Silverwood Partners views the decision to sell a company as a process that involves planning, management, and preparation to obtain the best possible price and terms in a transaction. The reasons for initiating a sale process vary but are typically strategic in nature and may include a need for capital, gaining access to complementary technologies, achieving marketing leverage through an established brand name, or gaining access to improved sales, service, and distribution channels.

Each sale or merger presents a unique set of challenges that can only be overcome through extensive transaction experience and deep sector knowledge. Silverwood's senior professionals are all seasoned investment bankers with extensive experience in implementing a disciplined sale process that includes gaining a thorough understanding of the client, the competitive landscape in which it operates, its culture, and potential. With Silverwood's detailed industry knowledge all such considerations are taken into account to optimally position a client's business with potential strategic partners.

Silverwood's objective is to maximize the sale price by identifying and working with buyers who are most likely to pay a premium price. From the tactical perspective, Silverwood uses its findings and the client's preferences to develop a recommended pricing strategy and procedures for the sale. Ultimately, the selected approach may be a negotiated sale with the highest potential buyer, a limited auction, or a wide auction. Regardless of approach, an important aspect of any sale process is to create competition among buyers to maximize the sale price and optimize transaction terms.

In preparation for the sale, Silverwood analyzes the business and its competitive profile to determine the most logical buyers based on the strategic fit and business rationale for each potential acquiror. In addition, Silverwood develops an estimated valuation range for the business based on its likely performance under the ownership and management of the highest-potential strategic buyers.

The principal aspects of the sale process are: research, identify, screen, prioritize, and contact prospective buyers for the business.

1. Prepare a comprehensive information memorandum that includes financial, qualitative, industry, and competitive information, and that highlights the investment opportunity and its strategic and financial value to prospective purchasers.
2. Distribute the information memorandum to selected buyers and manage the various requests for additional information, respond to questions, and coordinate visits to facilities and meetings with management.
3. Maintain a competitive environment by moving multiple potential buyers forward simultaneously, carefully managing due diligence and the data room, and assisting buyers in preparing initial offers or letters of intent.
4. Evaluate alternative offers, including any financing contingencies, and assist in negotiating the terms, conditions, structure, and pricing of a transaction to best achieve the seller's objectives. At a client's request, Silverwood will serve as lead negotiator.
5. Provide all supervision required through the contract stage and assist with all matters that pertain to closing with the goal of maintaining momentum through the successful closure of a transaction.