01

Sell Side Advisory

Selling the business you built,
without losing control
of the process

Most owners sell once. Cogent prepares the business, controls who sees it, and manages the process through closing so value and relationships both survive the transaction.

Position

How the engagement works

A sale process rewards preparation. Recast financials, clean contracts and a clear story about recurring revenue change how buyers price the business — and how quickly they move.

We work with a targeted set of qualified buyers rather than broadcasting the opportunity. Fewer conversations, better ones, and far less risk to your team and clients.

Scope of work

What Cogent covers

  1. 01

    Exit Preparation

    Financial recasting, contract review and clean up of the items buyers always test. Started early, this is where most of the value is protected.

  2. 02

    Business Positioning

    A clear articulation of recurring revenue, client mix, delivery model and growth profile — written for how IT services buyers actually evaluate.

  3. 03

    Buyer Identification

    A short list of strategic acquirers, platforms and sponsors whose criteria genuinely match the business. Confidentiality controlled throughout.

  4. 04

    Valuation Support

    A defensible view of value and structure before conversations begin, so expectations are grounded rather than reactive.

  5. 05

    Negotiation

    Price, structure, earnout terms, escrow and employment arrangements negotiated together rather than in isolation.

  6. 06

    Due Diligence

    Pre diligence removes surprises. We coordinate requests, keep momentum and stop the process from consuming your management time.

  7. 07

    Closing

    Document coordination with counsel, transition planning, and communication sequencing for clients and staff.

A sale process rewards preparation.

Questions we help owners answer

  • What is the business realistically worth today?

  • Is now the right time, or is there value in waiting?

  • Who are the credible buyers in my segment?

  • What happens to my team after closing?

  • How much of the price is at risk in an earnout?

Next step

Considering your
next transaction?

Speak with a Cogent advisor about your acquisition, exit, merger or valuation goals.