Founders & Owners
Most founders sell a company once. We advise owners of B2B businesses on whether, when and how to transact, and we run the process so that the outcome reflects what they have built.
What we hear most often
“What is the business actually worth?”
“What happens to my people?”
“I can’t let this distract from running the company.”
“I only get to do this once.”
How we help
Senior attention throughout
A senior banker leads your engagement from the first meeting to closing and remains your day-to-day contact.
Preparation before exposure
We address the questions buyers will raise before the company is shown to anyone, so issues are explained on your terms.
Broad, controlled reach
Our sourcing platform identifies strategic and financial buyers well beyond the obvious names, and outreach is staged to protect confidentiality.
Terms, not just price
We compare offers on proceeds, structure, certainty and post-closing commitments, and negotiate each alongside your counsel.
Working together
Advising founders
Founders come to us at different points. Some have received an approach and want to know whether it is a serious offer. Some are a few years from stepping back and want to prepare. Others have decided to sell and want the process run well. The first conversation is about objectives: what you want for yourself, for your shareholders and for the company, and what a good outcome would look like in five years.
From there, we give a candid view of the options. A full sale is one path. A recapitalization can provide substantial liquidity while you keep a stake and continue to lead. A management buyout can keep the business with the people who run it. For some owners, the right advice is to wait and use the time to strengthen the business.
What owners can expect from us
- Plain explanations of valuation, structure and terms, without jargon.
- A clear timetable and regular reporting on every buyer conversation.
- Confidentiality managed at every step, including how and when employees are told.
- Coordination with your accountants, legal counsel and wealth advisors.
Preparing for the conversation with buyers
Experienced acquirers will ask how dependent the business is on its founder, how durable its customer relationships are and how reliable its numbers are. We help owners answer those questions with evidence rather than assurances, and we prepare them for management meetings so that the company is presented accurately and with confidence.
We work with founder-owned B2B companies in the lower middle market, generally with revenue between five and one hundred fifty million dollars. Our sell-side fees are weighted to the outcome of the transaction, so our interests and yours point in the same direction.
Relevant services
Sell-Side Advisory
Sell-side M&A advisory for founder-owned, family-owned and sponsor-backed B2B companies: preparation, buyer outreach, negotiation and closing.
Learn moreExit Planning & Sale Readiness
Exit planning and sale readiness for owners 12 to 36 months from a transaction: valuation drivers, financial reporting, management depth and buyer view.
Learn moreValuation Advisory
Indicative valuation ranges for owners, boards and acquirers planning a transaction. For decision-making only; not fairness opinions or tax appraisals.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
When should I first speak with an advisor?
Earlier than most owners expect. A conversation one to three years before a sale allows time to address issues that affect value. There is no cost or obligation to an initial discussion.
Should I respond to a buyer who has approached me directly?
It is reasonable to listen, but avoid sharing detailed information or agreeing to exclusivity before you understand what the wider market might offer. We can help you assess the approach.
Will I need to stay with the company after the sale?
Many buyers ask the founder to remain for a transition period, typically six months to two years. The length and nature of that role are negotiated as part of the transaction.
Considering a sale, an acquisition or a recapitalization?
Conversations with Laurent Capital are confidential and carry no obligation. A senior member of the firm responds to every inquiry within one business day.