FinConnect Advisory Group – Your Guide to the Buy-Side Process
When buying into a business—whether it’s equity or the entire entity—it’s critical to have the right guidance and processes in place. Our Buy-Side Advisory service is designed to ensure every step is clear, informed, and adaptable to your needs. Our phased approach provides flexibility to opt out if a transaction doesn't proceed and empowers you to make confident decisions with the right tools and insights.
How the Buy-Side Process Works
We break the process into stages, offering a structured pathway for buyers:
1. Indicative Valuation Process
We start with an indicative valuation, assessing the ongoing profitability of the business, industry risks, and payback period. This includes a detailed letter outlining potential red flags, areas for improvement, and comparisons to industry benchmarks.
What we need:
Financial statements (last three years)
Wages summaries for current owners
Completed questionnaires and information memorandums
Indicative Price: $4,500–$6,500+GST
2. Terms Sheet (or Non-Binding Indicative Offer) We assist you in drafting your offer, outlining:
What’s being purchased
Pricing (formula or set figure)
Timelines and handover requirements
Conditions precedent and due diligence needs
Indicative Price: $1,500–$3,000+GST
3. Financial Due Diligence
Understanding and verifying the financials is critical. We’ll confirm:
Revenue matches ATO-reported figures
Major expenses, including staffing and liabilities, are accurate
Compliance with superannuation obligations
Indicative Price: DIY for $500+GST or from $4,000+GST for full service
4. Structuring Advice
We’ll evaluate the best structure for your personal circumstances, addressing tax efficiency and risk management. If you proceed, fees for this step can be rebated against entity setup costs.
5. Contract Assistance
We work with you and your legal team to ensure contracts align with industry-specific nuances—minimising risks, avoiding cost blowouts, and ensuring smooth progress.
6. Settlement and Ongoing Support
Once the deal is complete, if you need to establish a new Accounting relationship, we can provide post-settlement support to help you hit the ground running with Accountants who know your industry. This can include:
Setup and training on Xero and cloud accounting
Profitability monitoring and compliance (BAS, tax returns, etc.)
Advisory services for growth, equity introduction, or risk reduction
POA
Real-Life Buy-Side Scenarios
We’ve helped countless clients navigate buy-side transactions, with outcomes tailored to their goals. Here are a few examples:
Avoiding a Financial Trap
A client nearly purchased a business that couldn’t support loan repayments or provide adequate income. After reviewing the numbers, we helped them see the reality, saving them from significant financial strain.
Negotiating a Fairer Price
A client believed a $1M business valuation was fair—until we reviewed it. Our valuation brought the price down to $675k, saving them $325k. Today, they’re happy and thriving business owners.
Uncovering Critical Risks
Due diligence revealed the seller’s claims about staffing and revenue were inaccurate, causing the deal to fall apart—but our client avoided a risky acquisition.
Correcting Inflated Numbers
We spotted that a vendor’s financials included GST, inflating profitability. Adjusting the numbers helped secure a fair deal.
Resolving Shareholder Conflicts
Through careful facilitation, we helped a tense group of shareholders agree on equitable terms for a retiring party.
Crafting Sustainable Solutions
We worked with a vendor and buyer to create a growth-focused, long-term plan for a client base purchase—ensuring debt could be paid while maintaining profitability.
"Fiona Ettles’ expertise in business valuations and strategic insight was invaluable across three acquisition opportunities. Her due diligence, client-focused approach, and ability to navigate complex financial decisions made the process seamless—I highly recommend her." — Joseph Meawad, Founder and Senior Financial Officer, Trinity Advice
Is Buying a Business on Your Horizon?
FinConnect’s Buy-Side Advisory process ensures you’re fully informed and equipped for success. With us, you’re not just buying a business—you’re making a confident, sustainable investment in your future.

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