1. Repair and maintenance work

Nobody will want to buy a food and beverage company that looks shabby or displays anything less than the highest hygiene standards. 

When visiting your premises, a buyer needs to be impressed with the facilities. They must be immaculate, so make sure anything that requires fixing is repaired and all work surfaces where food is prepared are spotlessly clean. 

It is not necessary to go overboard with refurbishment to make everything modern and new as a buyer is likely to have their own ideas about what they want. Simply ensure that what you have is fit for purpose, effective and looks the part. 

2. Ensure a hygienic environment

As mentioned above, hygiene standards are critically important in the food and beverage industry. The first thing to do is inspect every inch of your premises and equipment to make sure they are as clean as possible and always remain so, even if that means implementing an upgraded cleaning regime.

In addition to utilising your own cleaning team, you could hire an external professional company to conduct an inspection and issue a certificate of cleanliness that would highlight your commitment in this area and impress potential buyers.

3. Prepare important documents

Details of financial records, as described above, are among the important documents you will need to have readily available when selling a food company. As part of our service, we can generate a comprehensive financial report illustrating the future projection of your company. 

Also necessary are a list of assets such as fixtures, fittings, equipment and vehicles; up-to-date hygiene certificates; documents encompassing up-to-date leases, insurance, licences and other permits; incorporation documents; employment contracts; and stockist information regarding associations with suppliers. 

4. Define the operational structure

Do you have the right team ready to step up and take on greater responsibility when you exit the company? A buyer will want to know the correct management structure is in place.

It could be off-putting if an acquirer gets the impression they will have to source their own senior staff to run the company or even do it themselves, so the prospect of a seamless transition is particularly valuable.

5. Secure the sale

Upon reaching the negotiation stage and striking a mutually suitable deal with a buyer, the agreement will be covered by the Heads of Terms which gives details of the transaction including the final sale price and attached conditions such as the payment structure. 

Once this has been signed, the legally binding Sale Purchase Agreement can then be drawn up. Our panel of highly respected, experienced legal partners is available to represent your interests and ensure the acquirer fulfils the commitment they have made to buying your food company. 

6. Hire expert company sales advisers

Having an experienced company sales adviser, such as KBS, on your side when selling a food or beverage business is a huge advantage. 

From the moment we first start to learn about the objectives you wish to achieve, we will take on much of the workload during the sale process – from identifying the right valuation to marketing your opportunity, finding the right buyer, overseeing negotiations, protecting confidentiality throughout, and allowing you to focus primarily on running your company to the best effect.