Corbett Keeling was delighted to host some 40 business owners at a seminar on preparing a business for sale and the sale process itself. Held in conjunction with international law firm Hogan Lovells, bankers Kleinwort Benson and PE Director, the newsletter for directors of private equity backed businesses, the seminar focused on key steps to take in order to maximise value when selling your business.

Over breakfast, Jim Keeling, Chairman and Chief Executive of Corbett Keeling discussed issues such as:

• how to build value in your business in the period leading up to a sale
• how to decide on the most appropriate exit route, including dealing with single or multiple buyers
• the choice of buyers, whether domestic or overseas, trade or financial, or in your or an adjacent sector
• the sale process itself, including how best to present your business so its value to buyers is maximised

There was also specialist input from Hogan Lovells covering key legal and tax aspects of a sale and from Kleinwort Benson outlining the practical steps owners should take to prepare themselves for being wealthy.