Losing Sight of the Big Picture is Easy to Do
Challenge: To Recognize the True Value of an Acquisition, Not Just Focusing on Today
TVG represented a project-based business that had a few million dollars in current backlog. This backlog represented over 100% of the current yearly revenue. When we went to market, our valuation was based on several factors including the historical cash-flow as well as the strength of the future backlog. The buyers agreed to the valuation in the Letter of Intent (LOI), but during the due-diligence period, the buyers got lost in the minutiae and tried to negotiate a lower price. The sellers were ready to retire but did not want a “fire sale” either. The buyers took the sellers’ desire for a quick sale as a weakness and tried several different ways to reduce the price.
Approach: Confidence in the TVG Valuation
TVG was confident in the valuation that we prepared and felt this was a fair yet aggressive price for this business. There were many existing positive attributes of the business that were addressed clearly in the valuation for the buyer to have the full picture of the selling company.
Finally, the seller was tired of the buyer’s indecisiveness and attempts to tear down the agreed upon price. The seller was ready to terminate the LOI and find another buyer. TVG understood the seller’s frustration. We discussed with the seller how we would make the buyer see reason and urged them to give the buyer another chance. TVG then went to the buyers and very bluntly explained to them that they were days away from the seller walking away from this deal. We showed them the solid facts that they would be missing a huge opportunity because they were trying to shave off a few dollars. The price of the deal was more than fair. On top of that, the value that this particular buyer would be able to bring to the company very quickly would more than make up for the feeling of overpaying for the company.
Result: Buyer Agreed to Honor the Original LOI
The deal was able to close in a relatively close proximity to the original closing schedule. Nine (9) months after the close, TVG followed up with the new buyers. The business had grown 25% in less than nine (9) months, and the new owner offered thanks and apologies for breaking down during the due diligence process.