When it comes to selling your business, the difference between an average outcome and an exceptional one rarely comes down to a single negotiation or a fortunate introduction. It is the result of careful preparation, disciplined execution and a structured process that creates competition, protects value and aligns the right buyer with the right opportunity.
In this edition of The Deal Leader, we continue our series of unpacking DLI’s proven deal-making methodology with the next two critical phases of the transaction journey.
Live-to-Market Phase: Where Buyer Interest Becomes Real Value
This is where preparation is transformed into genuine buyer interest. Learn why simply having a list of buyers isn’t enough, how DLI creates competitive tension, and why engaging the right buyers in the right way is essential to maximising value.
Deal-Making and Negotiation Phase: Turning Offers into Outcomes
This article examines what happens once offers start arriving. Discover why the highest offer isn’t always the best offer, how experienced negotiation protects value, and why the right deal structure can be just as important as the purchase price.
Missed the earlier articles? Catch up here:
Foundation Phase: Learn why successful exits begin long before a business goes to market, and how early planning can significantly improve both value and saleability.
Prep Phase: Discover how preparing your business, your financial information and your market strategy lays the groundwork for a competitive sale process.
South Africa's strongest industrial businesses don't become enduring companies by accident. They are built with intention, adapt to change, and create lasting value.
That's the thinking behind In Focus: Built to Last – a new Deal Leaders International content series, launching this September, in association with Creamer Media.
Whether you're planning for growth, succession or an eventual exit, this series is designed to provide practical insights. Across five interviews, we'll explore the issues shaping the future of industrial businesses.
Register now to access the series when it goes live.
July 2026
A Powerful Strategic Fit - atWORK Joins Momentum Group
DLI is excited to announce the successful sale of atWORK to Momentum Group. Having served as corporate finance adviser to atWORK throughout this journey, DLI is pleased to see this landmark transaction come to fruition as both organisations step into a bright new chapter together.
“This is exactly the kind of outcome we love to deliver—two businesses that fit together seamlessly, joining forces from a position of momentum and strength. It has been an absolute pleasure guiding the atWORK team through this milestone. We congratulate both leadership teams on getting this deal across the line and thank them for their trust, vision, and incredible collaboration throughout,” says Janine Wright, Deal Executive at DLI.
We wish both organisations every success and look forward to watching them innovate, thrive, and grow together in the years ahead.
Preparation, positioning, creating genuine competition and negotiating from a position of strength all play a role in protecting and maximising value.
If selling your business is on your horizon and you’d like to understand your next steps, get in touch for a confidential conversation. Call us on +27 (0) 11 084 0100, WhatsApp on +27 (0) 83 540 4998 or email connect@dealleadersint.com
Warm regards,
Rick, Andrew and the DLI Team