OBA Process | Ottawa Business Advisors

Over 25 years of experience; multiple industries served.

Ottawa Business Advisors has always used a personal approach to business sales that has proven to be a success to the satisfaction of our clients

We have a thorough understanding of the selling process and the complex motivations that come into play.

Our process is specifically designed to maximize value, protect confidentiality without any interruption in the day-to-day business, and move the transaction in a timely manner.

OBA's Proven Selling Advisory & Process

Step 1: Initial Meeting to Determine Objectives

Preliminary, no-obligation meeting where general information is exchanged for us to become acquainted with each other.

Options to decide include: sell and retire, sell and remain with the company, or transfer ownership to employees or family members.

Step 2: Gathering Required Information

Three to five years of up-to-date financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets and income tax returns.
A list of furniture, fixtures, equipment (with an estimated value in place, in use), inventory, trade names, patents and other assets to be transferred with the business
Real property and equipment leases or surveys and appraisal if real estate is to be sold with business
Any contracts related to the operation of the business.
Other information which influences Company operations.
List of key employees and their roles/compensation

Step 3: Engagement Letter

You enter an Engagement Agreement with OBA, granting us exclusive rights to market your company for a set period and under specific terms.

Step 4: Examining Financial Statements for Company Valuation

A valuation or MPSP (Most Probable Selling Price) is performed to determine a price range that can be expected in the marketplace.

Establishing a fair market price helps you to understand the highest price a fully informed buyer is willing to pay for your company, and lets you avoid the risk of losing a timely sale by overpricing your company or leaving money on the table by undervaluing your business.

Step 5: Preparation of a Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM)

With your approval, we create a marketing campaign and CIM document for potential Acquirers, followed by a national advertising campaign targeting specific buyers and the public.

Step 6: Identifying and Screening Buyers

Identifying the right acquirer is crucial for your business's valuation.

We ensure buyers sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, assess their financial qualifications, and evaluate their ability to grow the business or expand their portfolio.

Step 7: Site Visit and/or meeting to discuss Business Operations

The first visit, on-site, allows the buyer to tour your facility and build rapport with the seller.

Step 8: Purchase Offer and Negotiations

OBA helps you review the written purchase offer, as a Letter of Intent, detailing price, terms, conditions, and contingencies, while working with advisors to maximize your sales value.

Step 9: Due Diligence

Once the Conditional Offer has been negotiated and accepted by both parties, we go into the Due Diligence phase. The offer is usually contingent on the buyers or their professionals verifying the accuracy of the seller’s financial and operational representations.

Step 10: Closing

Once the Due Diligence phase is completed, OBA will assist, as much as possible, your advisors to prepare closing documents, oversee the signing of legal papers, transfer ownership and complete the sale, achieving your goal.

Step 11: Transitional Period

This involves cooperating with the Buyers to ensure a smooth transition, including meeting key contacts and sharing necessary proprietary information.