Business Valuations & Due Diligence

Whether you are buying or selling a business, having expert valuation and due diligence advice is integral to getting the best outcome and managing risk.

The Best Money You Will Ever Spend

Would you buy a house without getting a building report? A business is a significant investment like a house, but the risks are often harder to spot. We can help you better understand the value of the business to ensure you’re not overpaying and uncover any hidden risks so you can go into the deal with your eyes wide open.

Looking to buy a business?

We’ll help you make smarter better decisions

with expertise in both accounting and business brokering, our team understand real-world value, not just the theory

Valuation

our due diligence team bring specialist auditing and forensic accounting experience to help you gain deeper insight into the risks of a business

Due Diligence

with ex-bankers on our team, we know how banks think and can help you present a strong business case to support your finance application

Finance

Buy with confidence

Buying with confidence demands a thorough understanding of the risks and opportunities that lie beneath the surface. Our valuation and due diligence services act as your shield against uncertainty, uncovering hidden intricacies and ensuring that every aspect of the business is scrutinized.

Looking to sell a business?

We’ll help you understand the pillars of value in your business

with expertise in both accounting and business brokering, our team understand real-world value, not just the theory

Valuation

selling a business is a 3-5 year journey - we can help you proactively plan for your exit to ensure you maximize your value

Sale Ready

marketing a business is about more than just the numbers, we help you tell the business story and communicate the strategic opportunities

Marketing

Sell the story

Behind every successful business, there's a story waiting to be told. Our team of experts understands the intricacies of your business and can help you translate them into a narrative that captivates and resonates. You’re not just selling the numbers; you’re selling the essence of your brand, its journey, and the potential it holds for the future.

Working with us is as easy as…

Click the button below and complete the enquiry form.

1.

Get in contact

2.

Discovery meeting

We’ll organise a discovery meeting where we can learn a bit more about your needs.

We’ll send out some documents for signing via our digital signing software.

3.

Engagement terms

Our M&A, Valuation and Due Diligence Team

Manoli Aerakis | Director
BCom, AFA, REAA Licence

With experience across banking, accounting, consulting and business brokering, Manoli has been involved in countless business sales, mergers and acquisitions during his career. This wide-ranging experience gives Manoli a unique perspective enabling him to think about deals from all sides of the table.

Manoli understands how bankers think, and he uses this knowledge to help clients present strong business cases for acquisitions and mergers. Furthermore, with his experience in business brokering, Manoli understands that determining a business’ value is more art than science - he is able to see value beyond just the numbers, in the story, the brand, the people and the strategy.

To learn more about Manoli, listen to his interview on the Make It Count podcast.

Michael Parker | Director
BBus, Grad Dip Bus, CA, CPP, MINSTD

Having previously worked as an auditor at Deloitte in New Zealand and the UK, Michael has been involved in a range of due diligence projects from private SME transactions, to corporate mergers and acquisitions. Using his vast audit experience, Michael takes a risk-based approach to due diligence, really drilling down into the fundamental risks of the deal and any potential opportunities for value-add to ensure the buyer is making a well-informed decision.

Michael brings real-world experience. In 2022, Michael and his wife Hannah acquired a small retail business called Palm Boutique, and in 2023, Michael merged the firm he co-founded (Crux) with Malloch McClean.

As one of Malloch McClean’s in-house valuation experts, Michael has conducted valuations of businesses across a wide range of industries and sizes.

To learn more about Michael, listen to his interview on the Make It Count podcast.

Louise Staite | Director
BCom, CA, CPP

Louise is a qualified chartered accountant with extensive experience valuing small and medium-sized businesses. She's got a wealth of experience in navigating the financial intricacies of different industries. From startups to established ventures, Louise brings a practical and insightful approach to understanding the true value of each business she evaluates.

Louise has developed a specialist niche valuing property management businesses.

Specialist Valuation Services

Settlement of Relationship Property

Our expert business valuations ensure a fair and accurate assessment of value for the settlement of relationship property matters, providing clarity and equity in dividing assets during these sensitive times.

Expert Witness and Litigation Support

We can act as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Our comprehensive business valuations stand as a testament to reliability, offering a strong foundation for legal arguments, ensuring a credible and compelling presence in the courtroom.

Shareholder Disputes

Resolve shareholder conflicts with confidence. Our objective assessment of business value provides a solid basis for negotiation and resolution, facilitating a smoother path through the complexities of shareholder disputes.

Shareholder Agreements

Having a robust valuation methodology set out in your shareholder agreement provides clarity to all parties, and can prevent shareholder disputes escalating into costly legal battles.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Due diligence is the process of thoroughly examining a business or investment before entering into a transaction. It helps identify risks, opportunities, and potential deal-breakers, ensuring informed decision-making.

  • Due diligence covers a broad spectrum, including financial records, legal contracts, operational processes, customer relationships, and regulatory compliance. It aims to uncover any potential risks or opportunities associated with the transaction. Given the broad nature of due diligence, it’s common to have several different types of advisors involved (i.e. accounting, valuation, legal, insurance, bankers, etc.)

  • By thoroughly examining all aspects of a business, due diligence helps identify potential risks and challenges. This allows for informed decision-making and the development of strategies to mitigate or address these risks before finalising the transaction.

  • Due diligence for M&A transactions tends to be more extensive, covering not only financial and operational aspects but also strategic fit, cultural alignment, and potential synergies between the merging entities.

  • If issues are identified, it provides an opportunity for the parties involved to renegotiate price/terms, address concerns, or implement strategies to mitigate risks. In some cases, it may lead to the reconsideration or restructuring of the deal.

  • Yes, advancements in technology have made remote due diligence more feasible. Cloud document management, online collaboration tools, and video conferencing allow for efficient and secure due diligence processes without the need for physical presence.

  • Legal due diligence focuses on examining the legal aspects of a business, including contracts, licenses, litigation history, and regulatory compliance. It is necessary in most business transactions to ensure that the legal foundation is sound.

  • Preparing for due diligence involves organising and updating financial records, contracts, and other relevant documents. It also includes being ready to address questions and provide additional information promptly. A proactive approach can streamline the due diligence process.

Due Diligence FAQs

  • The duration of a valuation can vary based on the complexity and size of the business. It generally takes a few weeks to a couple of months to gather data, perform analysis, and deliver a comprehensive valuation report.

  • The information required for a business valuation includes financial statements, historical performance data, market and industry trends, and details about the company's assets, liabilities, and operations.

  • Yes, our valuation services are tailored to accommodate a wide range of industries and niche markets. Our team has experience and expertise in adapting valuation methodologies to suit specific business environments.

  • Confidentiality is a top priority. We have strict protocols in place to ensure that sensitive business information is kept confidential throughout the valuation process. Our team understands the importance of discretion.

  • The results of a valuation can guide strategic decision-making, such as mergers and acquisitions, expansion plans, partnership negotiations, and overall business development. Understanding your business's value is key to making informed strategic choices.

  • The valuation method used will depend on the nature of the business and the underlying circumstances. We have experience with a range of valuation methods including discounted cashflow, capitalisation of future maintainable earnings, market comparables, and more.

  • We recommend getting your business valued at least 3-5 years before you wish to exit. This will give you a clear understanding of the current value of the business and what you can do to enhance the value.

  • No, the vendor’s accountant is working for them. You should always engage your own independent advisor to provide valuation advice.

Valuation FAQs