Thinking about a sale in the next few years? In this video, I break down five issues that buyers notice instantly and how each one impacts your business valuation when you sell a manufacturing business. These are practical exit planning fixes that come up before formal due diligence even starts, and they can reduce your multiple even if your EBITDA looks strong. We cover owner dependency, weak succession planning, missing standard operating procedures, and why an outdated ERP system and inconsistent CRM software can signal operational risk. You’ll also learn how visible gaps in equipment maintenance and unclear job costing create buyer skepticism, especially when your financial statements include messy add-backs. Serious acquirers will often request a quality of earnings review, and both private equity and a strategic buyer will treat early warning signs like a deal killer during the facility tour. If you want a cleaner process and stronger offers, this is the checklist to review with your M&A advisor before the first meeting.
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🐣 twitter.com/NickFourPillars
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📧 nmclean@fourpillarsinvestors.com
🔎🔎 More about Nick McLean from Four Pillars:
Background: Operations management with an emphasis on Lean manufacturing; strategy development and execution; and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Which of the Four Pillars does Nick identify most closely with? ''Servant leadership. I consider one of the primary roles of a manager/leader to be to help those around you be more successful and to develop as individuals. When I think of myself as a leader, I am more interested in granting and sharing authority than hoarding it.''
🏛️ More About FOUR PILLARS:
Four Pillars is a company built on a strong foundation of shared values and a commitment to long-term ownership of small businesses. Their approach is centered on purchasing and operating these businesses while providing support and collaboration without becoming a burden. They work closely with company management, aiming for shared success and sustainable growth.
Guided by their core values, Four Pillars views success as a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. Their values serve as a compass to navigate difficult decisions, whether they pertain to ethics, strategy, operations, or new challenges. They are relentless advocates for the common good, ensuring that every decision is made in the best interests of their portfolio companies and investment partners.
Four Pillars stands out with their creative positioning approach, employing informed and agile strategic planning to leverage the unique strengths and advantages of each company they invest in. They capitalize on key differentiators and foster an entrepreneurial spirit within their team and the companies they serve.
As entrepreneurs themselves, Four Pillars connects deeply with the businesses they work with, offering a balanced perspective and the tenacity needed for success. They are known for their integrity, hard work, and relentless drive to identify opportunities and drive growth. This makes them an ideal investment partner for businesses seeking to excel.
The company's ability and agility are evident in their swift and purposeful actions. They streamline the transactional process while maintaining operational precision, drawing on their experience in both healthy and distressed markets. Their track record speaks to their confidence and precision in executing various deal types, establishing them as leading investors for companies seeking to capitalize on their momentum.
Four Pillars' values, or pillars, guide their personal and professional decisions. The first pillar emphasizes the importance of strong relationships as the cornerstone of success, built on trust and a commitment to doing what is promised. They challenge the status quo with a critical and objective approach, identifying areas for improvement while recognizing and preserving what works well. Servant leadership is central to their philosophy, with a focus on teamwork, collaboration, and shared decision-making. Lastly, persistence defines their character, driving them to overcome obstacles, close deals, and manage businesses for long-term success.
In summary, Four Pillars is a values-driven company that combines strategic expertise, an entrepreneurial mindset, and unwavering commitment to their partners' success. They provide a compelling mix of service quality, integrity, and an agile approach that sets them apart in the investment industry.
