Welcome to the June 2025 edition of The Deal Leader.
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We’re pleased to announce our latest deal, the successful sale of a South African software business to an international acquirer, marking a strong vote of confidence in the country’s fast-growing tech sector.
Global appetite for high-quality software businesses continues to rise, and South Africa is firmly on the radar. With world-class talent and innovation that rivals major tech hubs, local firms are increasingly attracting international interest.
In this deal, competitive tension played a key role:
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There was a 15% offer uplift from initial offer to final offer (by the acquirer).
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This offer came in 28% above comparable market offers.
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The seller’s first offer, although received outside of our process and being verbal and informal, was half the final offer concluded.
We’re proud to have played a part in this outcome. As the acquirer said: “Thank you, Deal Leaders International, for running a very honest and transparent transaction process. You are right at the top in terms of quality.”
FEATURE ARTICLE
Sector Focus or Sector Agnostic?
Why the Right M&A Partner Should Be Both.
When it comes to selling your business, one of the first questions many owners ask is: “Shouldn’t my M&A advisor know my industry inside and out?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
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In this month’s feature article, we unpack the value of choosing an M&A partner that brings the best of both worlds - deep expertise in key industries and the flexibility to navigate new ones with a strategic, research-led approach.
Discover how we tailor our process to suit your business, not just your sector, and why that matters more than ever in today’s market.
Behind the Scenes March 2025 Survey
We were curious to know what attendees thought of our Behind the Scenes events, so we recently reached out to everyone who’s attended. We are pleased to say that the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees rated the DLI team as highly engaging, deeply knowledgeable and delivering exceptional value. In fact, every respondent said they’d recommend the event to a family member or friend who owns a business.
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What did attendees find most valuable?
Attendees said they appreciated gaining a much clearer understanding of the dealmaking process and what it takes to get a business ready for sale. They valued the opportunity to connect face-to-face with our team, the clarity and logic of the presentations, and the impressive depth of research that underpins our approach.
If you missed out and think you’d benefit from this kind of insight, let us know. We’d be happy to walk you through it in a one-on-one conversation. Email us at connect@dealleadersint.com
We know that selling a business is a big decision—and it often starts with a lot of questions. That’s why we’ve created a detailed FAQ section to help business owners get the clarity they need.
Click here to explore answers to some of the most common questions we get from business owners. If there’s anything else on your mind, we’re just a conversation away.
Due Diligence on Classic Business with Michael Avery,
Sponsored by DLI
In two recent episodes of Due Diligence on Classic Business with Michael Avery, Andrew Bahlmann, unpacks key issues shaping the dealmaking landscape. From breaking down private equity’s current exit challenges in South Africa to exploring how AI can act as a “digital mirror” for businesses preparing for sale, these conversations offer valuable insights for any business owner thinking about growth or exit. Catch both episodes by clicking the play buttons below.
As always, our focus is on helping business owners make informed, confident decisions, whether you're actively preparing for a sale or just starting to explore your options. If you're curious about how our approach could apply to your business, or if you'd like to discuss anything you've read here, we’d love to hear from you.
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Warm regards
Andrew, Rick and the team
Get in Touch. Let's Chat.