Every business owner will face exit decisions at some point, whether planned years in advance or triggered by an unexpected opportunity. The difference between an average outcome and a premium one almost always comes down to preparation, timing and the quality of advice around you.
In this edition of The Deal Leader, we explore what happens when a buyer approaches you directly, the key checks that build real exit readiness and the questions every business owner should ask before selecting an M&A advisor.
FEATURE ARTICLE
The Up- and Downside of Selling Your Business To a Direct Offer
By Rick Grantham, DLI Mid-Market Chief Executive
When a credible buyer approaches you directly, it can feel like the perfect shortcut to a successful exit. But is accepting the offer the right move, or should you pause and create competitive tension through a broader market process?
In a recent logistics and IT services transaction, an unsolicited approach from an existing client forced shareholders to weigh certainty against potential upside.
The outcome offers valuable lessons on negotiation, risk, timing and the realities of deal execution.
In this month’s feature article, Rick Grantham shares practical lessons for evaluating a direct buyer approach.
.png)
You don’t need to be ready to sell. But you should be building readiness.
In this episode of At the Table with Rick Grantham, Rick is joined by DLI executives Nitish Mudgal and Taryn Henkel to discuss the 7 key exit readiness checks every business owner should understand long before going to market.
These checks form the foundation of exit readiness. Without them, value becomes uncertain. With them, leverage increases.
To find out more about the hidden drivers of exit value, from succession planning and working capital discipline to forecasting clarity and due diligence readiness, watch the interview or read Rick’s article.
5 Questions to Ask When Selecting an M&A Advisor
Choosing the right M&A advisor will directly impact your outcome. Ask these questions to assess whether an advisor has the depth and discipline required for your exit.
SAVCA PE CONFERENCE
10-11 MARCH 2026 | CENTURY CITY CONFERENCE CENTRE, CAPE TOWN
We’re pleased to share that we will be attending the SAVCA Private Equity Conference 2026, taking place on 10–11 March at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town.
If you’re attending the conference and would like to discuss upcoming exits, portfolio realisations or how to prepare a business for market, we’d welcome the opportunity to connect. Let’s use the time in Cape Town to start a meaningful conversation.
If you’re attending and would like to meet, feel free to call us at +27 (0) 11 084 0100 to set up a time.
Successful exits are rarely accidental. They are the result of deliberate preparation and disciplined execution. Whether you are actively considering a transaction or simply beginning to think about the future, the decisions you make today will shape the outcome.
If you would like to explore your own readiness or discuss a potential exit in confidence, we invite you to get in touch.
Warm regards,
Rick, Andrew and the DLI Team