right investors anonymously. We qualify those who share your view of the value of your business for the next stages of the process. Our proven process model allows us to obtain the best terms for the transaction.

  • full confidentiality and control over the process,
  • selection of buyers,
  • determination of the transaction structure and valuation method,
  • negotiation of optimal sales terms.


This is the moment to formally bind the previously agreed terms of the transaction. We provide comprehensive formal and legal support from experts experienced in M&A processes.

  • preparation and agreement of final documents,
  • support in key areas,
  • transfer of ownership while maintaining the seller’s security.

What do you gain by entrusting us with the entire M&A process?

The strategy of the process, the ability to anonymously reach and select investors, has an impact on the success of the process. You don’t waste time on random conversations.

We are entrepreneurs and we know that the business environment is dynamic. Our cooperation model gives you the certainty that you only pay for the services you receive. You can withdraw from the process at any time without financial penalties.

Demand shapes the terms of the transaction. The sales process strategy is aimed at achieving a comfortable position in negotiations, i.e. receiving several offers from investors.

The process of finding and verifying investors is time-consuming and energy-intensive. It is better to leave it to the experts and devote your time to developing your business or pursuing your personal goals.

One of the most common reasons for failure in the M&A process is a lack of knowledge and experience. Owners go through this process too rarely or only once in their lifetime. Working with experienced advisors will reduce the risk of mistakes.

Book a free consultation
Dwóch mężczyzn patrzących na kartkę papieru

Flexible cooperation model

We understand that selling a business is a strategic decision, which is why our cooperation model is flexible and tailored to your needs. We do not commit you to a long-term contract – you can terminate the process at any time without financial consequences.

Individual approach to costs and duration.

The duration of the process and its costs are determined individually, taking into account the scale, specificity and complexity of the transaction.

Success fee: From 5% of the transaction value

Payment for completed stage

No penalties for exiting the process

Possibility of discontinuing at any time.

Would you like to know the exact costs?

The average cost of the process ranges from PLN 25,000 net to PLN 120,000 net. We can provide a preliminary cost estimate during a free consultation – we will tailor the cooperation model to your situation and goals.

Book a free consultation

OPINIONS MAKE THE BUSINESS

Join entrepreneurs who have already taken this strategic step

Thanks to a sound process strategy, experience and knowledge, Planner MA sold the company for more than we had anticipated, and the entire process was conducted with discretion. We received full support throughout the process, which was completely new to us.
Bilbin
Company name
The M&A planner demonstrated experience, knowledge and a professional approach during our cooperation. We recommend them as a proven partner in mergers and acquisitions, and we plan to continue our cooperation.
Polna 
Company name
Book a free consultation

How does the cooperation work?

We begin every collaboration by fully understanding your expectations, market situation, and individual needs. The process is designed to make you feel comfortable, give you full control, and enable you to make informed decisions at every stage.

Step 1
Free consultation

The first step is a non-binding conversation that allows us to better understand your situation.

What does a free consultation offer?

  • Identification of your expectations and goals for M&A processes.
  • Review of a typical process – you will learn about the next steps and possibilities.
  • Preliminary cost estimate and determination of terms of cooperation.
  • If you are interested, preparation of a framework offer.
  • Confidentiality

If you wish, you can sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) at this stage. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact us from a restricted phone number or anonymous email address.

Book a free consultation

Step 2
Introductory workshop

If we gain your trust and you want to take the next step, we will meet at a preparatory workshop online or in person at a location of your choice. Based on our experience from previous processes, we will discuss the key aspects of selling your company. During the workshop, we will jointly verify the opportunities and risks of the process by comparing your ideas about the sale with the realities of the market.

Aim of the workshop:

  • analysis of the industry, market and company situation,
  • determining the owner’s expectations and vision for the process,
  • understanding the motivation for the sale and potential challenges,
  • preliminary assessment of the opportunities and risks associated with the transaction,
  • discussion of the stages of the process and the action plan.

The result of the introductory workshop include:

  • decision to start the M&A process,
  • analysis of the company’s value (as understood by the investor),
  • development of assumptions for the process: strategy, demand research, market and transaction price,
  • identification of key opportunities and threats,
  • recommendations for further action.

In addition, the workshop allows us to check whether our consultant is the best fit for your needs.

The workshop is a paid service and costs from PLN 4,000 to PLN 8,000 net.

Step 3
Decision on cooperation

At this stage, we jointly decide on cooperation.

  • We agree on the final terms of cooperation.
  • We sign the contract.
  • We provide the service.

Qualification

Conducting an M&A process is for companies that meet the following criteria:

  • Annual income: min. PLN 4 million
  • Positive financial result
  • Minimum 3 years on the market
  • Stable financial trend

We cannot help companies that:

  • Have been recording losses for over 24 months.
  • They have debts to the tax office, social security office, or contractors for over 24 months.
Dwóch mężczyzn rozmawiających ze sobą

For other companies, we offer Intermediary services

FAQ

Well-organised companies with good results and good scaling prospects sell best and fastest.
Depending on the cooperation option and the strategy adopted, the sale time may be:

– full process: 6 to 12 months (The time may be extended in the case of more complex transactions or specific industry requirements. Our fastest transaction took only 3 months).

– intermediation: we have little influence on the time of closing the transaction

We use a multi-level information protection system:

  1. Confidentiality agreements at every stage of the process
  2. Verification of the credibility of interested parties
  3. Verification of the match between the investor and the seller without disclosing names, using anonymous descriptions
  4. Gradual disclosure of information depending on the stage of the process
  5. Controlled access to company documentation

The costs on the M&A services market vary and depend on many factors, including: the size of the transaction, the scope of services, the experience of the advisor, the industry, and the territorial scope.
M&A services are settled by commission plus flat fees/lump sums/commission.

Our settlement model is as follows:

  • Success fee: From 5% to 20% of the transaction value
  • For the full process: success fee + process costs from PLN 25,000 net to PLN 120,000 net

We can also provide a preliminary cost estimate for your process during a free consultation.

You can terminate the process at any time without additional obligations. Our cooperation model does not include contractual penalties for leaving the process.

It is worth looking at two areas.

Business attractiveness in the eyes of investors. A good business, i.e. one that is organised, has structures in place and where the owner’s role is limited to management rather than operational functions, is definitely easier to sell. The sales and marketing department is efficient and ensures that individual customers contribute to the company’s revenue. All processes in the company are measured and monitored so that efficiency can be improved.

From the point of view of the sales process, the key areas of preparation are:

  • Checking whether there is demand on the market
  • Organising legal and financial documentation
  • Checking whether there are any formal restrictions on the process, e.g. joint position of co-owners, lack of pre-emptive rights
  • Ensuring business security if the investor withdraws from the process
  • Preparing a team or person responsible for the sale process and the integration phase after the acquisition

If you find this topic interesting and would like more information, please contact us.
If you need a detailed action plan, we will develop it during introductory workshop

Every transaction is different, but most often investors analyse:

  • The company’s financial situation
  • Market position
  • Competitive advantage
  • Benefits and synergies from the purchase
  • Growth potential
  • Risks

A company with a good market position, good organisation and good results is much more likely to enter into relations with investors and ultimately close a deal on better terms. We know that there are no perfect companies and that most businesses have something to improve. If owners are seriously considering selling their business, it is important that they are able to realistically assess the situation in the company and its market position. The role of an M&A advisor is to provide the owner with the investors’ perspective and jointly assess the company’s readiness for sale and the validity of initiating the process. If you need support in this assessment, we invite you to a free consultation.

Valuing a company before accepting an investor or selling it is a key point in the M&A process. For the purposes of a transaction, investors most often use:

  • The EBITDA multiplier method* x coefficient (the coefficient is determined on the basis of other market transactions or the investor’s strategy. These coefficients usually range from 2 to 7)
  • Income method (based on future cash flows)
  • Asset method

At Planner M&A, we know that the transaction price is shaped by the market and negotiations with potential buyers, so if the goal is to sell the company, you need interested investors more than you need a valuation.

We often encounter a situation where a client requests a valuation at the beginning of the process, but it is worth remembering that a valuation is a subjective expert opinion that does not always take into account all the risks that an investor sees. Therefore, when conducting the process of selling a company (assuming that there is demand for it) we create competition between investors, because this has the greatest impact on the final terms of the transaction.

Company valuations made for purposes other than sale require agreement with the client on the method and scope of the valuation.

*EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) – a company’s operating profit before deducting interest on interest-bearing liabilities (loans, bonds), taxes, amortisation of intangible assets and depreciation of tangible fixed assets.

It depends on the arrangements with the buyer. The investor will certainly do everything to retain good and very good employees. Most often, purchase agreements include:

  • Employment guarantees on terms no less favourable than those currently in place
  • Incentive packages for key employees/management
  • A succession plan for the current management team

The details are agreed during the negotiation of the terms of the transaction.

The scope of your involvement after the sale is negotiated with the buyer. Possible options include:

  • Immediate and complete exit from the company
  • Transition period (usually 6-12 months)
  • Long-term cooperation in a new role
  • We will help you choose and negotiate the best solution for you.
  • When the company is performing well and is on an upward trend. You can get more offers and high valuations.
  • You need to focus your resources and time on your core business.
  • You own a company with several business profiles, and some of the divisions are dragging the others down.
  • You are trapped in organisational growth without an increase in value.
  • You are unable to grow your business or lack ideas for doing so.
  • You do not have a successor or are concerned that transferring shares to your successors will lead to problems.
  • Your industry is consolidating, competition is getting stronger, and you are looking for a partner to help you achieve your strategic goals.
  • The industry you operate in is shrinking, and your business is no longer profitable.
  • You need to sell assets or a division as part of a restructuring or strategy change.
  • One of the most common reasons for failure in the sales process is a lack of knowledge and experience. Owners go through this process too rarely or only once in their lifetime. Working with experienced advisors will reduce the risk of mistakes. The costs of conducting the process with an experienced advisor are significantly lower than the costs of mistakes made or lost benefits when approaching the process without the necessary experience and knowledge.
  • Acquiring an investor/selling a company can take a long time. If we want good terms, selling the company quickly may not be effective. That is why we recommend planning the M&A process well in advance so that you are not under time pressure, can build the right structures and achieve a good negotiating position.
  • The involvement of a third party allows you to maintain an objective view of the complex process and reduce typical mistakes that can result from an emotional approach.
  • Thanks to our many years of presence on the market, we are in contact with industry investors, capital groups and financial investors. These contacts create an ecosystem that facilitates the dissemination of sales offers and builds demand. We work with experienced practitioners on the European market. In such a team, it is easier for us to solve M&A problems.
  • Professionally, we are involved in reaching investors with company sale offers; advertisements alone are not enough. We are able to effectively verify the intentions of investors.

There are basically two strategies in M&A processes: ‘fishing’ or actively searching for a buyer/investor.

The ‘fishing’ strategy (brokerage) involves providing anonymous information about the sale of a company to many investors, including random ones. The information is posted on our offer exchange, national and international M&A portals, other M&A boutiques and investor networks with which we have relationships. When selling a company in this way, we do not have full control over who obtains information about your company and what they do with it. This strategy is good if you want to save on process costs, you are a microbusiness owner, you are not in a hurry to sell/acquire an investor, and you have the time and knowledge to verify potential buyers yourself.

Actively searching for a buyer/investor (process) is a combination of the ‘fishing rod’ strategy and conscious contact with the market. Unlike brokerage, we verify the intentions of investors, allowing only those who meet the jointly agreed assumptions for the future transaction to enter the process. This strategy allows you to significantly increase business security, control the process and, by generating demand, obtain much better transaction terms than with brokerage.

Who are we?

We are an experienced team of advisors who have been supporting clients in the secure purchase and sale of companies since 2001.

Our expertise covers the full range of services necessary for the successful completion of the M&A process – from preparing the company, through actively searching for buyers, to finalising the agreement.

Planning to sell your company, or wondering if it’s a good move? Let’s talk!

Book a free consultation