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A Defensible Valuation Avoids Discounts

Successful exits don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of careful planning, strategic execution, and disciplined process management. Here’s how the LMM America Exit Readiness works and guides you from initial conversation to final close.

OUR END-TO-END EXIT READINESS PROCESS

From First Conversation to Successful Exit

PHASE 1: Initial ASSESSMENT & Current Valuation (FREE)

The Starting Point: Understanding Where You Are Right Now
We provide every owner the opportunity to take a complimentary web-based Quick-Look initial assessment with current initial valuation. The insights from this assessment will be a discussion topic for those who move the next Phase.
OUTCOME: An initial picture of where you stand and what needs to happen to have a better exit.

PHASE 2: Discovery - Confirm Fit & Context

Starting Point: Do Both Parties Have A Mutual Understanding Where You Are
An opportunity for both parties to meet and get to know each other on a business and personal level. We clarify your goals, timeline, and constraints—and determine if your business is a fit for our model.
OUTCOME: A fully informed owner, a defined path forward, general description of project work to be done, a general exit timeframe, and a target valuation at exit.

PHASE 3: Deliver Full Assessment (Paid) & Project Plan

Comprehensive Scoring And Diagnosis Of Business
An in depth assessment and score of your business using our "7 plus 1" process and  evaluative criteria (below). Identification of value gaps and deal risk, with issues translated into a prioritized action plan.

OUTCOME: Sets the stage and timeline for doing the preparation project work that will yield a defensible valuation that is in line with the assessment work and analysis that has been done to date.

PHASE 4: Prioritize And Commence Project Work

Highest "Bang For Your Buck" Work Is Done First.
We implement the highest-impact improvements from your project plan—processes, reporting cadence, operational controls, and targeted tech/automation. This is 'do the work' mode, not theory. We install the systems and drive adoption with your team. (Throughout the project, monthly Value-Check progress reports will be done to gauge value gains.)

OUTCOME: Owner sees measurable operational improvements fast—and are ready to implement change.  Throughout this phase, we protect your time and minimize disruption to your daily operations.

PHASE 5: Stabilize & Optimize

Make The Enhancements "Stick"
We ensure the new operating cadence is real and repeatable—not a one-time project. Each of our "7 plus 1" areas of focus will be looked at based on your project plan. Going in, some will be stronger than others. The point is to exhaust all opportunities for value gains.
OUTCOME: The goal is to maintain your business readiness all the way through to exit—not let gains erode over time.

PHASE 6: Readiness! & To List Or Not To List?

Market Readiness Review
When all the work is done, the Value-Check progress reports becomes a Market-Ready review. Your LMM America M&A Advisor team member (who has had a pulse on your business and project from Day 1) will be involved. A defensible valuation figure will be produced. And you will have the option to list the business or reap the upside improvements.
OUTCOME: Wether you are ready to explore a transaction or not, we will be a Zoom call away.

PHASE 7: CLOSING & TRANSITION

Bringing the Transaction Home
The final phase involves working closely with attorneys, financial advisors and your M&A advisor. We stay involved through final close to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Finalize purchase agreements and legal documentation. Coordinate closing logistics and fund transfers. Plan and execute ownership transition. Ensure all parties fulfill their obligations. We stay involved through final close to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

OUTCOME: A  successful transaction close, with funds transferred and transition underway.

THE NUTS & BOLTS OF THE "7 PLUS 1" PROCESS

Finance

Usually first up. Buyers price off earnings, and inconsistent or heavily “adjusted” earnings create uncertainty. Buyers discount what they can’t verify.

Leadership & management

In second place, narrowly. Owner dependence is consistently one of buyers’ top priorities, because they want assurance the business can stand on its own.

Sales & customers

Third place. Always scrutinized considerably. High customer concentration is a big risk to a buyer. Can buyers count on the recurring revenue?

People

Buyers want to avoid turnover or low morale, which can derail growth after the sale. Human resources is a difficult subject from many directions.

Owner Readiness

It doesn’t affect what a buyer pays. It affects whether the deal closes and whether the owner signs. That makes it important to LMM, but buyers don’t price it.

Operations

Documented systems ease the transition and reduce dependence on specific people. They matter, but mainly as support for items 1 and 2.

Legal & Compliance

It rarely raises price, but it can kill a deal. Legal disputes show up in buyers’ standard red-flag lists. It’s best treated as a pass/fail gate rather than a weighted score.

Business Readiness is the "Plus 1"

Readiness is the reason we're here! We came to create a more valuable business. And we did it! Owners choice. List and sell? Own a better business?

READY TO BEGIN?

Let’s Discuss Your Situation

Every successful exit starts with a single conversation.

We offer a web-based initial assessment & current valuation, followed by a confidential, no-pressure discovery conversation to help you understand:

  • Where you are in the readiness process
  • What a realistic exit timeline looks like for your situation
  • What needs to happen before you go to market
  • How we can help you achieve your best possible outcome

No obligation. No pressure. Just an honest conversation about the path forward.

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