Selling a business or raising growth capital is more than a transaction – it’s a defining moment and often the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and belief. 

In today’s market, buyers are better prepared, more selective, and more focused on value than ever before. That means sellers need to be equally ready.

We work very closely with business owners and leadership teams across Ireland to prepare for the real questions buyers ask – long before the deal process launches. Our global top 6 position and unique mid-market focus allow us to harness a unique combination of deep sectoral expertise and real international buyer reach for our Irish clients. 

This six-part series shares some key insights that we believe separate good deals from great ones.

Why preparation matters more than ever

The Irish M&A landscape has matured. Domestic and overseas buyers from PE firms to international trade acquirers are targeting Irish SMEs for their growth potential, leadership strength and class-leading fundamentals.

But the bar has also risen. Buyers apply greater rigour during diligence and are more cautious to the risks that may emerge. They demand clarity on financial reporting, revenue models, team structure, systems maturity, and tax compliance – and they reward those that get it right.

Being exit ready doesn’t just protect value – it creates and enhances it. Pre-deal preparation matters. 

What we’ll cover

In this series, we'll explore how to significantly improve exit outcomes through proactive preparation in five critical areas. Each theme dives into practical actions, tailored for Irish businesses and their shareholders –  not just theory.
 

Positioning

Shaping how buyers perceive your value.

 

In M&A, it’s not just what you are – it’s what buyers see.

The way your business is positioned can have a major impact on valuation, buyer appetite, and eventual deal terms. Proactive advice and strategic positioning help elevate your business above its peers – not just by showing performance, but by communicating potential.

 

Follow the series – new insight published weekly. 

People and leadership

Aligning and incentivising your team.

 

Buyers don’t just invest in businesses – they invest in the people behind them.

In Ireland’s mid-market, many high-performing businesses are led by a small number of highly capable individuals. But for a deal to succeed, particularly a full exit – it’s critical to show that leadership, talent and continuity won’t walk out the door post completion.

 

Follow the series – new insight published weekly. 

Financials

Building confidence through clear, credible numbers.

 

Your numbers tell the story, and buyers will read between every line.

In any sale or investment process, your financials are the first and often, the most scrutinised indicator of business quality and credibility. Buyers look for consistency, reliability, and transparency in how results are reported and forecasts are built. Strong businesses can fall short on value if their financial story is unclear or poorly presented.

 

Follow the series – new insight published weekly. 

Tax and structuring

Planning early to retain more post-sale.

 

Smart structuring doesn’t just protect value, it helps you retain it.

Early structuring and tax planning helps optimise both deal value and post-exit proceeds, while also reducing execution risk.
 

Follow the series – new insight published weekly. 

Data

Turning information into a strategic asset.

 

Data is no longer just a by-product of operations – it’s a potential lever for valuation, diligence, and growth. 

In the Irish mid-market, data systems are often underinvested – or overly dependent on people, not process. A well-managed digital backbone doesn’t just streamline due diligence, it signals readiness, enhances commercial confidence and can drive higher multiples.

 

Follow the series – new insight published weekly. 

The impact of genuine preparation

Businesses that properly invest time and effort pre-deal will see:

  • An optimised equity story.
  • A broader, more qualified buyer pool.
  • Fewer surprises in diligence.
  • More confident valuations and less price erosion.
  • Faster deal execution and smoother negotiations.
Partner & Head of Corporate Finance, RSM Ireland

Frank Dunne

“Value isn’t just realised at completion — it’s more often built or lost in the months beforehand.”

How RSM Ireland can support you

We work proactively with business owners to:

  • Fully assess their current exit readiness across all key headings.
  • Identify areas that could materially enhance value pre-sale.
  • Support succession planning, incentive design and pre-sale restructuring.
  • Coordinate input from tax, wealth and legal advisers to drive premium outcomes.

This series focuses on the real drivers of deal success — not just theory. So, whether you’re preparing for a sale in the near-term, or just starting to think about your options, now is the right time to start the conversation. 

Frank Dunne
Frank Dunne
Consulting Partner
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+ 353 (0)87 273 3406