October has been a month of milestones. From launching DLI Advisory, to closing another successful deal and hosting a LinkedIn Live webinar, our focus remains clear: to help business owners, corporates and investors achieve better outcomes through preparation, timing and strategic foresight.
In this issue, our feature article spotlights a powerful example of succession done right, where foresight and empowerment paved the way for a seamless leadership transition and exceptional deal results.
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Strategic Investment in Talisman Hire
We’re proud to have acted as the sell-side advisor to Talisman Hire, a leading Southern African equipment rental group with more than 100 owner-operated franchised stores.
Through our process, we identified and secured the right strategic investor – one with a proven ability to scale high-growth businesses – ensuring the continued expansion of the Talisman brand and its franchise network across Southern Africa.
Since 1993, Talisman has earned its reputation for reliable service, competitive pricing and quality equipment.
The transaction was structured to meet the strategic and financial objectives of both buyer and seller while preserving Talisman’s strong national network and positioning the business for growth and founder-led continuity.
Deal Leaders International is proud to have guided another South African success story into its next phase of growth.
FEATURE ARTICLE
Succession Done Right: How Cobra Navigated Leadership Transition
By Andrew Bahlmann, DLI Corporate & Advisory Chief Executive
For many founders, the idea of stepping back from a business they have built from the ground up is as daunting as the deal itself. Yet when handled with foresight and humility, succession can become one of the biggest value drivers in an M&A process.
In this article, DLI Corporate & Advisory Chief Executive Andrew Bahlmann shares how one founder empowered a younger CEO years before the transaction, creating:
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Continuity for employees and customers
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Stability for stakeholders
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Growth potential that reassured buyers
The result? A smooth transition that preserved legacy while setting the business up for its next chapter.
DLI ADVISORY LAUNCH
Engineering Better Exits
We officially launched DLI Advisory at a private breakfast on 23 October 2025 at Houghton Golf Club, Johannesburg. The event brought together an exclusive group of private equity and corporate leaders for a conversation on how early preparation can transform exit outcomes.
Hosted by financial journalist and broadcaster Michael Avery, the panel discussion, featuring DLI Chief Executives Andrew Bahlmann and Rick Grantham, together with DLI Advisory Executive Taryn Henkel, explored the realities of exit readiness and the often-overlooked factors that determine value at the deal table.
Guests were introduced to DLI Advisory’s new solutions – the Strategic Exit Readiness Assessment (SERA) and Strategic Exit Readiness Programme (SERP) – developed to help shareholders and management teams proactively identify risks, close value gaps and position their businesses for premium valuations.
“Too often, sellers only discover what’s missing when the buyer’s due diligence begins. Our goal with DLI Advisory is to bring a consulting-grade, strategic approach to exit readiness.” Andrew Bahlmann
The morning provided valuable insights, lively discussion and new connections among leaders who share a common goal: achieving stronger, cleaner and more predictable deal outcomes.
The launch marks the next chapter in DLI’s commitment to helping clients not just sell, but sell well.
If you are in private equity, visit https://www.dealleadersint.com/dli-advisory to learn more or get in touch by emailing connect@dealleadersint.com
In our latest webinar, 8 Deals in 10 Months: Why Waiting to Sell Can Be Risky, DLI Joint Chief Executives Andrew Bahlmann and Rick Grantham shared insights drawn from our last 8 deals to show why the best exits don’t start at the finish line.
This LinkedIn Live webinar session drew a strong turnout of business owners and advisors from across the African continent.
One of the key takeouts? You’ve got to be able to tell a story… and then prove it. The numbers must support the story. Preparation is what makes that possible.
The conversation was practical, transparent and deeply relevant to any business owner considering an exit in the next few years.
If you’d like to understand more about how early planning shapes successful exits, watch the full webinar recording.
HEALTHCARE INNOVATION SUMMIT AFRICA 2025
We were a sponsor at the Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa 2025, which took place earlier this month at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg
This summit brought together leaders driving transformation across healthcare, from digital health and medical technology to private equity and infrastructure.
It was great to connect with the healthcare community and explore how collaboration, investment and innovation can work hand-in-hand to strengthen Africa’s health ecosystem.
Great exits are built long before a sale begins, through clear strategy, thoughtful leadership and readiness at every level of the business.
Thank you to everyone who continues to be part of the DLI community.
Warm regards
Andrew, Rick and the DLI team