We Move into the Buyer’s World, in Every Possible Way. Anthony Papas from ABBA Group

anthony-papas1-260x260Eden Exchange recently talked to Anthony Papas, Managing Director of ABBA Group, a leading Australian advisory group which has managed over $100m in business sales transactions and over $200m in targeted acquisitions.

Thanks for speaking with us Anthony. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and career? What brought into the world mergers, acquisitions and business broking?

With a background in senior sales and business management, I have been in the Australian business broking industry since 2006. In that time I have helped change the future of many businesses and the lives of many people.

I spent many years in retail and hospitality before founding ABBA Group, but now manage business transactions across all industry sectors.

Today, I am proud to be creating wealth for more clients with the inspiring ABBA Group team beside me.

What are ABBA Group’s areas of expertise? What markets do you focus on?

Since 2005, the team at ABBA Group have managed over $100m in business sales transactions and over $200m in targeted acquisitions.

We’ve partnered with hundreds of domestic and global companies – and linked many overseas investors with lucrative local opportunities.

Our track record has been consistent through all economic conditions and transcends all industry sectors.

Specialising in transactions from $1m, negotiation is our speciality.  Although our technical knowledge is second to none, we’re also known across the industry as talented negotiators. As former senior sales executives, we know what it takes to get optimum results for our clients.

With access to a global equity network we raise capital for public and private companies across all sectors, offering invaluable expertise at each stage of the transaction.

Some of our consultants speak a foreign language and specialise exclusively in business immigration transactions.

How do you match a buyer with the right opportunity? Do you have a process you follow?

Buyers benefit from our sound industry knowledge and extensive network. We find businesses to suit buyer’s requirements – even those that are not formally ‘on the market’.

When working with ABBA Group, we move into the buyer’s world – in every possible way.  We invest time to ensure we fully understand the buyer’s position, objectives and options. And because the world of acquisitions and divestments is complex, we always communicate simply and without the jargon. We’ll never leave clients feeling overwhelmed or confused.

ABBA Group can manage the acquisition process for buyers from start to finish, from search and selection through to negotiation, landlord documentation and settlement. We can even prepare a business plan as an added service.

We also go to great lengths to ensure the opportunity is robust and that the business case stacks up. After all, we only succeed if our clients do.

What advice do you have on making a business saleable? What’s the key message you tell your clients?

A business owner is an expert at running their own business. So chances are they don’t have the expertise needed to sell their business and achieve the best possible result. To prepare the business for sale, we perform a ‘sale audit’ to assess its current desirability. We may then recommend some small changes to strengthen buyer interest and business value.

When we are comfortable that the business is in the best possible shape for sale, we prepare sales documents – including a compelling Information Memorandum to attract a maximum number of buyers.

We will design and implement a marketing plan to put the business in front of the right audiences. We also use targeted marketing and advertising forums to promote the business opportunity to qualified parties.

Do you have any advice for a business owner or company thinking about an exit strategy for the first time?

If you’re looking to sell your business with confidence, we believe we are an excellent choice as we act 100% on your behalf to secure you the best price and the most favourable contract terms possible.

ABBA Group can prepare your Information Memorandum and business plan and present your business to our extensive network of high net worth individuals and investors. In particular, we are connected with several Chinese and Indian nationals seeking offshore investments or business acquisitions to support their Australian residency.

We can manage the sales process for you from beginning to end. This includes preparing your business for sale, formulating a marketing strategy, identifying and approaching prospective buyers, negotiating price and contract terms, and facilitating settlement and handover.

What separates a good advisor from an average one?

Finding the right broker is essential to a successful business sale. We believe a good advisor needs to provide a range of services. For example ABBA Group provdes all of the services below to help facilitate an optimal transaction;

  • We represent our client’s interests and their interests only.
  • We’re honest from the outset – and don’t just tell you what you want to hear just to get your business.
  • We spend extensive time learning about a business to ensure we implement the right sales and marketing strategy.
  • We offer a fair fee structure which won’t open up a client to you to risk if a business doesn’t sell.
  • We implement a targeted marketing strategy to reach the right buyers.
  • We’re skilled negotiators who work hard to secure you optimum price and terms.
  • We have solid relationships with lawyers, accountants and other professionals who can help with all aspects of your transaction.
What’s the best part about your profession? What drives you to do what you do?

I am proud that I have helped change the future of many businesses and the lives of many people by creating wealth for my clients. I love being able to support my clients as they embark on life-changing transactions. And for me, it doesn’t get better than that!

Thanks for your time Anthony.

See the full ABBA Group full business profile here, including their latest business opportunities on the market

About the ABBA Group

 

Since 2005, the team at ABBA Group have managed over $100m in business sales transactions and over $200m in targeted acquisitions. They’ve partnered with hundreds of domestic and global companies – and linked many overseas investors with lucrative local opportunities.

Their track record has been consistent through all economic conditions and transcends all industry sectors.

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