The Art and Science of Building a Spirits Brand for Acquisition

View the complete show notes for this episode. “If you build it, they will come” is an expression that applies to starting a company as well as a baseball field. Thinking about what buyers want and avoiding the pressure to sell in a specific timeframe can help you increase your company’s value when the time comes to sell. With 25 years in M&A in the wine and spirits industry, Guillaume Thomas helps sellers understand what buyers look for in a consumer brand. He also shares how he has used these same lessons to start his own company, which has grown out of his four-generation family cognac business. What You’ll Learn Branding: How to build a consumer brand with long-term value and growth potential in mind in the age of social media and influencers. Exit Planning: How planning for the eventual sale of a business can impact growth, including what the drivers are behind multiples and how they change specifically in the spirits industry. Valuation: The importance of realistic valuations, the impact they have on negotiations, and why it is critical to understand the buyer’s motivations. Sales and Marketing: Focus on building brand loyalty with customers and end consumers since the reorder rate is a critical metric in consumer goods for strategic buyers. Want More? Related Resources:  Selling a Business: A High-Level Overview Business Valuation Basics: 9 Critical Concepts to Understand Business Exit Plan & Strategy Checklist | A Complete Guide Preparing Financial Statements When Selling a Business Additional Resources: Planning to sell your business? Schedule a free consultation today. Download a free PDF copy of The Art of The Exit: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business, Acquired: The Art of Selling a Business With $10 Million to $100 Million in Revenue, and Food and Beverage M&A: An Insider’s Guide to Selling a Food or Beverage Manufacturing, Distribution, or Grocery Business. Purchase your copy now of A Beginner’s Guide to Business Valuation | The Exit Strategy Handbook | Closing the Deal Listen to Other Episodes You’ll Never Get Pricing Right, But How Can You Get Better with Mark Stiving The Emotional Rollercoaster of Buying or Selling a Business with Drew Bisping Financial Due Diligence – Why It’s Important to Prepare for the Sale of Your Company with Patrick O’Connell Top Criteria a Corporate Acquirer Looks for in an F&B Company with Ben Cosgrove