The tables are turned in this episode.

I am in the hot seat revealing all about my own acquisition story.

I am joined by Astan Morarji, a Multi-Exited Founder and Leader, who interviews me on the importance of acquisitions in business growth and the challenges faced during my recent acquisition.

We discuss the significance of understanding client relationships, the learning process in acquisitions, and the drive to help business owners maximise wealth and create generational wealth through strategic business decisions.

Financial literacy is so important for business owners, especially in acquisitions. So, we explore the common concerns sellers have during the acquisition process, the significance of warranties and fair terms, and the misconceptions surrounding no money down deals.

This was a lot of fun to be hot in the hot seat, I do hope you enjoy this episode!

"Acquisitions should be a growth vehicle" – Julie Wilkinson

Timestamps

01:27 - An introduction to Astan

03:13 - Julie's background and journey into business

08:25 - How her background shaped her as a business owner

09:59 - The details of Julie's acquisition

12:30 - How long did the acquisition process take?

15:07 - The complexities of the asset sale

20:52 - The seller's relationship with the clients

24:08 - De-risking concerns with the deal

30:50 - What has Julie learned from this deal?

36:10 - Are buyers always visionaries?

Connect with Astan Morarji:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/astanm/

Connect With Julie Wilkinson

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/

Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions

Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/

Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/

Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Financial literacy is the biggest barrier to successful M&A.

Both sellers and buyers need to know how the numbers work to ensure they get the best deal.

In this episode I am joined by Erin O'Leary, an M&A and exit advisor. We explore the intricacies of business acquisitions and exits. Erin shares insights from her extensive experience, including a case study of a legacy bus company and the factors influencing business valuation.

We also share our experiences as women in the M&A space, from representation of women to the strengths women have as CEOs.

This episode is full of insights into what buyers and sellers need to know to get the best out of their deals.

" Valuation is relative to the buyer's situation " - Erin O'Leary

Timestamps

01:53 - An introduction to Erin

03:50 - The biggest issues in acquisitions

07:26 - The lack of financial expertise in acquisitions

13:37 - Why founders need to be financially literate

17:55 - A laborious bus company acquisition

22:15 - Where adjustments in the valuation happen

28:01 - Erin's current projects

Connect with Erin O'Leary:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinolearymba/

Connect With Julie Wilkinson

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/

Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions

Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/

Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Imagine selling your business for 9 figures.

Would you start imagining what you could do with it all before the deal is done?

My guest in this episode not only imagined he started spending it. Only to find that half of it fell through between the letter of intent to the final deal.

Alexis Sikorsky shares his journey of building and exiting a software company for a nine-figures. He discusses the challenges he faced during the financial crisis, and the role of private equity in his business growth.

We also highlight the differences between lifestyle and growth companies and offer insights into how entrepreneurs can maximize their business value.

"From the letter of intent to an actual sale half of the deal fell through" - Alexis Sikorsky

Timestamps

01:45 - An introduction to Alexis

07:48 - From hard times to 9 figure exit

12:27 - How bringing in expert knowledge helped

14:08 - Did Alexis have to get creative with cashflow?

14:36 - The timescale to sell after bringing in the PE firm

17:39 - Alexis on his experience with the PE firm

24:32 - The big issue with pre-negotiations

31:05 - Moving away from a lifestyle business sooner

Connect with Alexis Sikorsky:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-sikorsky-consulting/

Website - https://www.asikorsky.com/

Connect With Julie Wilkinson

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/

Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions

Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/

Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!