Episode 6: After The Deal – What No One Tell You
What really happens once the ink is dry on a transaction In the final episode of this six-part ‘investment story’ series, we talk to a panel of experienced consultancy leaders and advisors about what really happens after a deal is done – and what no one tells you in advance. The conversation explores the emotional, […]
Episode 5: Getting Ready – What to Do Before You Press Go
What readiness really looks like when selling or seeking investment In this episode, we focus on what it really means to be ready for a deal – not just in theory, but in practice. Host John Howard is joined by two seasoned founders and a corporate finance advisor to explore what it really means to […]
Episode 4: What Buyers Look For – And What Spooks Them
How investors assess value, spot risks and decide when to walk away In this episode, we look at how investors and advisors assess a business – and what can spook them. We’re joined by an investor, a corporate lawyer and a corporate finance advisor to talk about what builds confidence during a transaction – and […]
Episode 3: What Makes a Business Valuable?
Unpacking the real drivers of high valuations in professional services In this episode, we ask a deceptively simple question: what actually makes a business valuable? Host John Howard is joined by a founder, an investor and an advisor to explore what really drives high valuations in professional services. They talk about the importance of revenue […]
Episode 2: Are We Really Aligned?
Keeping ambitions, personalities and timelines on track when a transaction looms In this episode, we explore one of the biggest hidden success factors in any deal: alignment between shareholders. We’re joined by four founders who’ve lived through the challenge of keeping ambitions, personalities and timelines aligned as their businesses evolved – and as the prospect […]
Episode 1: Should We Even Consider a Deal?
Real stories from founders and leaders on deciding if – and when – to sell, take investment or stay independent. In this opening episode of the Unlocking Value podcast, we begin a six-part mini series all about the ‘investment story’. To kick things off, we go right back to the first big question founders face: […]
Equipping a founder-led consultancy for exit and valuation discussions
A founder-led boutique consultancy engaged Garwood to provide independent guidance ahead of potential sale discussions. Our light-touch valuation assessment equipped the founder with a clear view of normalised EBITDA, working capital and valuation multiplier expectations – supporting both immediate negotiation readiness and future value-building priorities.
Maximising valuation and founder returns at a UK consultancy
The founder and shareholders of a long-established international equality, diversity and inclusion consultancy engaged Garwood to support the sale of their business following a speculative offer. Through strategic preparation and negotiation, we helped maximise value, achieving an enterprise value four times higher than the initial offer.