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Advisors to Serious Sellers.

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Trusted by Serious Buyers.

The Right Fit For Your Business

Deal Leaders International is a boutique M&A advisory firm specialising in helping business owners and executives with an annual pre-tax profit of R15m+ engineer their growth-to-exit journey. We go beyond traditional advisory services, partnering with our clients to design, execute and optimise strategies that achieve maximum value when selling their businesses. 

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Our mission is to empower our clients to achieve outcomes that align with their financial, professional and personal goals while positioning their businesses as highly attractive to the right buyers. As the Africa representative of the Pandea Global M&A network, we offer our clients both local and international expertise and experience. With 68 Pandea offices in 36 countries and over 2500 successfully completed transactions with a combined deal value over €50 billion, Deal Leaders International offers deep market insights, practical expertise and a results-driven approach to prepare and successfully execute business growth and exit strategies. 

Meet Our Team

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Andrew Bahlmann CA(SA)
Joint Chief Executive

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Rick Grantham (MBA)
Joint Chief Executive

Janine Write

Janine Wright CGMA, MFin

Deal Executive​

Lorna Paterson

Lorna Paterson

NBI Manager​​

Nitish Mudgal

Nitish Mudgal CA(SA), CFA, M(Com)

Transaction Executive​

Taryn Henkel

Taryn Henkel CA (SA)

Executive: Finance Analysis​

Andries Louw

Andries Louw

Deal Executive​

Dylan Puchert

Dylan Puchert ACMA, CGMA

Transaction Analyst​

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Jago Fiore

Business Analyst

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John Powell CA(SA) | CGMA

Transaction Executive

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Jonathan Stevens

Systems and Technology​

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Lucas Mahlasela Makhubela Jnr

Business Analyst

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Matt van Westenbrugge

Business Analyst​

Nina Vila Pouca

Nina Vila-Pouca

NBI Co-ordinator​

Rudolph Vermeulen

Rudolph Vermeulen

Manager: Market Engagement​

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Nawaal Woksam

Operations Administrator​

Our Approach

At Deal Leaders International, we understand that selling your business is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make. That’s why our approach is designed to prioritise your needs, protect your interests and deliver exceptional outcomes. We bring a unique combination of expertise, global reach and a commitment to building genuine relationships with our clients. 

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Here's how we set ourselves apart. 

For Us, It is Personal

We are entrepreneurs in the M&A space. Our entrepreneurial DNA always ensures that we adopt the approach of 'how we can' versus 'why we can't. It means we get you. And we have an exceptional team with functional expertise to deliver. 

Extensive Global Reach

We have developed a strong international network in over 36 geographies around the world through our Pandea Global M&A network and our alliance with CapEQ in the UK, to give you unparalleled access to a pool of high-net-worth acquirers and strategic partners. 

Confidentiality and Governance 

We get the risk that exists around keeping your sale process confidential. Our governance process ensures that confidentiality is maintained at all times. 

Operating Framework 

The combination of our proven track record, transaction process and approach ensures maximum efficiency, effectiveness and control for all stakeholders. 

Control

Traditionally, the buyer of your business controls your business sale process. Our operating framework flips that on its head to ensure that you, the business owner, maintain control of this process from start to finish. 

Entrepreneurship is in Our DNA 

The road to selling your business is an intricate and complex one. We immerse ourselves in our clients' businesses and use proven processes executed by a specialist team that is determined and committed to finding the right buyer and the best deal. We do this by taking the time to understand our clients' businesses and needs through the development of real relationships. 

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Capacity to Run Your Business 

The process around the sale of your business can be very disruptive to you and your business. Your management time and energy are preserved by Deal Leaders International managing 90% of the process on your behalf, while guaranteeing you complete oversight. 

Market and Industry Insights 

Deal Leaders International engages with over 1,500 acquirers a year, providing us with extensive market insights and buyer investment strategies. Add to this our market intelligence via our Pandea Global network, Cap EQ, Valutico and S&P's Capital IQ, we can provide invaluable insights into market perceptions and industry trends. 

Choice

We engage a far larger number of potential acquirers than the traditional approach would have you believe is necessary. This ensures that you have choice when it comes to selecting the very best buyer and deal for you and your business. Other critical choice elements include deal structure, transaction timing and cultural fit with the buyer. 

 What Sets Us Apart 

  • Driven by Sales and Marketing (Positioning): We don’t just manage transactions. We strategically position businesses in the market to attract the right buyers and maximise value. ​

  • Much More Than Just a Process! Our approach goes beyond checklists and timelines; we guide business owners through a carefully structured journey that ensures the best possible outcome. ​

  • Foundation Phase or CEMA Ensures Alignment and Confidence: Our structured initial phase, whether through our proprietary CEMA process or Foundation Phase ensures a solid strategy before going to market. ​

  • Deal Leaders International Adds Value to Both the Seller and the Buyer (Collaborative Trust): We foster a win-win environment where both parties feel confident in the deal, ensuring long-term success and trust in the transaction. ​

  • Never Take a Price to Market; Generate Offers: Instead of setting a fixed price, we create a competitive environment where buyers put forward their best offers, driving up value for the seller. 

  • Right Balance Between Number of Clients and Team Resources: We carefully manage our client load to ensure every deal receives the attention, expertise and strategic input it deserves. ​

  • Fee Structure Is Important, but It Must Align with Value: Our fees are structured to reflect the tangible value we deliver, ensuring alignment with the outcome rather than just the process. 

  • Focus on Fit Before Numbers: We prioritise finding the right buyer, one who aligns with the business’s culture, vision and goals, before focusing on financial aspects. 

  • Competitive Process Without Being an Auction: We create a structured, strategic process that generates multiple offers while maintaining control and avoiding the pitfalls of an open bidding war.

  • Significant Focus on Acquirer Research: We invest heavily in identifying and analysing potential buyers to ensure they are serious, well-suited and capable of completing a successful transaction. 

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